The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) and Visa have established a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing tourism promotion through data-sharing.

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco and Bella Lai, Visa’s regional manager for Southeast Asia, signed the memorandum of understanding during a ceremony held in Makati City on November 27. This collaboration focuses on:

• Data-driven tourism
• Support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs)
• Digitalization and innovation
• Financial literacy training for tourism stakeholders

Frasco expressed confidence in this agreement, stating:

“This is a clear vote of confidence in Philippine tourism that Visa has recognized the momentum of growth in the Philippines.”
Translation: This agreement showcases Visa’s support for the growth and potential of the Philippine tourism sector.

The partnership is expected to help adjust and fine-tune programs for better alignment with customer needs. Frasco anticipates that local tourism businesses will greatly benefit from increased exposure through Visa’s global platforms.

Frasco noted:

“The democratisation of travel is here and that is largely driven by digitalization.”
Translation: The current travel dynamics are being significantly influenced by advancements in digital technology.

According to Visa’s research, tourists are increasingly favoring cashless payment options, with 97% of travelers in the Asia Pacific preparing to utilize debit, prepaid, or credit cards during their trips.
Jeffrey Navarro, Visa’s country manager in the Philippines, remarked:

“This collaboration with the DOT reinforces our commitment to driving tourism growth in the Philippines.”
Translation: The partnership emphasizes Visa’s dedication to fostering tourism in the country through innovative payment solutions.