Incoming Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco is promoting inclusive and sustainable tourism to bring development to more communities nationwide.
“It is this inclusive, sustainable, innovative, and collaborative tourism governance that I intend to bring to the Department of Tourism,” Garcia-Frasco said during the welcome ceremonies organized by the Department of Tourism staff.
Frasco said the inclusivity of all local government units to the overall tourism plan would help uplift the economic status of municipalities, cities, and provinces, and the nation as a whole.
“From our experience in Cebu, there is a theoretical notion of the importance of national and local government cooperation. There is the mandated importance by the local government code requiring prior coordination between the national and the local government,” she said.
Garcia-Frasco brings with her the perspective of valuing the input of local government units in the crafting of national policy, “considering that the policies that are crafted nationally will be implemented by the local government units on the ground.”
She underscored the importance of harnessing the marketability of already well-known tourism sites, “but at the same time, shed light on sites in the Philippines that have not yet had equal opportunity for promotion and product development.”
She said a multidimensional approach to tourism should not only focus on the country’s natural resources, but also on the development and promotion of people and products.
Immediately after assuming office, the new Tourism secretary plans to present plans and programs, so the new leadership can set the direction for the department.
She highlighted the general vision set by the outgoing administration to revitalize the tourism industry and ensure that it is inclusive in the countryside.
It is also part of department’s plans to improve the overall tourist experience, not only to bring back lost tourism numbers, but also to explore potential markets to increase visitor arrivals.
The leadership at the DOT also deems it imperative to develop domestic tourism, considering its vast potential and the opportunities this will give to small businesses and the livelihood it will generate.
“I intend to be a listening Tourism secretary. To listen to the hopes and aspirations of our local government units as far as the development of their respective tourist destinations, and to find a way to make their desires cohesive as well with the overarching desire of the administration of President-elect Marcos to expand countryside development, to further develop our country as a tourism destination, and to give equal opportunities to all,” she said.
