The Department of Transportation said a robust transport sector is critical in attracting more tourists to the Philippines.
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said transport projects aimed at moving people en masse are expected to boost tourism.
“Our confidence at expecting more tourist arrivals is based on a robust transport sector,” he said.
Bautista said apart from guaranteed mobility, the agency’s flagship projects would support the country’s national tourism efforts.
“Improving and modernizing our transport systems will be crucial in ensuring tourists enjoy their vacations that start with travel to and from their homes,” he said.
The Department of Tourism is targeting 7.7 million international visitor arrivals this year, up from 5.45 million in 2023.
The Philippines received over 5.45 million international visitor arrivals in 2023, successfully breaching the 4.8 million arrivals target set by the industry.
Bautista cited projects such as the modernization of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), Laguinduingan and Bohol-Panglao Airports and the construction of the New Manila International Airport.
The DOTr is also modernizing land transport under the PUV Modernization Program, expanding the country’s bike lanes and the EDSA Busway.
Mega rail projects are also in full blast, with the construction of the North-South Commuter Railway and Metro Manila Subway, according to Bautista.
He said seaports are also being improved to enable tourists to travel to their next destinations conveniently by sea.
