MANILA – The Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) have teamed up through new initiatives to enhance the country’s tourism sector with the aid of scientific innovations.
According to Philippines News Agency, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and DOST Secretary Dr. Renato Solidum Jr. signed a memorandum of understanding for the Smart and Sustainable Communities Program (SSCP) and a memorandum of agreement for the development of a tourist arrival application. These agreements aim to make Philippine tourism smarter, more sustainable, and more resilient.
The SSCP initiative will focus on transforming communities with the integration of smart technologies and sustainable practices, aiming to make them more inclusive and resilient. This program will cover a range of activities including the promotion of smart technologies, delivery of transformative science and technology products and services, capacity building, and policy advocacy.
On the other hand, the memorandum of agreement focuses on the development of the TourLISTA (Tourism Live-Inventory and Statistics of Tourist Arrivals 2.0) application. This web-based tool, previously piloted by the DOT in the Mimaropa region, is designed for the detailed analysis and assessment of tourist arrivals.
Secretary Frasco emphasized the role of innovation in transforming Philippine tourism into a significant cultural and economic force. “Our President envisions tourism not only from the lens of recovery but rather of transformation; one that will see the Philippines elevate into a tourism powerhouse upon the strength of its culture, heritage, and identity,” she stated.
Adding to the initiatives, Secretary Solidum highlighted the government’s commitment to sustainability and also turned over DOST-developed “halal modules” aimed at enhancing the DOT’s upskilling programs for Filipino tourism workers.