Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said the Department of Tourism (DOT) is eager to partner with the Negros Occidental provincial government to ensure that the tourism potential of the province is fully developed under the Marcos administration.
Frasco, who was the guest speaker at the opening of the Panaad sa Negros Festival at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City on Monday, April 17, said in an interview that her presence at the festival with other DOT officials is a tacit manifestation of their full support for the province’s efforts at pushing for the full development of its tourism industry.
“We are very excited to highlight the richness of the culture and heritage of this province, the deliciousness of the food and the talent and artistry of its local artisans as well as the beauty of your nature-based destinations,” she said.
The Marcos administration’s aim is to transform the Philippines into a tourism power house in Asia, she said, that will create livelihood opportunities for Filipinos.
“The aim is to spread the benefits of tourism nationwide to give opportunities not just too well-known destinations but also to emerging and lesser known destinations,” Frasco said.
The aim is to take a look at the essential pillars for tourism development, “not just to focus on promotion, but more importantly to focus on product development,” she said.
The DOT will be introducing programs that will improve infrastructure, connectivity, digitalization, the enhancement of the overall tourist experience, and the equalization of tourism opportunities, Frasco said.
It will be the heralding of the best of the Filipino brand and identity to the world, she added.
The aim is to attain 100 percent recovery of Philippine tourism this year, she said.*