The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco met with Transportation Secretary Vivencio “Vince” Dizon to strengthen collaboration between the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) in improving connectivity and enhancing the country’s transport infrastructure to boost the tourism industry.
Welcoming Secretary Dizon at the DOT Central Office in Makati City, Sec. Frasco congratulated him on his appointment. “All of us are very excited with the new vigour you bring to DOTr,” she added.
The DOT chief likewise extended DOT’s gratitude to Secretary Dizon for his outstanding work as the country’s Testing Czar during the COVID-19 pandemic, during which time he placed great importance on the country’s tourism frontliners.
Discussions focused on key areas of collaboration, including the existing Memorandum of Agreement between the DOT and DOTr to enhance airports and seaports across the country, the DOT’s training of over 11,600 airport personnel on the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) training program, and decongestion of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) through the promotion of regional flight distribution.
Sec. Dizon affirmed his support to the two Departments’ thrust to improve the country’s airports by incorporating Filipino elements in their design and service standards, which they previously had piloted in NAIA Terminal 2 as part of the existing agreement.
“These little touches make a huge difference. It gives the airport, really, a sense of place. When you arrive, it’s Philippines. It cannot be anywhere else in the world,” he said of the initiative.
In comparing the Philippines with its ASEAN counterparts, Sec. Frasco noted that a 2023 report by Cirium Flightdeck ranked the country sixth in terms of incoming air seats relative to arrivals. With this, she emphasized the critical need to increase the number of routes, secure more slots for international carriers, and encourage domestic carriers to expand their fleet.
“There’s a wonderful opportunity, especially in the European market, specifically for flights to be mounted from the United Kingdom, and Spain. These specific segments have experienced a high growth rate in terms of international arrivals. So the demand is there,” the tourism chief shared. She also noted that source markets such as Italy, India, and Australia present massive opportunities for international arrivals.
Airport enhancements, such as improved facilities for travelers, lighting and addition of signages were also discussed as part of the collaborative efforts. The DOT presented its plans to expand its Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours launched in key Metro Manila cities by offering Transit Tours at the airports. The DOT also proposed establishing Medical Concierges at the airport to better assist tourists and promote the country’s medical tourism offerings.
The Secretaries also tackled the joint promotion of the Love the Philippines campaign in gateways.
“You can count on our support to really support this. It will make such a difference for the country,” Sec. Dizon said.