The Department of Tourism has signed a deal with the Department of Information and Communications Technology that pushes for the improvement of connectivity in 94 identified tourist destinations across the country and the digitalization of tourism services.
Aside from tourist-magnets Boracay, Palawan, Cebu, Bohol and Siargao, emerging and lesser-known destinations will be the agency’s priority of the memorandum of understanding signed by Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco and Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan John Uy.
“Our push for digitalization and connectivity will allow Philippine tourism to finally take a primary role in the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and around the globe. This will propel us to even greater numbers than what we have already achieved thus far,” Frasco said.
For Uy, the partnership project will also look at the proper connectivity intervention per destination, whether fiber optics or satellite links will be installed, as well as the security of the equipment. “From the DICT perspective, we want to help all of the departments, all of the departments to be utilized, get services out in a more effective, more efficient, less redundant manner,” he said.
According to Frasco, the number of international tourist arrivals in the country as so far reached 2.4 million.
During this time and age, most communities will always benefit from any improvements in connectivity. Being identified as an area with potential for tourism is an advantage because of this collaboration of the DOT and DICT which can accelerate development in general.
While some places are blessed with natural wonders that are automatic tourism attractions, others can still become attractive for local and international tourists by being able to offer unique and safe experiences. Places that are able to achieve this not only develop a tourism industry, but also create better communities that ultimately benefit the locals and residents who live there. Such cases deserve the bonus of earning the extra benefits that come with being identified as having great potential for tourism, such as improvements in connectivity. For the rest, these advantages give them reason to identify and develop the beauty in their communities that can unlock the potential and benefits that come with tourism.*
