FOLLOWING a strong pandemic recovery of the tourism industry this year, the government expects at least 2.6 million international tourists to visit the country in 2023.
The projection is about 50 percent higher compared to the 1.7 million tourist arrivals target of the Department of Tourism (DOT) this year.
Last week, tourism officials said the number of arrivals this year has already exceeded their expectation and reached 2.4 million.
“For next year, the DOT said it targets 2.6 million international tourist arrivals in a low scenario, and 6.4 million in a high scenario,” the Office of the Press Secretary (OPS) said in a statement on Wednesday.
To make the country more attractive for foreign visitors, the DOT said it will prioritize improving tourism infrastructure, establishing cohesive digitalization and connectivity, enhancing the country’s overall tourism experience and equalizing product development.
For infrastructure, DOT said it is supporting local government-initiated tourism projects and is pushing for the development of Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) properties through public-private partnerships (PPPs).
It is also eyeing to promote Cruise Tourism in the country with the development of at least 136 ports of call in over 40 islands.
The agency is also pushing to boost the country’s “tourism brand” by conducting regional travel fairs, developing tourism circuits, establishing Tourism Information Desks and Tourist Rest Areas, enhancing the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence, and improving the accreditation standards.
The initiative also includes the completion of the National Tourism Development Plan 2023-2028, the launch of the Philippine Experience Program and creation of “Overwintering packages.”
Image credits: Nonie Reyes