The Department of Transportation said Thursday its big-ticket infrastructure projects will help cement the country as a prime tourism destination and unlock economic potentials in the provinces.
“Improving and modernizing the country’s transportation system will be crucial to ensure tourists enjoy their travel and vacation experience,” Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said.
He said the DOTr and Department of Tourism were working together to boost tourist arrivals and encourage foreign tourists to visit the Philippines.
“We are closely coordinating with the Department of Tourism towards boosting tourist arrivals,” he said.
Bautista cited the ongoing big ticket projects in the aviation, railway, maritime and road sectors that aim to improve mobility and connectivity across the country and maximize tourism opportunities.
He said to accommodate local and foreign tourists, several airport projects are underway such as the newly-opened passenger terminal building of the Clark International Airport, the construction of the New Manila International Airport in Bulacan and Sangley Point International Airport in Cavite and the improvement of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (and Bicol International Airport.
Bautista said railway projects would also unlock the economic potential of the northern and southern provinces, while moving more passengers and at the same time addressing traffic congestion in the country’s capital.
Among the railway projects being constructed in full swing are the North-South Commuter Railway Project, Metro Manila Subway Project, Common Station, MRT-7, LRT-1 Cavite Extension, PNR North and South Long-Haul Project, Subic-Clark Railway and the Mindanao Railway.
He said to ease the mobility requirements of commuters, the DOTr would also enhance the services of the EDSA Busway.
The DOTr and Philippine Ports Authority are also improving commercial and social-tourism ports to efficiently move passengers and goods, while lowering logistic costs and shipping fees.