Tourism Recovery Plan Bared

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is pursuing a 2022 recovery plan with the end goal of a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive Philippine tourism industry.

Photo Insert: Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat

Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat on Friday presented the plan during the deliberation of the DOT's proposed 2022 budget before the House of Representatives appropriations committee chaired by Rep. Eric Go Yap.

The DOT proposed a PHP3.52 billion budget for 2022 to support its plans and programs, as well as a PHP63.71 million allocation for the Intramuros Administration and PHP203.79 million for the National Parks Development Committee, according to a PNA report

She said the DOT would expand its product offerings and explore more green tourism lanes that may be used by domestic tourists next year once the Philippines' travel set-up has stabilized.

Romulo-Puyat said the DOT's policy direction banks on the reformulated National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) for 2016 to 2022, which has a three-pronged thrust of promoting safe, fun, and competitive tourism; pursuing sustainable, inclusive, and resilient tourism; and strengthening governance and destination management.

The DOT has also updated its Tourism Response and Recovery Plan (TRRP) with the main objective of mitigating the impact of the pandemic on the tourism industry.

She said this would guide the department and stakeholders in ensuring the protection of jobs and safety of travel workers, visitors, and communities, as well as support for tourism enterprises.

Among others, it will help rebuild confidence and growing demand in domestic and foreign markets.

“Under the Tourism Standards and Enforcement Program, we shall continue to improve service standards and restore confidence to travel, develop, and enforce tourism standards that are at par with global best practices,” she said.

'Swift budget proceedings'

Romulo-Puyat, meanwhile, thanked the lawmakers for the swift proceedings on her department’s proposed budget and welcomed their acknowledgment of DOT's efforts throughout the pandemic.

She particularly thanked Rizal 1st District Rep. Michael John Duavit, vice-chair of the appropriations committee, for presiding and maintaining a swift and smooth hearing.

During the budget deliberation, Laguna 3rd District Rep. Marisol Aragones-Sampello, chair of the House’s tourism committee, lauded Puyat's enthusiasm in visiting tourism destinations to uplift local stakeholders despite the threat posed by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

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