The Department of Tourism and Klook formally signed a partnership that would make travel experience in the country more accessible for all, highlighting curated tour packages of the Philippine Experience Program (PEP), a flagship tourism program that was developed and launched under the Marcos Administration.
This new collaborative initiative of the DOT with one of Asia’s leading platforms for experiences and travel services also aims to accelerate the digitalization of Philippine tourism.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and Klook President and Co-Founder Eric Gnock Fah led the ceremonial signing of Strategic Alliance and Memorandum of Agreement between the DOT and Klook, with Tourism Assistant Secretary Sharlene Zabala-Batin and Klook General Manager for Philippines and Thailand Michelle Ho as witnesses.
“We are grateful that Klook has partnered with the Department of Tourism to support the Love the Philippines campaign, which we have taken all over the world, opening up the eyes of the world to the many reasons to love our country,” Frasco said.
“The significant partnership perfectly aligns with our National Tourism Development Plan’s prioritization of digital innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity as pillars for tourism development.”
“These milestones that we have met, and this significant partnership that we are entering into today, perfectly align with our National Tourism Development Plan’s prioritization of digital innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity as pillars for tourism development. As we move forward, let us continue to harness the power of collaboration and innovation together,” the tourism chief said.
From Klook’s end, the global platform’s co-founder shared his excitement about this new endeavor.
“At Klook, we believe there are countless adventures, unique experiences, and cultural treasures still waiting to be discovered.”
“At Klook, we believe there are countless adventures, unique experiences, and cultural treasures still waiting to be discovered. Here in the Philippines, with its stunning natural wonders and the warmth and vibrancy of its people, we are excited to partner with the Department of Tourism to bring even more of these incredible experiences to Filipinos and travelers around the world,” Gnock Fah said.
With the unveiling of the DOT-Klook Philippines collaboration comes a pioneering roster of PEP tours on the platform offering tours across the country.
Now available on Klook are must-experience destinations including a Culture, Heritage & Arts Tour in Calabarzon, where travelers will discover the captivating Pagsanjan Falls, and cultural landmarks like the connective Pinto Art Museum and the historical Villa Escudero.
Also available is the Culture, Heritage & Adventure Tour in Bicol, where one can embark on an ATV adventure to Mayon Volcano and sample the delicious Bicolano cuisine, highlighting the wonders found south of the capital in Luzon.
Up north, the Culture, Heritage & Arts Tour in the Ilocos Region offers visitors to the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage City to discover the Philippines’ Spanish colonial history. During the tour, participants will also get the chance to interact with locals and savor local specialties like empanadas and tupig.
For those looking to explore the Visayas region, travelers can look into visiting Silay City, known for its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture and heritage houses, as well as its fresh and delectable seafood through the Culture, Heritage & Arts Tour in Western Visayas.
To round up the pioneering set of tours is an exclusive experience highlighting the beautiful sights, history, and traditions of Palawan in the Culture, Heritage & Arts Tour in Palawan, through the Palawan Special Battalion WW-II Memorial Museum, Binuatan Weaving Creation workshops, and the Butterfly Garden.
On top of the PEP curated tours the partnership also looks to integrate the DOT’s Tourist Rest Areas (TRAs) on Klook and initiate exploratory partnerships with the Mactan-Cebu International Airport and Clark International Airport through the endorsement of the DOT.
Klook will also continue hosting a series of regional roadshows to encourage more travel operators to take advantage of its technology and have a global reach.
Over the years, Klook has been an active partner of the DOT.
The first partnership was during the pandemic for training seminars on social media marketing and product development; the rolling out of Intramuros Pass to give travelers exclusive access to attractions and activities inside the award-winning Walled City; and the marketing collaboration with the Tourism Promotions Board on the Love the Philippines Campaign.
At present, Klook has over half a million experiences on its platform, catering to over 2,700 destinations nationwide.
