Tourism fourishes as Frasco expands DOT programs

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco continues to earn praise for her leadership of the Department of Tourism (DOT), following a landmark year that saw record-high revenues and strong public support for the agency’s programs.

According to the RP-Mission and Development (RPMD) Foundation Inc.'s 2024 “Boses ng Bayan” nationwide survey, Frasco received a 92 percent job performance approval rating, placing her among the top-rated cabinet officials under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration. The DOT chief ranked just behind Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian (94%) and Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman (91%).

Frasco attributed the high public satisfaction to the collaborative efforts of DOT personnel and its partners in both public and private sectors. “This recognition is not mine alone—it belongs to every hardworking individual in the Department of Tourism and our partners... who have devoted themselves to rebuilding and transforming our industry under the vision of our President,” she said in a statement.

The tourism sector marked a major milestone in 2024, generating %u20B1760 billion in revenue—a 9.04 percent increase from the previous year and a 126 percent recovery compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. The resurgence helped support approximately 16.4 million jobs, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

Under Frasco’s guidance, the DOT implemented key programs aligned with the National Tourism Development Plan (2023–2028), emphasizing grassroots engagement and whole-of-government collaboration. Initiatives such as the Philippine Experience Program and the revitalized “Love the Philippines” tourism brand drew renewed attention to the country’s cultural, heritage, and natural assets.

The agency also pushed for infrastructure and service enhancements, including the construction of new Tourist Rest Areas, expansion of tourism road networks, 24/7 call center assistance, hop-on hop-off bus systems, and improved digital connectivity at tourist sites. A streamlined e-visa system was also launched to facilitate the entry of foreign tourists.

Frasco likewise expanded the DOT’s focus to include niche markets such as gastronomy, halal and Muslim-friendly tourism, diving, golf, farm, and cruise tourism—positioning the Philippines as a competitive and inclusive travel destination.

The “Boses ng Bayan” survey evaluated cabinet members on criteria such as public trust, responsiveness, efficiency, and visibility, highlighting Frasco’s effective stewardship in the DOT’s remarkable post-pandemic recovery.