STATEMENT | On criticisms against the Department of Tourism and the country’s new tourism slogan
July 07, 2024
Tourism is one of the most important sectors of our economy, contributing around 6.2 percent to our country’s Gross Domestic Product last year. With travel restrictions no longer in effect, the Philippine tourism industry will be playing a central role in the country’s economic recovery. This is perhaps the best time to re-introduce the Philippines to the world and show what our country has to offer.
The Department of Tourism under the leadership of Secretary Christina Frasco has been making huge strides in this effort. Aside from its recent initiative to revise the country’s tourism slogan, the said department has rolled out various projects to help the country’s tourism industry realize its full potential. One of these programs is the Philippine Motorcycle Tourism initiative, which Secretary Frasco and I are currently working on.
Through this particular engagement, I witnessed her determination in making the DOT’s programs work. She has been proactive, dynamic, and innovative in work – qualities that make a good Tourism Secretary. While the DOT’s rebranding efforts have received much criticism, I think we should give the DOT and Secretary Frasco a chance. The department’s recent oversight should not taint or derail its laudable programs. Let us turn our impassioned reactions into sober conversations on how we can work together in strengthening our country’s tourism programs.
