The Department of Tourism (DOT) convened the Tourism Coordinating Council (TCC) meeting to advance the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023-2028 in collaboration with government agencies and industry stakeholders.
Established under Republic Act No. 9593, the TCC, chaired by the DOT secretary, coordinates national tourism efforts, including the implementation of the NTDP, which was approved by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in 2022.
Addressing TCC members from government and private sectors, DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco noted the sector’s strong performance.
“Tourism remains a thriving pillar of our economy, driven by our collective hard work and commitment to making it a force for good,” Frasco said.
She acknowledged key challenges, including slower growth in outbound markets, air connectivity issues, geopolitical uncertainties and destination capacity constraints.
The DOT said to address these, it intensified efforts to enhance infrastructure and streamline travel processes through strategic partnerships with key agencies.
These include the Department of Transportation (DOTr) on airport and seaport enhancements; Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on expanding internet connectivity in tourism hubs; Bureau of Immigration (BI) and Department of Justice (DOJ) on implementing the Cruise Visa Waiver Program; Department of Public Works and Highways on developing tourism roads; and Department of Health (DOH), for establishing tourist first aid facilities.
Frasco called on TCC members to sustain collaboration, citing tourism’s role in national progress.
“Tourism embodies our shared commitment to sustainable development and the well-being of the Filipino people. Its success depends on our collective efforts. We look forward to your continued support in realizing our President’s vision of tourism as a transformational force for our country,” she said.