The Department of Tourism (DOT) said a higher budget in 2023 will enable the agency to fund plans and programs for industry recovery.
At the House committee on appropriations hearing on Wednesday, DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco unveiled the new projects and convergence programs in line with a proposed P3.573 billion for 2023 — 30 percent more than this year’s allocation — covering the department’s Office of the Secretary, Intramuros Administration, National Parks Development Committee, and the Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving, which is currently transitioning as an attached agency of the DOT.
The plans, according to Frasco, will include the establishment of tourist service rest areas and information counters across the country, the development of a Tourist lifecycle app for tourists, a Tourist Assistance Call Center, and the launching of a guest incentive system, among others.
The DOT plans to break ground at least 10 service rest areas to be placed in strategic locations within this year.
“These areas will serve the travelers in need of accommodation, information, safety, and security. They will also have a pasalubong center inside, displaying our local products, highlighting the Filipino artistry,” Frasco said.
The DOT will also provide persons with disabilities facilities in the tourist service rest areasas well as PWD ramps in national tourism sites.
Frasco said the DOT will also develop a Tourist Lifecycle App to cull data for tourism intelligence, such as tourists’ spending and thelength of stay in a destination.
The app will have a tourist support feature and an e-commerce platform that will showcase Filipino products.
“The Tourist Lifecycle Appwill serve as a super app that aims to connect tourists to accredited tourism establishments for accommodation, food, shopping, rides to accredited transportation, tour operators, and tour guides,” Frasco said.
The DOT will also introduce improvements to existing land and sea facilities in the country to make thesemore efficient, aesthetically appealing, and reflective of the Filipino brand.
The DOT has identified Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2, Davao International Airport Terminal 2, Davao International Airport, and Cebu City Pier 1 as the pilot projects for the gateway enhancement program.
The DOT plans to put up a Tourist Assistance Call Center and a One-Stop-Shop where tourists can get information and assistance with their travel-related concerns. –Irma Isip
