Summary
Highlights
The National Tourism Development Plan 2023-2028 aims to transform the Philippines into a tourism powerhouse in Asia. This plan serves as a blueprint for tourism development and transformation under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., recognizing the industry's strength as a socio-economic tool.
A primary focus is on tourism infrastructure development and connectivity, involving improvements to roads, bridges, drainage, water, and sewerage systems in coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways. Collaboration with the Department of Transportation also aggressively pursues the resumption of old routes and the addition of new international and domestic routes to and around the Philippines. The plan includes modernizing transport infrastructures such as airports, seaports, and railways to enhance the passenger experience.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology is working to digitalize and improve tourism infrastructure and experience. This includes enhancing internet connectivity in tourist destinations and, in partnership with the Tourism Promotions Board, establishing a 'tourist lifecycle app' for booking accommodations and accessing tour guides. A tourist assistance call center is also being established to ensure a positive overall tourist experience and address issues like scams.
To further improve the tourist experience, 10 tourist rest areas are being developed across the Philippines, offering clean restrooms, information centers, and spaces for small and medium enterprises. The Department of Labor and Employment is also actively involved, organizing national Philippine tourism job fairs like one that offered 8,310 job vacancies, highlighting the link between tourism and employment.
The plan emphasizes engaging overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) as tourism ambassadors, recognizing their role in economic development. Programs like “Be My Guest” aim to include OFWs in promoting the country. The tourism industry will leverage the strength of the Filipino brand to reintroduce the Philippines to the world, showcasing the beauty, grace, and hospitality of its people and the best of what the nation has to offer.