DOT to showcase lesser-known spots in new tourism campaign
QUEZON, PALAWAN—The Department of Tourism (DOT) has launched on Friday its Philippine Experience Program (PEP) to promote the Philippines’ ‘emerging and lesser-known tourist destinations’ in a bid to boost the country’s tourism industry.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, in her speech during the agency’s promotional tour here on Friday, said that PEP will also introduce and promote to the world the beauty and culture of the Philippines by encouraging tourists to visit not just the country’s world renowned destinations but also the new and budding ones.
The DOT also aims to provide assistance to local governments for their tourist development and promotions, she added.
“Through this, we are also giving our visitors the opportunity to learn about our ancestors, our indigenous peoples, their cultures and traditions and all the other elements that make Philippine tourism truly a world-class experience,” Frasco said.
The PEP promotional tour in Palawan province included a visit to the Tabon Cave Complex here. Earlier in the morning, Frasco was in Roxas town to inaugurate the Tourist Rest Area (TRA) there.
‘Next tourism powerhouse’
Frasco stressed the TRA is one of the key components of tourism’s basic infrastructure and connectivity needs for the convenience of having a tourism experience.
“This is precisely why we have constructed the TRA which will provide an information center, “pasalubong“ center and restrooms for our tourists. And I am very pleased to announce that southern Palawan will have its very own TRA specifically in Brooke’s Point. It’s been approved for construction within this year,” she said.
The program was conceptualized under the National Tourism Development Plan where, she said, President Marcos sees the Philippines having the “potential to become Asia’s next tourism powerhouse.”
The DOT has been working closely with the Department of Public Works and Highways in building additional tourism roads and bridges and with the Department of Transportation to expand airports and seaports, she said.
“And of course, that includes the enhancement of overall tourism experience,” she added.
Best experience
“The best experience is the Filipino people. I had that very experience earlier when we had to make an emergency landing somewhere in Roxas due to inclement weather,” Frasco noted.
She recalled that while on their way to Roxas aboard a helicopter, they were met by a sudden severe thunderstorm, which forced them to land in Barangay Nicanor Zabala, more or less 50 kilometers from their destination, where they were welcomed by residents and barangay officials.
“When we arrived, they welcomed me as though I was family and that itself is a true reflection of the heart and soul of Filipino people. We have it in our hearts to love everyone that comes across our shores,” she said. INQ
