DOT to launch tourist lifecycle app

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Department of Tourism (DOT) said it will harness the power of technology to further advance the country's tourism industry.

During her recent visit to Manolo Fortich town in Bukidnon province, DOT Secretary Christina Frasco underscored that, in this digital age, it is important to showcase the country's destinations through social media and various mobile applications.

 

“That is why 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.

 

She said the app will also include information about travel agencies, tour operators, and tour guides 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,” she 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.

 

“Tourism is for our Filipino families. Everytime mopalit mo'g pasalubong, mo book og hotel, mosakay mo'g mga tourism transport, mobisita mo sa atong mga lokal nga destinasyon naa moy matabangan nga pamilya nga naa sa turismo,” she said.

 

She also conveyed the commitment of the DOT to assist local governments, such as Bukidnon and Manolo Fortich, develop their tourism even better. (Apipa Bagumbaran)