With the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic now forcing people to observe physical distancing and isolation, most work and leisure activities are now being done online.
As the health crisis continues to evolve and in anticipation of other challenges, the Department of Tourism (DOT) and its attached agencies are making sure that Philippine tourism remains competitive, will adapt well, and will take advantage of digital technology.
“The DOT will continue to optimize the role of technology to promote tourism and digital learning to provide new opportunities across the tourism sector,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said.
“The DOT joins the international trend in going digital.”
The DOT joins the international trend in going digital; utilizing inspirational strategies to maintain market presence worldwide.
A series of promotional videos encouraging tourists and non-tourists alike to “Stay at home, dream, and wake up in the Philippines” featuring breathtaking sceneries and memorable activities in the country were recently released by the Department.
One-minute videos highlighting the different regions including Central Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Cordillera Administrative Region, Bicol and MIMAROPA (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) Region were also produced, accessible at philippines.travel/wakeupinph.
The DOT also encouraged the public to “travel from home.”
The DOT is also encouraging the public to “travel from home” by providing virtual backgrounds on some of the most popular travel spots in the country for video conferencing platforms. The photos for morning, afternoon, or night video calls can be downloaded from philippines.travel/fromhome for free.
Meanwhile, the Intramuros Administration (IA), an attached agency of the DOT responsible for the restoration and redevelopment of the historic Walled City of Manila, also turned to technology operating an online museum, and managing Visita Iglesia Tours and online learning sessions.
The DOT earlier launched DOT Online Learnings, a series of free online training via video-conferencing as an alternative to the regular training programs being conducted by the Office of Industry Manpower Development (OIMD).
All webinars are recorded and may be accessed through the DOT Facebook page: DOT Trains (tinyurl.com/y8vvqktf).
The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), on the other hand, mounted a webinar in partnership with the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) to apprise local and international tourism stakeholders with the current trends and updates on the industry.
The DOT, through the TPB, is also keen on exploring the possibility of virtual Meetings, Incentive, Conventions, and Exhibitions (M.I.C.E.) events.
Moreover, the DOT also launched the online leg of the Philippine Harvest trade fair in partnership with Stores Specialists Inc. (SSI) in an effort to continue promoting and giving access to fresh produce and local food products.