According to incoming Tourism Secretary Cristina Frasco, it is up to President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to keep or replace the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) slogan “It’s more fun in the Philippines.”
“We recognize the proposals and plans for continuity. All of these plans and programs, including the branding will be presented to the president-elect as he will be the one to set the vision for our country in all aspects including tourism,” Frasco said in an ANC interview.
Marcos, according to Frasco, is interested in boosting the country’s total visitor experience, whether domestic or international tourism.
Frasco stated that the government must invest extensively in infrastructure to ensure the tourism sector recovers from the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I think that having a very, very strong foundation for the industry is very important, and that means investing heavily in infrastructure and as far as improving the connectivity and access to our tourist sites,” she said.
“That means coordinating closely with relevant government agencies for the improvement of roads, bridges, access, seaports, airports, as well as modes of public transportation,” she added.
‘It’s more fun in the Philippines’ DOT slogan can change – incoming chief
Apart from that, Frasco believes the government should integrate technology, innovation, and digitization into the tourism industry.
Frasco also stated that the government must take a multi-faceted strategy for tourism and capitalize on Filipinos’ wealth of talent and local items such as cuisine and apparel.
Frasco stated that the government must provide social protection to tourism workers, as observed during the COVID-19 pandemic, to feel the state’s intervention in times of need.
Frasco, re-elected to a new three-year term as mayor of Liloan in the 2022 elections, said she expects continuity of plans and initiatives in the municipality, given that the vice mayor-elect, who will take her place, is also from her political party.
Frasco also stated that she has yet to suggest a new spokeswoman for Vice President-elect Sara Duterte.
“At the moment, I have not presented any recommendations to her or discussed that matter with her,” the incoming DOT chief said.
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