2 DOT projects seen to boost tourism

TO INCREASE tourist arrivals, the Department of Tourism (DOT) will launch “Bisita Be My Guest” and “Suroy-Suroy Pilipinas: The Philippine Experience,” projects that will promote the country’s attractions.

DOT Secretary Maria Esperanza Christina Garcia-Frasco announced the projects on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022, during the signing of the memorandum of agreement and the groundbreaking of two Tourist Rest Areas (TRA) in Carcar City and the southwestern town of Moalboal in Cebu.

The “Bisita Be My Guest” program will benefit individuals, particularly overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), who invite foreigners to visit the Philippines.

They will receive prizes, such as condominium units, brand new cars and holiday packages, among others, said Frasco.

Individuals who can bring in tourists will also be given privilege cards that they can use in various establishments, she added.

Suroy-Suroy

As for “Suroy-Suroy Pilipinas,” Frasco said the benchmark would be “Suroy-Suroy Sugbo,” the tourism project of her mother, Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

Suroy-Suroy Sugbo gives local government units (LGUs) an opportunity to showcase tourist spots in their jurisdictions.

Frasco did not provide the launching date and other details of the proposed projects in her speech. She also declined a request for an interview as she had to leave for another engagement.

Meanwhile, Frasco also shared that the DOT had already surpassed its target of 1.7 million international arrivals since the country re-opened to international tourists last February.

For two years, travel restrictions were in effect because of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

Frasco said as of Dec. 17, DOT had recorded about 2.4 million international arrivals, 75 percent of which were foreigners.

She also said Cebu is among the biggest contributors to the country’s income from tourism.

She said the Philippines gained at least P130 billion from the tourism industry as of October 2022.

Though unable to provide figures, Frasco said Cebu contributed most of the income through its tourist sites that were among the favorite destinations among foreign tourists.

Among the popular tourist destinations in Cebu are its islands, such as Bantayan and Malapascua Islands, and the Kawasan Falls.

TRA

As for the TRAs, she said they are set to have another groundbreaking ceremony for a TRA in Roxas town in Palawan. The DOT aims to launch at least 10 TRAs by the end of the year and more will be built across the country in the years to come.

The TRA program is a joint endeavor of the DOT and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, a government-owned corporation that funded the construction of the TRA. Each TRA costs P7 million to build.

Each rest area will be up to 300 square meters in size and will have clean and sanitary restrooms, information booths and other amenities, which will help ensure the tourists’ convenience during their stay in the country.

It will also serve as a venue for the LGUs to promote their local products.