The Department of Tourism (DoT) recently convened the Tourism Coordinating Council (TCC) meeting last 18 March in its commitment to advancing the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023 to 2028 through strategic collaboration with key government agencies and industry stakeholders.
Established under Republic Act 9593, the TCC is chaired by Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and is responsible for coordinating national tourism development efforts, including the implementation of the NTDP, which President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. approved in 2022.
Addressing TCC members from national government agencies, DoT-attached agencies and representatives from both the public and private sectors, Frasco underscored the strong performance of Philippine tourism.
“We are delighted to inform you that tourism continues to be a thriving sector in our nation and one of the top economic development drivers of our country. This is evident in the numbers that reflect our collective hard work and commitment to transforming Philippine tourism as a force for good,” according to Frasco.
While acknowledging significant gains in the sector, Frasco also highlighted key challenges that need to be addressed, including slower growth in key outbound markets, air connectivity limitations, geopolitical uncertainties and destination capacity constraints.
To address challenges, the DoT has intensified efforts to enhance tourism infrastructure and streamline travel processes by fostering strategic partnerships with key government agencies.
These include the Department of Transportation for airport and seaport enhancements, the Department of Information and Communications Technology for expanding internet connectivity in key tourism destinations, the Bureau of Immigration and the Department of Justice for implementing the Cruise Visa Waiver Program, the Department of Public Works and Highways for developing tourism roads and the Department of Health for establishing Tourist First Aid Facilities to ensure visitor safety and well-being.
Recognizing the importance of sustained synergy among government agencies and industry stakeholders, Frasco called on all TCC members to actively contribute to the sector’s development.
“Tourism is a representation of our collaborative efforts to pursue sustainable development to uplift the lives of the Filipino people, and therefore, the success of tourism lies in our commitment to the betterment of our beloved country,” Frasco said.
She added, “We cannot move towards this effort of transformation without your invaluable help and contributions to the tourism industry. We earnestly hope for your continued assistance and support towards the initiatives of the Department of Tourism, as well as the goal of our President to make tourism truly a transformational force for our country.”
Sustainable tourism future
Insights from consultants at the Asian Institute of Management — Dr. Andrew L. Tan Center for Tourism and the Philippine Institute for Development Studies shared assessments and recommendations for enhancing tourism development.
