The Philippine government, through the Department of Tourism (DOT), launched its newest tourism website featuring an interactive design that allows users to explore all Philippine tourist destinations with just a click of the mouse.
The website (https://philippines.travel), unveiled at the HUB: Make Lab in Escolta, Manila is essentially a one-stop-shop where visitors can learn about all Philippine regions, plan and book their travel with DOT-accredited tourism establishments.
“We are bringing to both foreign and local travelers our 7,641 islands at the tip of their fingers and it starts with a mission to integrate our beautiful destinations, the fun activities, and all the products that our wonderful country can offer through the aid of the internet,” DOT Assistant Secretary Howard Lance Uyking said during the launch.
“This website will help us bridge tourists, the business sector and local stakeholders.”
“Everything is now is online and in pursuit of the sustainable tourism industry, this website will help us bridge tourists, the business sector and local stakeholders in a more interactive and tourist-friendly manner,” Uyking added.
Among the website’s fun features is the Philippines’ virtual map that gives the user a sneak peek on what to see in a particular region or province.
To further capture the spirit of the national tourism slogan, the website also uses DOT’s custom-made font for “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” campaign called “Barabara.”
Visiting the website, you see that the user experience is personalized according to a tourist’s travel behaviors, with three main tabs, namely, “See & Do”, “Where to Go”, and “Events & Festival”.
Under the “See & Do” tab, users have the following options to choose from: Dive, Nature, Sun and Beach, Adventure, Food and Hospitality, and Events and Culture– six tourism products the Philippines is known for.
In the “Where to Go” tab, tourists who are still planning their trip, on the other hand, can get a DOT-recommended itinerary template based on the Philippine destination they are eyeing to visit. Under this tab, tourists can get routes going to the sites and choices of DOT-accredited accommodation for their stay.
Meanwhile, the “Events & Festivals” tab allows visitors to check out the hundreds of fiestas held in the country throughout the year. The page shows the dates, location and routes, and essential information about the occasion.
“DOT will eventually add the option to change the website’s language starting from the Philippines’ top tourist markets.”
As he vowed to “continuously improve and enhance the site’s design”, the tourism official said the DOT will eventually add the option to change the website’s language starting from the Philippines’ top tourist markets.
The present version of the website hosts an actual travel booking system, which redirects users to the DOT’s official partner Guide to the Philippines
(guidetothephilippines.ph) where tourists can choose from more than 500 best value travel products.