DOTr, DOT tackle transport projects in drive to boost PH tourism
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Department of Tourism (DOT) recently tackled transportation-related initiatives to enhance access to to tourist destinations and boost the country’s tourism industry.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez met with Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay on Aug. 5 to discuss ongoing and planned transportation-related projects that could make it easier for local and international tourists to visit destinations across the Philippines.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. earlier directed the DOTr to strengthen its coordination with other government agencies to improve connectivity and accessibility to key tourist destinations nationwide.
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Lopez provided updates on several airport and seaport projects, including the Siargao Airport, Benoni Port in Mahinog, Camiguin and the Port of Jubang in Dapa, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte.
Lopez also discussed improvements to passenger terminal buildings and runway extensions at several regional airports, including Busuanga, Tacloban, Aklan, Tuguegarao, Siargao, Bukidnon and Laoag airports.
According to the DOTr, longer runways would allow regional airports to accommodate larger aircraft, potentially increasing passenger capacity and making air travel more affordable to tourists.
“Our infrastructure projects are designed not just to move people, but to open up opportunities for local communities and strengthen our tourism industry nationwide,” Lopez said in a statement on Thursday.
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He also emphasized the importance of inter-agency collaboration in maximizing the country’s tourism potential.
“This collaboration with DOT is essential to realizing the full potential of our tourism sector,” he added.
The two agencies said stronger coordination on transportation infrastructure would help improve access to tourist destinations while supporting local communities and economic activity nationwide. (Rendell Ivan Manuel, INQUIRER.net trainee) /gsg
