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Showing posts with label Department of Tourism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Department of Tourism. Show all posts

Thursday, July 6, 2023

Cayetano rallies support for ‘Love the Philippines’ tourism campaign

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano rallied the public to move forward and join hands in promoting the country amid the controversy surrounding the new tourism branding campaign called ‘Love the Philippines.’


 This after the Department of Tourism (DOT) on Monday terminated its contract with an advertising agency that was found to have used stock footage taken from foreign countries in promoting tourism in the Philippines.


 “Issues have been brought out and discussed, mistakes have been acknowledged both by the DOT and the advertising agency. Isn’t the purpose of criticism to correct? So mission accomplished!” Cayetano said in a post on his official Facebook page on July 5, Wednesday.


The senator commended the country’s vibrant democracy for enabling the exposure of such issues to light, causing both the DOT and the ad agency to acknowledge both their mistakes.


He however said there needs to be a balanced view in this issue where partisan and political interests may be present.


“Once a wrong is exposed (or explained) and mistakes are acknowledged and remedied, do we keep pounding on it, shooting ourselves in the foot in foreign media… or do we come together and, with the corrections, promote the beauty of our country and people?!” he said.


Cayetano said in promoting tourism in the Philippines, part of the draw should be the country’s number one asset: the Filipinos.


“GOD created such a beautiful country, such talented people! Yes, beautiful mountains, hills, valleys, islands, beaches, modern cities etc., yet  our number one asset is our people!” he said.


“The problem is not many people around the world know much about the Philippines! Yet many love the Filipinos! With more than 10 million Filipinos abroad, the first insight about the Philippines comes from the Filipino!” he added.


The senator warned against the prevalence of fake news that similarly penetrated social media platforms during the country’s successful hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games in 2019, which he headed as Chairman of the Philippine SEA Games Organizational Committee.


“Remember the allegation that kikiam (pork) was served to Muslims during the SEAGames? It turned out to be fake news! It was chicken sausage! We found out there was a big PR firm launching the attack. It all turned out to be fake news, a political agenda packaged as constructive criticism,” he explained.


He said this fake news hurt the Philippines, and the country’s hosting scared off many sponsors due to the negative news in Southeast Asian countries.


At the end of his post, Cayetano expressed confidence in Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco’s handling of the tourism campaign issue.


“I know the DOT Secretary, she listens! She cares about people’s views and ideas! Let’s try communicating, not for her but for the country which we all claim to love,” he said. 


“Let’s go to the next phase! Support DOT, promote the Philippines!” he added.

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

DoT Medical Tourism program partner with global leader

The Department of Tourism (DoT) is positioning the country as an emerging medical and wellness tourism destination in Asia with the recent tie-up with a global leader in the medical and wellness industry.

Witnessing signing ceremony were (from left) DoT Assistant Secretary Verna Covar-Buensuceso, Office of Product and Market Development (OPMD) Director Paulo Benito Tugbang, Agora Group Philippine Representative Angel Bognot and Eugenio Jose Ramos, MD, MBA, president and COO of The Medical City.

Witnessing signing ceremony were (from left) DoT Assistant Secretary Verna Covar-Buensuceso, Office of Product and Market Development (OPMD) Director Paulo Benito Tugbang, Agora Group Philippine Representative Angel Bognot and Eugenio Jose Ramos, MD, MBA, president and COO of The Medical City.

DoT formally inked an agreement with Dubai-based Agora Group, the "pioneer and leader in providing business solutions and productivity in the health and wellness tourism,""o be a partner for the prestigious and high-level gathering of tourism stakeholders and medical professionals at the First International Health and Wellness Tourism Congress (IHWTC) 2023. The event is slated for June 8 to 9 in Dusseldorf, Germany.

The agreement was formalized by Secretary Cristina Garcia- Frasco and Agora co-founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Hadi Malaeb, at one of the country's leading medical facilities, The Medical City in Pasig.

In its initial presentation to the DoT, Agora Group Dubai estimated the global health and wellness tourism to be worth $45.5 to $72 billion, with 14 to 16 million cross border patients and an average spend of $3,800 to $6,000 per visit.

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.

Saturday, December 24, 2022

DOT to hold 2023’s largest travel convention in Davao

by Jun Marcos Tadios

The Department of Tourism’s (DOT) marketing arm, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), has forged an agreement with the local government unit (LGU) of Davao City to stage there the largest travel convention and exhibitions next year.

Photo: Department of Tourism

The TPB and the Davao City LGU on Thursday, Dec. 22, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the Davaoeños’ hosting of the 2023 Philippine Meetings, Incentive Travel, Conventions, and Exhibitions or M.I.C.E. Conference (MICECON). 

“We strongly believe and claim that Davao’s hosting of the MICECON will provide a tremendous boost to the city’s tourism industry and a huge step towards its vision of making Davao a preferred MICE destination not only in the Philippines but in Asia,” TPB chief operating officer (COO) Maria Margarita Montemayor-Nograles said.

Nograles said the TPB was “extremely excited” to the support of Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte to their initiative.

Nograles lauded Duterte’s support to MICE tourism which, she said, could benefit not only the local tourism industry in Davao as the host city but also the Philippines’ economic resurgence amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

For its part, the City Government of Davao expressed full support and cooperation for the successful staging of the MICECON which is scheduled on March 1-3, 2023.

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MICECON is the largest gathering of Meetings, Incentive Travel, Conventions, and Exhibitions or M.I.C.E. professionals in the country.

It has become a reliable event for MICE stakeholders which prides itself on having incentivized event components to benchmark on and opportunities for networking with both international and local MICE experts.

The 2023 edition of MICECON is expected to gather a total of 500 in-person delegates in Davao including virtual delegates from the tourism industry.

“The City of Davao would like to extend our most heartfelt gratitude for choosing Davao City to host MICECON 2023. Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Events are a great help to the tourism industry here in Davao. We believe that MICECON will help to revitalize Davao’s tourism sector and open more doors for business that will boost the whole region’s economic growth,” said Davao City Vice Mayor Jay Melchor B. Quitain Jr.

 

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.

 

Thursday, October 20, 2022

DoT reintroduces PH Tourism Awards


Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA


By Moises Cruz, Manila Times

THE Department of Tourism (DoT) relaunched the Philippine Tourism Awards (PTA) to promote the growth of tourism in the country and to encourage local government units to use tourism as a tool for economic development.

"The PTA aims to recognize tourism-related establishments and individuals whose seasoned expertise and commitment have innovatively and creatively projected the Filipino culture and the Filipino brand," Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco said.

The five main categories for the Philippine Tourism Awards are Institutional, Creative, Individual, Destination of the Year, and Special Awards.


Every category will have a matching subcategory.

The institutions that are deemed to be the greatest in their fields in knowledge, professionalism, and the caliber of their facilities and services will get Institutional Awards.

The purpose of the Creative Awards is to recognize the expertise and insights of people and organizations in their marketing, advertising and promotion activities while taking into account the originality and factual presentation of information.

Individual Awards are given to people working in the industry directly or indirectly who uphold high standards of customer and client satisfaction.


The Destination of the Year Award will be given to a specific travel destination in recognition of its commitment to the growth and marketing of the tourism sector via the collaborative efforts of the business and local government sectors.

The Special Awards, on the other hand, will be presented to an individual or a private entity that has advanced the interests of the tourism sector and whose contribution has improved travel in the Philippines.


Marcos pledges to reboot tourism

"Through the Philippine Tourism Awards, we will also be identifying the best practices of local government units, to further encourage them to adopt tourism as a means to stimulate the local economy and herald our distinct culture and heritage," Garcia-Frasco said.

The PTA marks the beginning of the tourism sector's resurgence as the country anticipates fewer travel and health regulations in the near future.


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, September 2, 2022

DOT chief overwhelmed by lawmakers’ proposal to enhance budget for tourism


by Jun Marcos Tadios, Manila Bulletin


Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco was elated by the proposal of lawmakers to extend an additional budget for the Department of Tourism (DOT) for the Fiscal Year 2023.

Frasco unveiled new projects and convergence programs of the DOT on Wednesday, Aug. 31, during the briefing with the House Committee on Appropriations on the proposed 2023 budget.

The secretary rallied for the favorable decision of the House of Representatives on the P3.573 billion proposed budget for next year in able to attain the DOT’s plans and programs.

The attached agency under the DOT was the Intramuros Administration (IA), National Parks Development Committee (NPDC), and the Philippine Commission on Sports SCUBA Diving – PCSSD.

“The plans (for 2023) 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,” said Frasco.

Several lawmakers, however, noted the necessity of increasing the DOT’s proposed budget, underscoring the tourism industry’s significant contribution to the Philippine economy.

Frasco thanked the members of the House Committee on Appropriations that shows support for the proposed budget of DOT including Minority Leader Rep. Marcelino Libanan; Albay 1st District Congressman Edcel Lagman; Rep. Jefferson Khonghun from the 1st District of Zambales; and Congressman Wilter Palma from the 1st District of Zamboanga Sibugay.

“While I could have just stayed in my beloved town of Liloan, I accepted the tourism portfolio with high hopes because the President has identified the tourism industry as one of the top priorities of his administration,” Frasco uttered.

To fulfill the visions and programs of the present administration, Frasco uttered that they should have a commanding budget needed to fulfill all the visions and programs of the President.

Tuesday, July 5, 2022

DoT chief kicks off listening tour

By Tricia Antido, Manila Times


On her first day in the office, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco personally visited the offices and greeted the employees of the Department of Tourism (DOT). Photo from Facebook page of the Philippines Department of Tourism. 

On her first day in the office, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco personally visited the offices and greeted the employees of the Department of Tourism (DOT). Photo from Facebook page of the Philippines Department of Tourism.

TOURISM Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco will start her "listening tour" this week to see and hear the concerns and challenges faced by regional offices of the Department of Tourism (DoT) and stakeholders.


She emphasized that the goal of the Department of Tourism is to help the economy rise and recover.


Garcia-Frasco thanked DoT personnel for their warm welcome and gave assurances that all stakeholders will be given equal opportunities through the tourism program that will be made available nationwide.


Speaking before undersecretaries, directors, division chiefs and employees on Monday, July 4, 2022, Garcia-Frasco vowed to address the tourism issues brought on by the pandemic, noting that the sector was one of the hardest-hit industries in the Philippines. She said that under her term, the department will give attention to tourism sites, promotion of local products as well as Filipinos. The Tourism department will also prioritize reaching all regional offices and their partners in local government units.


"I have full trust in the workforce of the Department of Tourism because you have been forged in the fire of the pandemic. We've been through it, we have survived, and we have thrived. There is no other challenge that we could not possibly surmount. And so, I ask for your support, I ask for your unity, I ask for your commitment to the Filipino people, that our brothers and sisters may be given equal economic opportunities through tourism programs that are made available in sites, provinces, cities, municipalities nationwide," she said.

Friday, March 18, 2022

DOT: PH receives almost 100,000 inbound tourists since February

by Faith Argosino, Manila Bulletin


Almost 100,000 tourists have arrived since the Philippines reopened its borders to 157 countries visa-free countries, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said on Thursday, March 17.


Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said they expect the number of inbound tourists to increase starting April 1 when the country further eases the restrictions to all foreign tourists based on the approval of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID).


“From Feb. 10 to March 15, we’ve already received 96,096 tourists. We’re pleasantly surprised […] this was only from visa-free countries,” Puyat said in an interview with TeleRadyo.


Puyat said freight tourist still need to present a negative result of the RT-PCR test taken 48 hours before their departure for fully-vaccinated tourists from visa-free countries.


She added that the exact requirement applies to tourists from visa countries, but the IATF included an alternative option for passengers to submit a negative laboratory-based antigen test result taken 24 hours before departure.


For local and foreign tourists planning to travel this summer season, Puyat reminded them to follow the minimum health and safety protocols.


“Palagi namin pinapaalala even you’re fully vaccinated, boosted or negative kayo sa RT-PCR please still follow minimum health and safety protocols lalo na yung pagsusuot ng mask (We always remind that even if you’re fully vaccinated, booted, or received a negative result of RT-PCR test, please still follow minimum health and safety protocols, especially wearing a mask),” she said.

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.

Thursday, February 10, 2022

PH ready to welcome foreign tourists – Puyat


Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat speaks during the virtual recognition of Women Champions of Sustainability hosted by The Conrad Manila on August 16, 2021. (Screengrab from Conrad Manila’s YouTube video)


by Bernie Cahiles-Magkilat, Manila Bulletin


Government and the tourism private sectors declared the Philippines is ready to accept fully vaccinated foreign tourists from 157 visa-free countries starting Thursday, Feb. 10, even as hotel owners are asking for financial assistance to restart operations.

“We are as ready as we can be,” said Tourism Secretary BernadetteE Romulo-Puyat said at the Kapihan Sa Manila Bay virtual forum along with other key tourism stakeholders on Wednesday.

“These are exciting times for Philippine tourism. We have been ready since 2020; with the significant dwindling of new COVID cases, the Department of Tourism (DOT) can now push forward with our plans and programs for the full recovery of the Philippine Tourism industry. Those among you who follow developments in the travel and tourism sector know that tomorrow, February 10, we will begin the next chapter in the road to recovery,” said Romulo-Puyat

Benito “Bong” Bengzon, former DOT Undersecretary and executive director of the Philippine Hotel Owners Association, welcomed the country’s reopening, stressing this would provide them a lifeline after experiencing heavy financial losses almost two years into the pandemic.

However, Bengzon emphasized that the next 6 to 12 months would be difficult for the hotel owners as they restart and reopen operations. Thus, he raised the need for “financial assistance to tie us over the next 12 months.”

Bengzon said that many of their member hotels are reporting single-digit occupancy and are banking only on quarantine guests.

In the same forum, Jojo Clemente, president of Tourism Congress of the Philippines (TCP), said he does not expect foreign tourist arrivals immediately or in the next two months although he believes that tourists are coming back within the year.

“We have done our best to anticipate all kinds of situations as we reopen,” he said.

But just like Bengzon, Clemente emphasized that reopening operations after almost two years of almost dormant activity “takes a lot of effort to get it running.”

With that, he said, they are also coming up with various scenarios.

“But we are confident we are on the right path to see the light,” he said.

 

For his part, Walid Wafik SM Hotels and Convention Center (SMHCC) Senior Vice President and General Manager, also declared their readiness to accept foreign tourist arrivals and are looking forward to welcome domestic tourists and bookings at their convention centers.

Wafik, however, stressed the need to always observe and enforce health and safety protocols for the meeting, incentives, conferences & exhibition (MICE) sector. He urged “not to let our guards down, our safety protocols will be in place.”

He said that MICE organizers are beginning to block dates for their annual events, signaling the reopening of this sector.

Wafik said that SMHCC will not raise rates even if the past two years had been very painful for them as they incurred revenue loss and half of their staff gone.

He stressed that that raising prices is the last thing they would do in this time. What is important, he said, is to bring back confidence of the domestic market so the industry can bounce back to the pre-pandemic level.

The priority for SMHCC, he said, is “to go back to the 2019 volume wise, revenue will come later.”

But in terms of readiness, Wafik said that their nine hotels and 7 convention centers are ready to move forward.

“We have accepted losses and dealt with manpower and staffing to keep everybody onboard and engaged,” he added.

 

Meantime, Puyat-Romulo said that quarantine hotels operate at 67 percent capacity. She said that hotels and tourist accommodation facilities are expected to enjoy higher capacities of as much as 80 percent under Alert Level 2.

According to the DOT- National Capital Region (DOT-NCR), there is a 68 percent or 37,348 occupied rooms in Quarantine facilities consisting of 418 hotels operating with 55,150 rooms, as of February 7. These hotels cater to the unvaccinated travelers completing their quarantine period, long staying guests, OFWs ready for departure, and BPO employees.

As much as 76 quarantine hotels have submitted a Letter of Intent to shift to regular hotels and cater to leisure tourists.

“I am excited about the prospects of a healthy rebound in tourism for a good number of reasons: the high vaccination rate among our tourism workers, the public health safeguards and guidelines that have been put in place and the number of new tourism circuits that have been developed,” she said.

As of February 4, the DOT said that 92. 51 percent or 317, 892 out of 349, 534 tourism workers have received their COVID-19 jabs.

Tourism destinations with 100 percent vaccination rate among its tourism workers include: Baguio City; Aurora; Palawan towns Coron, El Nido and San Vicente ; Puerto Princesa City, and Camiguin island. The DOT offices are also facilitating the roll-out of booster shots for eligible tourism workers.

On a regional basis, the NCR registered the highest coverage for tourism workers with 99.91 percent.

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)

Saturday, February 6, 2021

IATF approves test-before-travel for Davao

 


RALPH LAWRENCE G. LLEMIT, Manila Bulletin

THE Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) approved the Davao City Government's request to impose a test-before-travel requirement to all passengers arriving at the Francisco Bangoy International Airport (Davao International Airport).

In a statement issued by the City Information Office on February 5, Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat bared the approval of the request made by Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio dated February 3.

According to the City Government, Duterte-Carpio wrote to Puyat on January 22, requesting the assistance of the DOT in negotiating with the IATF for the imposition of mandatory real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing for all travelers before they arrive at the DIA.

"We wish to inform you that the IATF has approved your request," Puyat said in the letter.

Puyat also said, "The DOT is one with the City of Davao in its efforts to curb the spread of the virus. We look forward to working with you as we pursue our goal of a slow but sure recovery of the tourism industry."

The request of Davao City for guidelines on the test-before-travel requirement, without prejudice, for travel by land, sea, and air was approved during the 97th meeting of the IATF on January 28.

The City Government said the Department of the Interior and Local Government will also convene a small group and come up with a recommendation in a week's time following the approval from the IATF.


Meanwhile, the city suspended the free RT-PCR testing at the DIA on January 14 and will only resume once the Los Amigos Covid-19 Laboratory goes into full operation.

Arriving passengers with negative RT-PCR tests are prioritized in exiting the DIA after checking their health declaration forms (HDFs).

Non-Davao City flight passengers may still exit the airport even without the RT-PCR negative test as long as their LGUs will fetch them and they can present other needed documents. Neighboring local government units (LGUs) are urged to pick up their locally stranded individuals (LSIs) at the DIA.

For Davao City residents without negative RT-PCR test results to show, HDFs and other necessary documents will be checked. They must follow the requirements and will be given their health monitoring forms since they need to check-in with their BHERTS (Barangay Health Emergency Response Team). The 14-day home quarantine is mandatory. (With CIO)

Saturday, September 7, 2019

Philippine Travel Mart Exhibition


The provincial government through the Tourism Office joins the Philippine Travel Mart together with the other provinces in the Region sponsored by the Department of Tourism at SMX Convention Center from August 30-Sept.1, 2019.  This is the longest-running travel trade exhibition in the Philippines and Comval is part of the highlighted pavilion being next year's dive and climb caravan feature on the 2020 Visit Davao Summer Fun. (Tourism, PLGU COMVAL )


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

Tuesday, February 6, 2018

Department of Tourism Winter Escapade brings in more tourists

By Helen Flores (The Philippine Star) | 

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Tourism officials and participants in the Winter Escapade 5 from Canada and the US pose in front of Jose Rizal’s monument.
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Tourism (DOT)’s annual Winter Escapade – one of the agency’s most successful promotional programs in collaboration with the Department of Foreign Affairs – has again brought hundreds of tourists, mostly balikbayans from the US and Canada, to the country this week.
Philippine Ambassador to Canada Petronila Garcia said this year a total of 250 tourists, including Canadians, have joined the 10-day tour with stops in the cities of Bacolod and Davao.
Now on its fifth year, Winter Escapade has brought in over a thousand tourists, resulting in increased tourism revenues and investments, Garcia said.
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DOT data show that the average expenditure of the Canadian tourists during their 10-day stay in the Philippines is Canadian $4,000 to $5,000 or a total of Canadian $1.046 million (P42.8 million).
“In terms of presenting a good image of the country, this (Winter Escapade) is very important,” Garcia told The STAR during the welcome lunch for participants held at the Ayuntamiento de Manila in Intramuros on Saturday.
“Sometimes we get bad reputation,” she said, referring to travel advisories issued by some countries against the Philippines due to peace and order.
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“If it’s a group (tour) organized by us, people are not afraid and word of mouth spreads that the Philippines is a good place to go,” she said.
Garcia noted that the person who brought Canada’s Tim Hortons in the Philippines was a participant of the Winter Escapade last year.
The envoy said aside from “good value,” Winter Escapade brings tourists to different places every year.
Garcia said more Filipino-Canadians would like to join the annual tour to escape the cold February winter of Canada but they have to limit the number of participants due to lack of hotel rooms in some areas in the country.
Carmen Barcena, head of the Ceremonial and Protocol Services at the Federal Government of Canada, is joining the tour with her 16-year-old son, Napoleon.
“I think it’s an interesting way to be introduced to the diversity of the Philippines, the culture, the people, the food… This way you’ll have full access to places you never knew existed,” she said.
Napoleon said he intends to post all his pictures on Instagram and Facebook so his friends and classmates in Canada would be enticed to visit the Philippines.
Forty-year-old Jeremie dela Paz, who was born and raised in Montreal, said the Winter Escapade is a good opportunity to allow foreigners “to enjoy the opulence of the country.”
“Often people are focused on the poverty of the Philippines. But the Philippines is multifaceted. We’re not just a poor country. We have a lot to offer, we have a lot of ingenuity here, we have a lot of beauty, world-class amenities and activities,” he said.
Dela Paz said aside from his family, he also brought his Canadian partner, who is from Quebec, to personally experience the rich Filipino culture.
“Even if we’re not born in the Philippines, no matter what we do we’re always Filipino,” he said.