The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) welcomed the national government’s approval of measures aimed at enhancing the Philippine tourism industry on Saturday, 14th December.
The measures were approved at the most recent meeting of the country’s Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) meeting, with tourism secretary Christina Frasco and other Cabinet secretaries in attendance.
Earlier this year, the government and relevant parties already discussed ways to boost inbound tourism, including the easing of visa policies.
Frasco said: “The DOT has welcomed support for its advocacy to liberalise visa policies coming into and staying in the Philippines, especially because it is one of the biggest hurdles towards attracting international visitors, and is something nearly all of our ASEAN neighbors have already implemented.”
The need for innovation and convenience
The secretary added that the country needs to be able to run an electronic visa system that removes inconvenience and favours ease of access, with the right security measures in place.
She likewise noted that visa issues have seriously affected the tourism department’s initiatives to hit its projected arrival targets.
She concluded by saying: “We remain deeply committed to strengthening our tourism sector, in line with the President’s long-term vision for a thriving and inclusive economy. Together with our partners in government and the private sector, we will continue to champion the Philippines as a leading destination, offering rich experiences that benefit both visitors and the Filipino people.”