The pivot towards domestic tourism leading to the gradual reopening of various local sites, the lobbying for the protection of tourism workers through their inoculation, and the marketing of destinations highlighting the safe travel campaign will lead Philippine tourism towards recovery.
This was the reaction of the Department of Tourism on the drop of tourism contribution to GDP to 5.4 percent in 2020 from 12.8 percent in 2019.
The DOT said for the next two years, the Philippines will be positioned as a “safe, fun, and competitive destination” rooted in strong partnerships with communities and visitors.
The DOT said this will be achieved by developing and marketing portfolio of products that harness the natural and cultural endowments of the country.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the tourism direct gross value-added dropped to P973.31 billion last year compared with the P2.51 trillion in 2019.
The DOT is optimistic this transient situation will soon be over.
In its Tourism Response and Recovery Plan. Amid the pandemic, the DOT will pursue three strategies: ensure protection of jobs and safety of tourism workers, visitors, and communities; support the recovery of tourism enterprises; and rebuild confidence and grow demand in the domestic and foreign market.
