DOT: ‘smart tourism’ programs continuous

The Bohol Chronicle, July 15, 2021

MANILA – The Department of Tourism (DOT), through the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), continues to support destinations by funding their digital transformation projects in a bid to promote “smart tourism” that banks on contactless transactions.

As of June 2021, the TPB has downloaded a total of PHP111.65 million to local government units for various projects, including the development of the Visitor Information and Travel Assistance (VIS.I.T.A.) platform, an online visitor management and monitoring system; local tourism websites; mobile applications; and digital marketing tools.

“Digital innovations are playing a crucial role in the recovery of the tourism industry. Not only do they improve the efficiency of business operations, and promotions, they also allow for a safer environment through contactless transactions, virtual meetings, and visitor registration and monitoring,” Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat said Wednesday.

Aside from Baguio City, destinations also using the VIS.I.T.A. app now include the Ilocos Region, Central and Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Metro Manila, and the provinces of Bohol, Marinduque, Oriental Mindoro, Quirino, and Zambales.