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Showing posts with label DOT. Show all posts
Showing posts with label DOT. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 8, 2023

LOOK: Inside Mindanao's first tourist rest area

 Located in Manolo Fortich in Bukidnon, it has more than clean restrooms...


By ANGELO SANCHEZ

What’s inside a tourist rest area (TRA)? Now, tourists in Mindanao, specifically in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon would find out as the first TRA in the region has opened recently. 

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With the goal of enhancing the overall tourist experience, it’s not only a rest stop but also features an information center, comfortable lounge area with charging stations, a pasalubong corner, and a quaint coffee shop. Plus (and this is important) a clean restroom. 

363360501_689486256556841_6095561572030875014_n.jpgPhotos from the Department of Tourism (DOT) FB page.

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What’s more is that this TRA also features works from local artists, highlighting the vibrant and creative spirit of the locals, a preview of the region's rich cultural heritage.

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According to a statement from the Department of Tourism (DOT), the TRA is proof of the administration’s vision to revitalize the nation's tourism industry through improved infrastructure, innovative initiatives, and equal opportunities for development.

The TRA was made possible through a partnership between the Tourism Infrastructure Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) and the local government of Manolo Fortich.

There are plans to inaugurate 10 TRAs throughout the country this year, with an additional 15 TRAs currently in development — all aimed at enhancing the country's tourism potential and making it convenient for all while visiting the countryside. 

Thursday, December 29, 2022

2.6-M tourist arrivals seen by DOT in 2023

by Betheena Unite

The government aims at least 2.6-million international tourist arrivals next year, Malacañang said.

TOURISTS enjoy the sunset at world-famous Boracay Island in Malay town, Aklan province. (Tara Yap)

“For next year, the DOT (Department of Tourism) said it targets 2.6 million international tourist arrivals in a low scenario, and 6.4 million in a high scenario,” the Palace said in a statement on Wednesday, Dec. 28. 

According to the department’s report to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., some 2.4-million foreign tourists flocked to the country this year.

The tourism department also spelled out its plans and programs for 2023, with its major thrust focusing on connectivity, convenience, and e(Quality).

These initiatives are under the DOT’s Seven-Point Agenda aimed at improving tourism infrastructure, establishing cohesive digitalization and connectivity, enhancing the country’s overall tourism experience and equalizing product development.

To improve connectivity, the department said it will support local government-initiated tourism infrastructure, open up Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) properties to development through public-private partnerships (PPPs), develop Cruise Tourism involving at least 136 ports of call in over 40 islands, conduct regional travel fairs, develop tourism circuits and continue convergence with tourism-enhancing government agencies.

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The DOT is also looking to improve convenience by establishing tourism information desks and tourist rest areas, enhancing the Filipino brand of service excellence, and improving the accreditation standards to ensure the competitiveness of the Philippine tourism sector.

Under its e(Quality) initiative, the DOT will enhance the Philippine Tourism Brand campaign, finalize and approve the National Tourism Development Plan 2023-2028, launch the Philippine Experience Program and develop Overwintering packages.

The tourism department also plans to open Mindanao for tourism and promote Halal tourism, conduct Philippine national job fairs, and expand the tourism opportunity markets.

Friday, December 23, 2022

DOT targets 4.8 million foreign visitors in 2023

by Jun Marcos Tadios


The Department of Tourism (DOT) is eyeing to surpass this year’s foreign tourist arrivals as it continues to launch various programs to strengthen the local tourism industry,

For 2023, the DOT said it is targeting 4.8 million foreign visitors, which is double than 2022 arrival which is now at 2.46 million, according to DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.

She said the Department is eyeing 2023 projections with full optimism, as the industry is on a spiking trajectory in terms of progress. 

The DOT had initially projected 1.7 million tourist arrivals this year, but the actual count recorded 2.46 million as of Tuesday, Dec. 19.

The United States emerged as the country’s top tourist market with 461,967 visitors, followed by South Korea (387,780), Australia (122,971), Canada (112,015), the United Kingdom (93,440), Japan (91,557), Singapore (50,964), India (49,330), Malaysia (44,357), and Vietnam (37,028).

The Tourism chief stressed that the Department would close the year with a promising trajectory of 2.5 million visitor arrivals accounting to close to 30 percent of the industry’s pre-pandemic arrivals data when the Philippines recorded 8.3 million arrivals in 2019.

Thus, she said, “is a far cry from the 164,000 recorded in 2021.” 

Frasco added the new projections are made with consideration of factors that are beyond the control of the Department, such as the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, rising fuel prices, inflation, and the continued lockdowns in China which, for the longest time, has been the top tourist market of the Philippines.

“We look at it with optimism in a sense that our goal is to exceed our conservative projections in the same way that we have been able to exceed it this year,” Frasco said.

“And we feel that we would be able to exceed our pre-pandemic numbers way earlier than the 2025 year that was told to us when we assumed office with the improved policies under the Marcos administration,” she added.

Ranked third

Frasco welcomed the PUBLiCUS Asia survey result which placed the tourism agency third in government agencies with the highest approval ratings nationwide.

The survey, conducted between Nov. 25 to 30, likewise ranked the DOT 8th in terms of trust rating from the public.

“We are grateful for the Filipino people’s positive response and support for the work we have done in the past 6 months to usher in the recovery of the tourism industry,” said Frasco.

“We are optimistic that just as we have greatly exceeded our targets this year, 2023 will usher in more record-breaking numbers, translating to more livelihood and employment opportunities for our fellow Filipinos. We are thankful for our continued partnership and collaboration with the hardworking men and women of the Philippine tourism industry from the public and private sectors across the country,” she added.

Priority goals

Meanwhile, Frasco announced their priority goals for next year, which include stronger collaboration with national government agencies and local government units (LGUs) in developing the country’s tourism portfolio and exemplifying the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE).

This will highlight the training of 100,000 tourism workers, the highest record set by far for the industry, according to the secretary.

On Wednesday, Dec. 20, Frasco signed a formal partnership with the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) to enhance the overall tourist experience at the established tourist centers around the country.

The partnership, she noted, would provide improved internet connectivity in at least 94 destinations all over the country, and more digitalized tourism services.

Frasco said the goal is to make travel seamless for all types of travelers, thus, the launching of the E-arrival pass together with the DOT, DICT, BI, BOQ, and DOH which integrates all the requirements of five government agencies into one platform.

“It makes travel as convenient as possible for any Filipino or tourist coming into the country by removing any barriers that would otherwise dissuade tourists from coming into the Philippines,” she said.

The DOT also launched two of its newest tourism programs which include the Philippine Travel Experience which would give tourists a window to discover the country’s tourism gems; and the “Bisita, Be My Guest Program”, wherein the DOT is giving away condominium units, cars, and other amenity packages for returning Filipinos who can bring home in acquaintances, friends and family members to the country.

PH tourism competitiveness

The DOT has also laid the groundwork for the Philippines to be more tourism-competitive in Asia and the world through the establishment of one-stop-shop tourist centers called Tourist Rest Areas (TRA) in 10 strategic locations across the country which are: Manolo Fortich in Bukidnon; Samal Island in Davao del Norte; Baguio in the Cordilleras; Dauis in Bohol; Saud in Ilocos Norte; and Carcar, Carmen, Medellin, and Moalboal in Cebu, and in January 2023, in Roxas in Palawan.

“Aside from diversifying our products in arts and film tourism, we are also developing the country’s existing tourism products including dive and marine sports tourism, education, health, and cruise tourism, food and gastronomy tourism, culture and heritage tourism, MICE tourism and halal tourism,” Frasco said.

The secretary said she will also ensure the continuity of her listening tours, which have proven to help gather the most important insights from industry stakeholders on the ground, with the intent of establishing an inclusive, collaborative, and consultative Tourism Department.

She said the DOT is also in close coordination with its partner government offices such as the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), as well the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Department of Health (DOH) for the enhanced travel connectivity and ensured the safety of tourists.

Job generation

In terms of increasing employability, Frasco said the DOT has collaborated with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), in the launching of the Trabaho, Turismo Asenso! last September in the National Capital Region (NCR), Cebu and Davao to fill in the gaps in the tourism workforce.

The collaboration has aggregated 157 tourism-related companies and offered a total of 8,310 jobs with 9,000 cumulative registrants.

Tourism training sessions have also been conducted for 25,770 industry stakeholders from tourism-related establishments, Community Based Tourism Organizations (CBTOs), local tourism officers, and members of the academe to equip them with the needed knowledge and skills for the advocacy programs of the sector toward a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive Philippine tourism.

 

Wednesday, November 16, 2022

PH is world’s top beach, dive destinations

by Jun Marcos Tadios

The Philippines bagged the highly-coveted World’s Leading Dive Destination and the Leading Beach Destination for 2022, the Department of Tourism (DOT) announced on Tuesday, Nov. 15.

DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said the two awards were given during the 29th World Travel Award (WTA) held in Muscat, Oman. 

“These global victories for the Philippines evince the unparalleled beauty of our country and the distinct warmth of the Filipino people,” said Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.

“We sincerely thank the World Travel Awards and everyone from all over the world whose vote of confidence is timely as the Philippines fully opens its arms to welcome tourists to our shores,” she added.

To date, the Philippine dive portfolio continues at its four-year winning streak in world recognition.

The Philippines bested the world’s finest diving destinations like the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and other distinguished islands like the Cayman Islands, Maldives, Fiji, Mexico, Azores Islands, French Polynesia, Galapagos Islands, St. Kitts, and Belize.

As the leading beach destination, the Philippines also topped other beaches globally, including previous awardees such as Maldives, The Algarve in Portugal, Jamaica, Galapagos Islands in Ecuador, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Meanwhile, three partner tourism of the DOT also bagged recognition at the WTA: the famous Amanpulo (World’s Leading Dive Resort 2022); City of Dreams Manila (World’s Leading Casino Resort 2022); and the Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila, as the World’s Leading Serviced Apartments 2022.

The DOT was also nominated as the World’s Leading Tourist Board this year, as well as Siargao as the World’s Leading Island Destination and Intramuros as the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction.

The 29th World Travel Awards gathered the best travel and hospitality industries from its regional awardees across Asia, the Caribbean, Central America, Europe, the Indian Ocean, the Middle East, North America, Oceania, and South America.

Earlier this month, Palawan was also hailed as the Most Desirable Island in the world, and Cebu has nominated Most Desirable Region (Rest of the World) at the 21st Wanderlust Travel Awards in the United Kingdom (UK).

The Philippine Tourism Board, through the Philippine Department of Tourism-Central Visayas Office, also placed 6th among hundreds of entries in the Wanderlust Sustainability Initiative Category for its Dive7 Program. 


Earlier this year, Conde Nast Travel (CNT) also named the Philippines among the 40 most beautiful countries worldwide, specifically citing the remarkable cave system of the Puerto Princesa Underground River, the mysteriously uniform Chocolate Hills of Bohol, and the panoramic views of the Banaue and Cordilleras Rice Terraces.

Time Magazine also named Boracay as one of the 50 World’s Greatest Places of 2022.

“These Awards are a source of inspiration for us in the Department of Tourism to work even harder as the Marcos administration ushers in the resurgence of the tourism industry as a major pillar of economic growth and source of livelihood for millions of Filipinos,” Frasco noted.

Tuesday, September 20, 2022

DoT, DoLE launch tourism job fair


TOURISM Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco. Photo from Department of Tourism 


By Moises Cruz, Manila Times

September 20, 2022


TOURISM Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco announced on Monday that the pre-registration for the first three legs of the Trabaho, Turismo, Asenso! The Philippine Tourism Job Fair, the flagship employment initiative of the Department of Tourism (DoT) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE), is now accessible to job seekers.


"To further assist our kababayan, the DoT and DoLE have opened the pre-registration for all three legs of the fair, covering one step of the application process," Garcia-Frasco said.


"This enables the job seekers to focus instead on the core of the event: getting to know the participating establishments and companies, and determining the career openings," she added.


Applicants for the Manila leg, which will take place from September 22 to 24 at the SMX Convention Center Manila in Pasay City, can register at https://bit.ly/philtourismjobfair .


Job searchers for the Cebu leg, which will be held at SM City Cebu from September 22 to 23, may pre-register at https://bit.ly/cebuphiltourismjobfair.


Job seekers may register in advance for the Davao leg, which will take place from September 22 to 23 at Abreeza Mall Davao, at https://bit.ly/davaophiltourismjobfair.


There are 7,510 job openings in 147 establishments across three major locations in accommodation establishments, travel and tour services, meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE) facilities and organizers, tourist transport operators, health and wellness services, restaurant and food service, and other tourism-related establishments.


"While the DoT continues to work toward President Marcos' vision for tourism to contribute greatly to our country's economic resurgence, we understand the need for this to be met with efforts to fortify the tourism and allied industry workforce," Garcia-Frasco said.


"We could not be more grateful enough to the DoLE, the local government units, and all our partners in the private sector who have supported us in this important endeavor to bring back lost jobs and to present new opportunities for employment in the tourism industry to our fellow Filipinos," she added.


EMPLOYMENT IN THE TOURISM SECTOR

The Trabaho, Turismo, and Asenso! Philippine Tourism Job Fair will begin at 8 a.m. on September 22, with simultaneous opening ceremonies beginning at 10 a.m. in all three venues.

Friday, March 4, 2022

DOT's Puyat expects more visitors as virus restrictions ease


by Waylon Galvez, Manila Bulletin


With the implementation of more relaxed health protocols to combat the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat is optimistic that more travelers will be encouraged to visit different tourist destinations in the country in the coming months.

Boracay, arguably the crown jewel of Philippine tourism. (Laimonas Keseriauskis/ Unsplash)


According to Puyat, the Philippines is the first country in Asia to accept fully vaccinated foreign travelers and under the guidelines, the country is no longer implementing quarantine procedures.


“We are proud to say that our entry requirements are delivered in a simple format, without the need for facility-based quarantine primarily for fully vaccinated visitors. Tourists are allowed to travel to all reopened tourist destinations in the country as long as they comply with the requirements from the local government units with jurisdiction over these areas,” Puyat said Thursday, March 3.


Under the guidelines of the Inter Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID), the government has approved the entry of foreign nationals and returning Filipinos who wish to visit tourist destinations since Feb. 10.


The travelers, however, must be fully vaccinated from visa-free countries. Puyat said that tourist arrivals since then have been gradually picking up and the DOT looks forward to an uptick during the summer season starting this Holy Week break in April.


As of February 28, the number of international tourist arrivals has reached 47,715, of which 26,306 were foreign visitors and 21,409 were balikbayans or returning Filipinos from abroad.


Those travelers with full vaccines from visa-free countries listed under Executive Order 408 are no longer required to undergo quarantine as long as they are able to present a negative RT-PCR result.


In late February this year, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) called for the lifting of travel bans, stating that they do not provide added value and continue to contribute to economic and social stress.


The tourism department has been proactive in making proposals to the IATF that would balance the recovery of the sector and the restoration of jobs in the tourism sector without compromising the health and safety of the workers and visitors.


Along with the goal toward sustained recovery, Puyat has high hopes to yield stronger programs and partnerships with other tourism ministers and global leaders as the Philippines will host the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) global tourism summit in April.


“We only want what is best for the sector. This hosting of the WTTC Summit will benefit the country by showcasing what the Philippines can offer to the world,” said Puyat.


“More than the recognitions we received over the past years, our goal is to restore jobs and revenue streams for our tourism workers and stakeholders,” she added.

Monday, January 17, 2022

Generally optimistic, despite continuing challenges


A GLIMPSE OF PARADISE El Nido, Palawan (File photo)

by Manila Bulletin

Tourism chief sees ‘revenge travel’ manifesting across all markets of the Philippine tourism industry.

 

The annual tourism revenue in 2020 was no doubt higher than the receipts generated the following year since tourists were still able to enter the country from January to mid-March before the lockdown was first imposed in 2020.

But if you compare the figures from April to September of both years covering the pandemic period, the tourism industry this 2021 saw a renewed hope toward a steady recovery path.

Data from the Department of Tourism (DOT) showed that tourism receipts from April to September 2021 reached ₱3.1 billion, up by 91.6 percent from ₱1.6 billion generated in the same period in 2020.

“The current tourism scenario is looking generally optimistic,” said Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat. Since the gradual resumption of tourism operations last September, more establishments had reopened and the country saw an uptick in the number of domestic travelers in major tourist destinations.

In Boracay alone, tourism arrivals ballooned by 1,151.61 percent to 173,104 from the 13,830 tourists recorded on the island during the same period in 2021.

The DOT also continued to promote the Philippines as a country that would bank not only on the safety of travelers but also its host communities as it actively and aggressively vaccinated tourism workers nationwide.

As of Dec. 24, 2021, at least 88.38 percent or 282,780 tourism workers had been inoculated against COVID-19, while the remaining 11.62 percent were waiting for their schedule.

‘In the wake of disconnect and economic hardship brought about by the pandemic, Filipinos are likely to travel ‘more consciously.’


For 2022, Berna sees “revenge travel” manifesting across all markets of the Philippine tourism industry. In the wake of disconnect and economic hardship brought about by the pandemic, Filipinos are likely to travel “more consciously.”

A recent research commissioned by AirBnB showed that over 80 percent of Filipinos it polled seek to travel in a way that positively impacts locals while about 76 percent want to be more conscious when it comes to familiarizing themselves with the host community and how they can make a contribution.

The DOT has vowed to pivot toward sustainable tourism development models, with focus on providing guests with high-quality experiences rather than mass tourism and short-term gains.

With no certain date yet as to when the country will open its borders to foreign leisure travelers, the DOT believes domestic tourists will continue to be the main tourism growth driver in 2022.

The agency will also tap into the growing workation market, seeing that remote work is likely to stay throughout and even after the pandemic.

“The trend was something that came along as a need by employees who worked from home during the pandemic, yet also needed the time to take a break and recover from cabin fever. We are confident that with the increasing prominence of remote work, this trend will linger on even after the pandemic,” Berna said.

Should the Philippines reopen, according to the tourism secretary, foreign tourists can rest assured that health and safety protocols are in place.

“The DOT yields to the wisdom of our health experts and we fully understand the need to protect the health and wellbeing of the rest of the country, especially now that we have started to see the light at the end of the tunnel,” she said.

The Philippines was supposed to have ended its almost 21-month closure to foreign tourists on Dec. 1, 2021, but the plan was suspended amid the growing threat of the heavily mutated Omicron coronavirus variant.

This year, the tourism chief is also hoping to successfully host the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit, a MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) event seen to boost the Philippine travel sector’s recovery.

“The WTTC Global Summit is widely considered as the most influential event for travel and tourism professionals and stakeholders, and we are making sure that the health and safety of our guests, as well as our staff, are on top of our priority list,” she said.

Meanwhile, the DOT is working on the “rehabilitation and recovery” of several tourist destinations, including Bohol, Camiguin, Cebu, Negros Oriental and Occidental, Palawan, Siargao, and Southern Leyte, affected by last year’s Typhoon Odette.

Berna said the focus was on addressing immediate concerns of affected tourism workers, such as cash-for-work or alternative livelihood programs and the reconstruction of affected facilities of various enterprises.

The agency, through the Tourism Promotions Board, is also facilitating the delivery of relief goods and basic necessities to Cebu, Siargao, Tacloban, Palawan, and Negros Oriental.

Cash donations from tourism stakeholders were also given to affected establishments and DOT Regional Offices. In addition, the DOT is in close coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for financial assistance.

In Siargao, Berna said the DOT together with the Makati Med Foundation would continue with the vaccination program for tourism workers and, at the same time see, to the immediate medical needs of the community.

“We stand behind with our kababayans and our tourism stakeholders from Visayas and Mindanao in these difficult times,” said Berna. (PNA)

Monday, March 8, 2021

No stopping ‘summer’ fun in the Philippines, DOT says


 Tara Yap, Manila Bulletin


by Alexandria Dennise San Juan, Manila Bulletin

Summer, as they call it, has come but as the threat of the coronavirus disease remains, would it still be more fun in the Philippines? Yes, according to Department of Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.

“There is no stopping summer. Marami nang tourist destinations ang nagbukas ngayon — nagbukas na ang Boracay, Puerto Princesa — marami nang pwedeng puntahan ngayon (There are so many tourist destinations that reopened like Boracay, Puerto Princesa — there are many sites to visit now),” said Puyat said in an interview over DZRH on Saturday, March 6.

The national government, along with the Local Government Units (LGUs), is even trying to revive the economy via tourism as more areas have started to open their borders and also eased the travel restrictions like cancelling the Travel Authority and Medical Clearance Certificate as requirements.

Several destinations also have no age restrictions which are perfect for a quick getaway with the whole family including grandparents and children.


“Ang pamilyang Pilipino malungkot ang bakasyon kung hindi kasama ang buong pamilya. Ito na ang pagkakataon na ang buong pamilya ay magkasama-sama at ma-enjoy nila nag napakagagandang beaches sa Pilipinas (Filipinos want to travel with their families. This is the opportunity for the whole family to get together and enjoy the beautiful beaches in the Philippines),” Puyat said.

Aside from the opening of favorite vacation spots in the country, Puyat said that the streamlining of required travel documents will also encourage more tourists to visit these destinations.

The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases approved last month a uniform set of travel protocols for land, air, and sea across the country while keeping strict health protocols in place.

These include the scrapping of the mandatory coronavirus disease (COVID-19) testing, except when required by the local government unit (LGU) of destination, as well as the need to go on quarantine unless the traveler shows symptoms.

“When we travel sinusunod namin yung mga travel requirements as respect na rin to the LGUs kaya nararamdaman namin kung gaano kahirap kapag maraming hinihinging documents. At least ngayon mas simple na ang requirements (we follow the travel requirements as respect to the LGUs so we know how hard it is when there are many documents needed. At least now, the requirements are simpler),” Puyat shared.

While many people are now confident to travel amid the pandemic, the tourism chief reiterated the need to strictly follow the minimum health protocols even during a vacation such as wearing face masks and face shields, maintaining physical distancing, and practicing proper hand hygiene.

“Kailangang meron pa rin na minimum health and saftey protocols lalo na ngayon na dumating na ang vaccine. Mabuti nang mas maingat para we are good to go (Following the minimum health and safety protocols is a must even during vacation especially now that the vaccine already arrived. It is better to be more careful),” she added.

Tourists were also reminded to always book with accommodation establishments and tour operators that are accredited by the Department of Tourism to ensure their health and safety during their trip.


Puyat said tourists from Metro Manila can still avail of its subsidized RT-PCR test at the Philippine General Hospital for as low as P900 to help reduce travel costs.

Thursday, February 18, 2021

‘New normal’ tourism demands it:

DOT chief underscores need for uniform travel protocols


by Alexandria Dennise San Juan, Manila Bulletin

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat reiterated on Wednesday, Feb. 17 her call for the enforcement of standardized health protocols across all active tourism destinations in the country.

She noted that based on the results of the latest Philippine travel survey, one the top desires of the traveler-respondents was to have standardized travel and safety protocols in the various travel destinations so that the booking process would become easier.

“This is exactly our complaint because we in the DOT, we really go around and we follow all the protocols because we want to see how it is to travel,”

Puyat said in a virtual briefing wherein she discussed the survey findings. 

“Admittedly, kahit na kami, nahihirapan din kasi (even us are having a hard time because) different provinces [have] different protocols and I agree that it is really important to have uniform travel protocols,” she added.

The online travel survey, which was a follow-up to the May 2020 survey, was conducted by the DOT from Nov. 28 to Dec. 30 last year. It was carried out with the Asian Institute of Management (AIM)-Dr. Andrew L. Tan Center and Guide to the Philippines in a bid to support the crafting of the department’s strategy to jumpstart the tourism industry. 

Another common traveler sentiment that authorities learned from the survey is the need to “personalize” travels.Based on the survey, “value-sensitive” travelers prefer trips that are tailored according to their needs and objectives. Meanwhile, simplified trips to tourism destinations with the most relaxed health protocols and reduced cost and are a better fit for “price-sensitive” travelers.

In a bid to help travel agencies and tour operators enhance their packages and services, the tourism chief said that the department will roll out development initiatives such as business-to-business meetings, bench marking, product audit, and familiarization tours featuring new sites and attractions that will entice more people to travel domestically. 

“As always, we shall be taking a multi-lateral approach to address current issues relating to the pandemic, working more closely with local government units, stakeholders, and local communities,” Puyat said.

“Guided by the new survey results, the DOT and its partners will be able to plot the crucial next steps for the recovery of the tourism industry, creating better, more efficient, and effective strategies where there is mutual and inclusive growth for all,” she added.

Titled “The Evolving Landscape of Domestic Travel in the Philippines: A study of travelers and tourism enterprises amidst the pandemic,” the survey gathered responses from a total of 7,243 travelers from all 78 provinces in the country, as well as 108 tourism enterprises to get their views on traveling under the “new normal”.

Friday, June 22, 2018

Davao Norte gears up for 51st Kadagayaan Festival 2018

Week-long festivities will usher in the 51st Kadagayaan Festival of Davao del Norte, this time featuring the "Visit Davao Summer Festival 2018" aimed at showcasing the province's diverse culture and rich natural resources.

The festival, which will run from June 24 to July 1, will honor the 'Dabaonons' proud heritage, multicultural identity, resiliency and creativity, said Davao del Norte provincial tourism head Noel Daquioag.

Among the activities lined up for the festival is the holding of the Investment Conference (ICon), in partnership with the BIMP-EAGA (Brunei Darussalem-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area) in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Daquioag said the festival is also being supported by the Department of Tourism, which is also organizing a tourism fair featuring interactive exhibits to be showcased in an open-air pavilion in partnership with the local government units and industry leaders.

The exhibit, he said, will be on the province's must-visit destinations, such as popular beaches and waterfalls, coral gardens, marine park, and culture farm for pearls. Another pavilion will feature an Agri-Aqua Trade Expo with a highly-interactive exhibit of industry-based products.

Daquioag said one of the main highlights will be the Binibining DavNor 2018, which organizers hope to become the grandest beauty pageant in the region.

I am honored and blessed being invited to become one of the distinguished judges along with selected government official, beauty queens, beauty pageant mentors and other influential personalities.

Another will be the Hudyaka 2018, featuring the different festivals all over Mindanao, showcasing the heritage of the island's tribes and ethnic groups.

Meanwhile, some 300 participants will see action during the MUSAMAN TriDavNor National Triathlon competing in the 1.5-km swim, 40 km bike and 10-km run.

Daquioag said the race aims a promote a healthier lifestyle and at the same time promote the province's tourism sites.


Thursday, May 10, 2018

Don't be corrupt!


By Catherine Talavera, Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines — After accepting her surprise appointment as tourism secretary on Tuesday, Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said her first instruction from President Duterte was: “Just don’t be corrupt.”
“My only instruction from the President when he offered it and then I accepted – he said, ‘congratulations! All I want is no corruption. Don’t steal,’ he told me. And I said, ‘yes, of course,’ ” Puyat said yesterday in an interview.
With her at the helm of the Department of Tourism (DOT), Puyat said she would likely prioritize farm and culinary tourism.
“We’ve been working with (the DOT) with regard to farm tourism. That’s been their main project with the DA (Department of Agriculture). So might as well continue it,” she said. “I will continue the farm tourism and culinary tourism because when you go to a country, food is one of the things tourists go to.”

She was agriculture undersecretary for 12 years before Duterte casually appointed her late Tuesday at Malacañang during a meeting of the National Food Authority Council.
“He basically appointed me because he said I have been in the DA for so long, for 12 years already and there was no trace of corruption,” Puyat said.
She replaced Wanda Teo who resigned as DOT secretary Monday night at the height of controversy over the questionable advertising deal between the tourism department and the state-run People’s Television Network Inc. The agreement involved the placement of P60 million in ads for a television program of Teo’s brother Ben Tulfo.
“Medyo nagulat ako kasi pinag-uusapan namin agriculture tapos biglang naging tourism (I was a bit surprised because we were talking about agriculture then suddenly it was tourism),” she said.
Puyat admitted she has no plans for the DOT yet, but stressed she would continue to work on projects begun by Teo, including those promoting farm industry and local cuisine.
She said she wants to check first the plans of the DOT especially concerning rehabilitation efforts for Boracay and the country’s possible hosting of the Miss Universe 2018.

The new tourism chief also vowed to observe transparency in all transactions. She promised to shun nepotism like what her father – former senator and foreign affairs chief Alberto Romulo – did when he was in government.
She revealed that as DA official, she had worked with the DOT for the Madrid Fusion Manila, a major culinary event with Spain.
“We’re on our fourth year. We’ve worked with the DOT for three years already with regard to Madrid Fusion,” Puyat said.
“So it’s all about culinary tourism. We might as well continue that as far as my background is concerned,” she added.
She emphasized she’s always ready to explore more ways of improving the country’s tourism sector.
“Of course we should continue what programs are already working,” she said.
On the six-month closure of Boracay to give way to rehabilitation work, she said she’s leaving it to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to deal with the issue.
“We will see. We will leave it up to their judgment,” she said in a separate television interview.
In welcoming its new chief, the DOT said her expertise and experience would certainly bring more vigor to the department and help it attain its target under the National Tourism Development Plan for 2016-2022. The DOT hopes to boost tourist arrivals to 7.4 million this year.
“An advocate of farm and culinary tourism as evidenced in the DA’s strong partnership with the DOT’s Madrid Fusion Manila and farm tourism initiatives, the incoming secretary’s expertise and experience present an advantage in steering the industry and promoting the Philippines as a premier tourist destination,” the DOT said.

DA’s loss

While sighs of relief greeted her entry into the DOT, her departure from the DA was met with uneasiness.
“She is a big loss to the DA, especially in our marketing advocacies. But I am happy for her,” Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol told The STAR.
While Puyat’s appointment as DOT chief caught him by surprise, Piñol said he respects the decision of the President as he knows Puyat is fit and qualified for the position.
“I was shocked because this was not discussed in the last Cabinet meeting. But I already had an inkling that she may be chosen,” he said.
“Knowing her work habits and her honesty as a public official, I know she will excel as tourism secretary,” Piñol added.
“Looking at the brighter side, she and I could now work closely and coordinate our efforts and funding in promoting farm tourism and agri-tourism,” Piñol said.
Puyat’s credentials and reputation have also impressed senators who expect her to face smooth sailing before the Commission on Appointments (CA).
Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto said Puyat “has done well in all her government postings,” referring to her previous post as agriculture undersecretary.
“She has a clean record. She has good academic credentials and is very qualified to be the secretary of tourism. I look forward to working with her in developing our tourism industry. Good tourism policies will increase jobs and income for our people and will further sustain our growing economy,” Recto said.
Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III described her as “excellent,” adding that her father was also an exemplary public servant.
Sen. Nancy Binay, chair of the tourism committee, said she was looking forward to working with Puyat, whom she expects to promote “the tourism agenda and bring her expertise in farm tourism and ecotourism being sustainable approaches to rural development.”
Sen. Grace Poe said Puyat has the academic and professional credentials to lead the DOT and is known for promoting attractions and local culture of provinces she had been to as DA official.
“She is very personable and articulate and is suited to the job of selling the Philippine brand,” Sen. Sonny Angara said.
Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri, a member of the CA, said he expects the bicameral body to quickly confirm her appointment.
“I can truly vouch for her character and integrity as a person and her almost decade long career in public service at the DA was one of outstanding performance and with no taint of corruption or controversy whatsoever,” Zubiri said.
For Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, Puyat is undoubtedly qualified for her new job. “She’s qualified for the position. Good choice,” Alvarez said.
“We support the decision of the President to further promote the tourism industry in the Philippines,” Deputy Speaker Raneo Abu said.
“She’s the right person for the right job. She possesses the qualities of a good marketing person,” Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, chairman of the House committee on dangerous drugs, said.
Puyat “has a long and positive track record in government. We believe she is a worthy choice to replace outgoing secretary Wanda Teo,” Parañaque Rep. Gus Tambunting, chairman of the House committee on games and amusement, said.
“I think she is highly capable of handling the job,” said Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone, chairman of the House committee on banks and financial intermediaries.
“The right person for the right job,” Isabela Rep. Rodito Albano, a member of the 12-man House CA contingent, said.
Meanwhile, Piñol said DA undersecretary for policy and planning Segfredo Serrano will take over rice importation matters from Puyat.
Piñol, who is currently in Batanes, says the DA will have a meeting tomorrow to discuss new roles at the department.
The appointment of Puyat has also spawned reports that Jose Gabriel La Viña will replace her as DA undersecretary.
Just two weeks ago, La Viña was appointed as tourism undersecretary. He was Social Security System commissioner for more than a year before his dismissal in February due to alleged abuse of public funds.
“I am still waiting for the official communication on the matter, if it is indeed true,” La Viña said in a text message to The STAR.
“I am and will continue to be a strong supporter of the President. For the record, I believe Usec. Berna is an excellent choice for DOT. She is beautiful, diligent and bright,” he added, referring to the new tourism chief by her nickname. – With Robertzon Ramirez, Louise Maureen Simeon, Paolo Romero, Delon Porcalla,  Christina Mendez

Thursday, April 26, 2018

Department of Tourism warns tourists against bogus travel agents

DOT warns tourists against bogus travel agents



By Bing J. Jaleco 

MANILA, Philippines - DOT Secretary Wanda Teo said hundreds of thousands of Filipino tourists travel domestically during the summer period. 

With the summer season officially on in the Philippines, the Department of Tourism (DOT) reminded the public against bogus travel agencies, which usually offer “too-good-to-be-true” tour packages online. 

DOT Secretary Wanda Teo said hundreds of thousands of Filipino tourists travel domestically during the summer period. 

Based on DOT statistics, at least seven million Filipinos travel around the country between April and May, with Cebu as the top destination for locals. 

With this, Teo said, the public must be ‘WISE’ in their travel plans, an acronym for “Work out your travel plans; Identify tour and travel agencies; See tourism quality seal; and Engage accredited service providers only.” 

The DOT launched the ‘WISE’ campaign last year to help locals avoid being scammed by fake travel agencies that are prevalent on social media. 

“We are in close coordination with the DOT regional offices to make sure that the list of accredited establishment and services are updated and posted in strategic locations, such as airports, terminals, and ports for easy reference,” Teo said. 

She advised the public to verify the legitimacy of travel and tour companies by calling DOT regional offices, or by visiting DOT’s database online at www.accreditationonline.tourism.gov.ph. 

Teo said travellers can also judge the authenticity of the travel agency by checking the tourism quality seal displayed at their offices, websites, and social media accounts. 

She warned DOT-accredited travel agencies found to be involved in illegal activities would be stripped of their accreditation

Friday, November 10, 2017

Bring home a friend

By Juliana Palermo


Do you wanna win a...
1. Condominium Unit
Or

2. Brand New Car
Or
3. 200,000.00php Duty Free gift certificates?
Department Of Tourism's BRING HOME A FRIEND Project is your lead!
Wanna find out more? Come and hang out with me on November 13 3-6pm at our Davao Region Launch! 😎
Comment below if you wanna come hang out and... if you have friends/relatives from overseas coming home for the holidays.