The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) held a meeting with its Tourism Coordinating Council (TCC) on March 18 as part of its initiative to improve travel protocols amidst significant challenges in the tourism sector.

During this meeting, the TCC identified current obstacles, including air connectivity issues, slow growth in crucial outbound markets, geopolitical tensions, and limited capacity at destinations.

In a subsequent statement on March 21, Secretary Christina Frasco highlighted the DOT’s commitment to enhancing tourism infrastructure and streamlining travel operations through collaborative efforts with various government entities.

“To address these challenges, the DOT has intensified efforts to enhance tourism infrastructure and streamline travel processes by fostering strategic partnerships with key government agencies.”

Noteworthy is the continued resilience of the Philippine tourism sector, which remains a major contributor to the nation’s economic growth despite these challenges.

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

The DOT is strengthening its new e-visa system aimed at attracting visitors from India, enhancing its cooperation with agencies for tourism development, including airport enhancements and improving connectivity in popular tourist areas.

Frasco urged all TCC members to be proactive in contributing to the sector’s advancement, stating:

“Tourism is a representation of our collaborative efforts to pursue sustainable development to uplift the lives of the Filipino people…”