The push to digitalize the country’s tourism sector is a “step in the right direction,” Senate Minority Leader Aquilino ‘Koko’ Pimentel III said over the weekend.
“In a world where technology drives progress, modernizing our tourism industry is essential to enhancing visitor experiences and strengthening our global competitiveness,” Pimentel stated.
The senator lauded the partnership between the Department of Tourism and online travel agency Klook, which will involve the development of curated travel packages featuring various destinations across the Philippines.
Additionally, the DOT launched several digital tools, including a mobile application for travelers and a Tourist Assistance Call Center, to facilitate smoother travel experiences and provide enhanced support to tourists.
“Digitalization should not focus solely on urban hubs. It must also empower rural communities to share in the benefits of tourism growth,” the senator said.
“In the digitalization of tourism, we must ensure that no one is left behind–from cities to remote villages. This is the key to genuine progress,” he added.
The senator also underscored the importance of preserving the Philippines’ cultural and natural heritage amid modernization efforts and proposed allocating funds for training local communities in digital tools and supporting small businesses and community-based tourism operators.
“Digitalization must not be exclusive to the privileged few. It should be accessible to everyone who contributes to the success of our tourism industry,” he said.
The senator assured his support for legislative measures that would strengthen and expand the digital transformation of Philippine tourism.
“The DOT can count on our support for programs that ensure every Filipino benefits from the growth of our tourism sector,” Pimentel concluded.
