The Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) initiated discussions to strengthen tourism and trade convergence programs.
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and DTI Secretary Maria Cristina Roque met at the Filinvest Building in Makati City to explore collaborative opportunities aimed at enhancing product development, supporting tourism-related micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and improving investment business missions.
“I am grateful to have met with Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque to discuss a Tourism and Trade Convergence to benefit micro, small and medium tourism businesses, as well as the DOT’s proposal for more attractive incentives for tourism investments under the Strategic Investments Priority Plan so as to expand tourism infrastructure such as the building of more hotels and resorts in the country,” Frasco explained.
“The DOT and DTI are converging to enhance product development, support tourism-related MSMEs, and incorporate tourism investment into trade business missions.”
“The DOT and DTI are converging to enhance product development, support tourism-related micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and incorporate tourism investment into trade business missions,” the tourism chief said.
The discussions also covered Halal certification, potential partnerships in the DOT’s Philippine Experience Program and Filipino Brand of Service Excellence Program, as well as possible loan programs for tourism-related enterprises.
“Pursuant to our development of the Philippines into a Muslim-Friendly and Halal Tourism destination, we are also collaborating on Halal certification.”
“Pursuant to our development of the Philippines into a Muslim-Friendly and Halal Tourism destination, we are also collaborating on Halal certification. We will tap DTI’s expertise to enhance the products component of our Philippine Experience Program, train tourism MSMEs in the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence Program, and launch financial assistance programs and access to loans for tourism-related enterprises,” the tourism head added.
Both leaders emphasized the importance of integrating efforts to boost economic growth, recognizing the synergy between tourism and trade in driving forward the national economy.
“With tourism and trade both serving as critical pillars of our economy, the DOTxDTI Convergence will see tourism businesses thrive even further, bringing more income and more jobs for our fellow Filipinos,” Frasco concluded.
