The Department of Tourism (DOT) expects the accommodation sector to have 456,000 room keys by 2028.
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco emphasized the need for the hotel and accommodation industry to act swiftly.
“Every delay in building capacity and improving infrastructure is a missed opportunity,” Frasco said, while addressing the participants during the launch of the Philippine Hotel Industry Strategic Action Plan for 2023 to 2028.
She said the Philippine Hospitality and Sustainable Accommodation Program (PHISAP) would strive to advance the required infrastructure to help accommodate the rising number of foreign arrivals.
“PHISAP is a crucial step in our journey to transform the Philippines into a world-class tourism destination. By increasing our hotel room capacity, we can accommodate more visitors and boost our economy,” Frasco said.
To support the growth of the tourism industry, the government is investing in infrastructure projects, improving public-private partnerships and implementing policies that promote tourism development.
Frasco called for the construction and expansion of tourism roads, bridges and airports as well as the adoption of digital platforms to enhance the tourist experience.
The DOT is also prioritizing trust-building and investing in the well-being of tourism employees and stakeholders, as Frasco emphasized the importance of sustainability, hygiene and safety in attracting travelers, particularly in the post-pandemic era.
Frasco said the challenges facing the tourism industry are too complex to be solved by any single sector or government alone.
She stressed the need for collaboration and a resilient, adaptable and forward-thinking tourism ecosystem to meet the demands of today’s travelers and anticipate the needs of the future.
Frasco acknowledged the accommodation sector’s significant contributions to the tourism industry in 2023, highlighting the P2.09-trillion tourism direct gross value-added (TDGVA) and the 6.21 million jobs in the sector.
The sector also attracted over P508.8 billion in tourism investments, a critical contribution to the country’s economic recovery.
