DOT, Agencies Unite to Boost PH Tourism

The Department of Tourism (DOT) convened the Tourism Coordinating Council (TCC) on March 18 at Diamond Hotel Manila, reinforcing its commitment to the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023–2028 through coordinated efforts with government agencies and industry stakeholders.

Established under Republic Act No. 9593, the TCC is chaired by the DOT secretary and tasked with aligning national tourism development efforts, including the implementation of the NTDP approved by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in 2022.

Speaking to members from national agencies and public and private sector representatives, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco highlighted tourism’s continued strength.

“We are delighted to inform you that tourism continues to be a thriving sector in our nation and one of the top economic development drivers of our country,” she said.

“This is evident in the numbers that reflect our collective hard work and commitment in transforming Philippine tourism as a force for good.”

Frasco also acknowledged lingering challenges in the sector, including slow recovery in key outbound markets, limited air connectivity, geopolitical uncertainties, and destination capacity issues.

To address these, the DOT has launched inter-agency collaborations, including with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for airport and seaport development, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) for internet connectivity in tourist areas, and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and Department of Justice (DOJ) for the Cruise Visa Waiver Program.

Other partnerships include the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for building tourism roads and the Department of Health (DOH) for establishing Tourist First Aid Facilities to ensure visitor safety.

Frasco called on TCC members for continued support and active engagement in tourism development.

“Tourism is a representation of our collaborative efforts to pursue sustainable development to uplift the lives of the Filipino people,” she said.

“The success of tourism lies in our commitment to the betterment of our beloved country.”

“We cannot move towards this effort of transformation without your invaluable help and contributions to the tourism industry.”

The meeting also featured insights from experts at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) – Dr. Andrew L. Tan Center for Tourism and the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS).

Dr. Maria Cherry Lyn S. Rodolfo, AIM board advisor, presented the Budget Convergence Report on Tourism Development, which outlined how the Program Convergence Budgeting (PCB) approach is aligning resources with tourism priorities.

Dr. John Paolo R. Rivera, PIDS senior research fellow, provided an initial assessment of the NTDP’s implementation, highlighting economic gains, diversification, and increased institutional spending.

“The numbers are telling a powerful story of recovery and growth,” Rivera said.

“It highlights not just recovery, but real momentum that we must build upon moving forward by continuously contributing to the achievements of the NTDP’s seven strategic objectives.”

Rivera emphasized that domestic tourism remains a key stabilizer during downturns and praised the Philippines’ lead in ASEAN tourism receipts per arrival.

He urged stronger sustainability practices in key destinations like Boracay, Palawan, and Cebu, while promoting lesser-known areas to support inclusive growth.

He also called for enhanced visa facilitation, expanded flight routes, and increased use of secondary gateways to improve international connectivity.

To sustain momentum, Rivera highlighted the need for better inter-agency coordination, improved digital infrastructure, stronger tourism governance, and workforce development.

He encouraged continued investment in tourism training, digital tourism platforms, and 21st-century skills like artificial intelligence and sustainable practices.

In the open forum, Dr. Eylla Laire M. Gutierrez, AIM associate director, led discussions that resulted in a proposal to form a technical working group (TWG) to boost policy coordination and program implementation.

Following the discussion, DOT Undersecretary Verna C. Buensuceso laid out next steps aligned with the NTDP and reaffirmed the DOT’s intent to maintain close coordination with TCC members and partner agencies.

DOT-attached agencies in attendance included the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), Duty-Free Philippines Corp. (DFPC), Intramuros Administration (IA), National Parks Development Committee (NPDC), Nayong Pilipino Foundation (NPF), Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving (PCSSD), and the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA).

TCC member agencies also present included BI, DICT, DPWH, DOTr, DENR, DOLE, DILG, League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP), NCCA, NCIP, NHCP, PAGCOR, PNP, Tourism Congress of the Philippines (TCP), and the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP).

Other government agencies supporting tourism development included ARTA, BOC, CAB, CAAP, CCC, CHED, CCP, DAR, DA, DOE, DOH, DMW, DND, DOST, DSWD, DTI, FDCP, GAB, MCIAA, MARINA, NCDA, NCMF, NEA, NEDA, PPA, PhilSA, PSA, PSC, PPP Center, and TESDA.