DOT aims to enhance PH hospitality sector competitiveness

Secretary Christina Frasco of the Department of Tourism (DOT) emphasized the agency's efforts to bolster the competitiveness of the Philippine accommodation sector through increased investment in tourism infrastructure.

Speaking at the Philippine Tourism Satellite Accounts and Tourism Statistics Dissemination Forum in Pasay City, Frasco highlighted the importance of enhancing accommodation services to attract more tourists.

“As we continue to attract more tourists to the Philippines, it is crucial that our accommodation services remain competitive,” Frasco stated in an interview.

She emphasized the DOT's openness to investments in additional hotels, resorts, and related services across both well-known and emerging destinations in the country.

Frasco pointed out that the Philippines currently lags behind neighboring Southeast Asian countries in terms of room inventory. According to DOT data, as of 2021, the country ranks fifth in the region with 212,373 available rooms.

Beyond accommodation, Frasco underscored the government's invitation for investments in connectivity infrastructure, including airports, seaports, transport services, and related facilities.

“Our efforts through our investment promotions arm and TIEZA, our infrastructure arm, are ongoing in soliciting proposals for tourism investments, particularly in tourism enterprise zones,” Frasco added.

She highlighted the incentives provided under the CREATE Law, which aims to attract investors to the tourism sector.

“We continue to engage with potential investors to ensure that we fully realize the potential of Philippine tourism by providing the necessary infrastructure for its development,” Frasco concluded.