CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)--The Department of Tourism (DOT) continues to harness the power of technology to further advance the country's tourism industry. During her recent visit to Manolo Fortich in Bukidnon province, DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco underscored that, in this digital age, it is important to showcase the country's destinations through social media and various mobile applications. "In a few short weeks, we are launching a tourist lifecycle app called ‘Travel Philippines’ that will feature all tourism destinations of the regions, provinces, cities, and municipalities in the Philippines," she said during the inauguration of the first Tourist Rest Area in Mindanao. Accordingly, the app will also include information about travel agencies, tour operators, and tour guides across the country so that tourists can contact them directly and avail of their services.
Citing tourism as a key driver of economic growth, enterprise development, and job creation, Frasco said the development of the tourist lifecycle app seeks to spread tourism opportunities as far and wide as possible so that "no one is left behind in tourism development."
"Dako kaayo og kontribusyon ang turismo sa atong ekonomiya kay bisan pa man niagi kita'g pandemya ug nagkalain-laing mga kalamidad, in 2022 alone, we were able to receive over 2.65 million international visitors and 102 million domestic trips dinhi sa Pilipinas. That translated to over P1.87 trillion in tourism spending for the country [Tourism has a great contribution to our economy because, even though we went through a pandemic and various calamities, in 2022 alone, we were able to receive over 2.65 million international visitors and 102 million domestic trips here in the Philippines. That translated to over P1.87 trillion in tourism spending for the country]," she further said.
Frasco stated that the biggest impact of tourism spending was the creation of over 5.35 million jobs for Filipinos. She said they anticipate this to further increase, especially since the demand for Philippine tourism, both internationally and domestically, is quite robust and growing.
The tourism secretary is also hopeful of the benefits of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s prioritization of the tourism industry will be felt by all Filipinos.
"Tourism is for our Filipino families. Every time mopalit mo'g pasalubong, mu-book og hotel, musakay mo'g mga tourism transport, mubisita mo sa atong mga lokal nga destinasyon naa mo’y matabangan nga pamilya nga naa sa turismo [Tourism is for our Filipino families. Every time you buy pasalubong, book a hotel, ride tourism transports, or visit our local destinations, you are helping a family that is in tourism]," Frasco said.
She also conveyed the commitment of the DOT to assist local government units, such as Bukidnon and Manolo Fortich, in developing their tourism even better. (APB/PIA-10)
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