The Department of Tourism (DOT) said around P15 billion has been invested in roads as part of the government’s programs to improve connectivity in tourism destinations.
“The challenges that the Philippine tourism industry faces is not only on promotion, but on the basic developmental pillars, first of which is infrastructure,” said DOT Secretary Maria Christina Frasco at the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon.
Frasco said another challenge concerns the need to liberalize visa policies, especially from certain jurisdictions.
Frasco did not elaborate but said the DOT is working with the Department of Foreign Affairs in ensuring laws are made simple and processes are automated such as in the issuance of electronic visas.
Frasco said over P5 billion has been invested in new tourism roads and over P10 billion in continuing roads totaling over 158 kilometers since the start of the Marcos administration.
Frasco said the DOT is also working with the Departments of Public and Works and Highways and of Transportation for the construction of additional bridges as well as for the improvement of airports.
Frasco credited the government’s public-private partnership (PPP) in accelerating investments in airports.
Noteworthy PPP is the takeover by September of the new contractor that will operate and maintain the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Frasco said improvements are expected at the Laguindingan Airport which provides access to Cagayan and Bukidnon as well as Bohol.
The Puerto Princesa Airport in Palawan will also be expanded.
Frasco said the DOT also anticipates the construction of cruise ports under the jurisdiction of the Philippine Ports Authority.
She said air connectivity is also being beefed up.
The Philippines now has direct flights from San Francisco to Manila soon from Seattle to Manila.
Flights to the Middle East are also expanding, Frasco said.
