The Department of Tourism (DOT) has expressed optimism over the travel industry’s potentials this year, buoyed by the remarkable increase in foreign tourist arrivals last year that surpassed the targets in both revenues and visitors volume.
“Yung sa international visitor receipt, lumagpas tayo sa ‘P482.5 billion pesos na napunta sa ating ekonomiya (The international visitor receipt overshot the target at P482.5 billion which went to the economy),” Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said in an interview with Super Radyo dsBB on Sunday.
“We hope to be able to surpass the P1.5 trillion in domestic visitors receipt that went to our economy in 2022,” she added.
DOT records showed that there were 5.45 million foreign tourist arrivals last year, exceeding the year’s target of 4.8 million.
Meanwhile, tourism-related employment created 5 million jobs nationwide, Frasco said.
The Tourism chief said among her marching orders this year from President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. is to enhance the overall experience of the tourists.
“Gusto natin na masaya ang mga turista. Maramdaman nila ang love, warmth of the Filipino people at tsaka ‘yung convenience sa pag-travel (We want the tourists to be happy, to feel the love and warmth of the Filipino people, and their comfort during the journey),” Frasco said.
The DOT aims to sustain the use of “Love the Philippines” slogan.
Feedbacks from travellers indicated that the construction of 18 tourist rest areas that provide clean public restrooms was among the positive factors behind the growth of the tourism industry.
“Our domestic tourism has been massively successful, especially in the regions, provinces, cities, and municipalities across the country,” Frasco said.
She pointed out that Cebu, her home province, has always been a favorite tourist destination, along with Palawan, Boracay, Siargao, Metro Manila, and Batangas.
Frasco also disclosed that among the DOT’s priorities is the promotion and development of emerging and lesser known destinations under the Philippine Experience Program.
The scheme involves highlighting the area’s heritage, culture, and indigenous arts, as well as the local delicacies, festivals, and the communities themselves.