Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco underscored the integration of human touch and technological advancements during her keynote address at the recent 7th Tourism Human Resource Congress at the Grand Ballroom of The Bayleaf Cavite.
The event, themed “5 IR: Achieving Harmonious Human-Machine Collaboration in Tourism and Hospitality,” showcased significant milestones and future directions for the tourism sector.
Organized by the Tourism Industry Board Foundation Inc. (TIBFI), Frasco stressed at the congress the importance of human interaction.
“Routine tasks can be mechanized and digitalized, but the essence of our industry is and must always remain the human touch.”
“We recognize that technology does indeed enhance human performance. However, it cannot and should not replace human capital. Technology supports efficiency in operations but does not replace human interaction, interpersonal skills, or hospitality. Routine tasks can of course be mechanized and digitalized, but the essence of our industry is and must always remain the human touch,” the tourism chief said.
The tourism head extended a heartfelt gratitude to TIBFI, a tripartite body comprising private organizations and institutions, the labor sector, and government agencies, for its unwavering support since the First Tourism HR Congress in 2002.
She also acknowledged TIBFI’s instrumental role in the success of DOT’s programs and initiatives, particularly in implementing the ASEAN Mutual Recognition Arrangements on Tourism Professionals (ASEAN MRA-TP).
Frasco also reported remarkable tourism receipts totaling P3.36 trillion marking the highest tourism growth rate ever recorded in 24 years.
Tourism’s contribution to the GDP increased to 8.6%, creating employment for over 6.21 million Filipinos, which accounts for nearly 13% of the entire national employment figures.
“Let us continue to uphold the highest standards of service excellence in our tourism industry while we embrace innovation and technology.”
“Let us continue to uphold the highest standards of service excellence in our tourism industry while we embrace innovation and technology. Together, we can ensure that the Philippines remains a destination to love, welcoming travelers from all over the globe with open arms and warm hearts,” she concluded.
Meanwhile, TIBFI Chairperson Robert John Horrigan shared stories of foreigners praising the Philippine tourism landscape in his opening remarks, while Philippine Hotel Owners Association (PHOA) Executive Director and TIBFI Board Member Benito Bengzon Jr. extended a warm welcome to all the congress delegates.
TIBFI Vice Chairperson and 7th Tourism Human Resource Congress Chair Dr. Mark Irvin Celis, General Trias Councilor Mark Salazar, City Tourism, Culture, and the Arts Office Head Dr. Denz Columna, Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines (HRAP) President Eugene Yap, Megaworld Hotels & Resorts Managing Director Cleofe Albiso, Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) Technical Panel Member Ma. Christina Aquino and DOT Assistant Secretary Rica Bueno, OIC Assistant Secretary Warner Andrada, OIC Director Arlene Alipio, DOT 4A Regional Director Marites Castro and Chief Alex Macatuno also graced the event.
The tourism HR congress was hosted by academic partner Lyceum of the Philippines University Cavite, featuring a two-day program of activities.
Sessions included presentations on the NTDP 2023-2028 Report, Philippine Human Capital Development 2023-2028, hospitality industry trends, and enablers and disruptors in hospitality human resources. Panel discussions covered skills learning development and the role of technology in creating a delightful customer experience.
The second day of the congress featured presentations on prioritizing employment experience amidst the 5th Industrial Revolution, the transformative tourism and hospitality human resource landscape, and Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) STEP UP program for sustainable tourism education. Further presentations will include updates on the FBSE and the ASEAN MRA-TP.
