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The Department of Tourism (DoT) unveiled two distinct collaborations on Tuesday, aimed at fostering the advancement of local merchants and endorsing regional destinations.
Through the agency’s alliance with TikTok, tourism micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) will partake in a one-day workshop or “instructional sessions” centered on leveraging the platform’s features to enhance their revenue and broaden their market.
“The advantage of this collaboration is its alignment with the platform’s and (DoT’s) goals. TikTok’s global reach complements the objectives of Philippine tourism, which aspires to benefit the entire country,” Tourism Secretary Ma. Esperanza Christina G. Frasco communicated to journalists at the event.
As per TikTok Philippines Public Policy Head Yves P. Gonzalez, the initiative will incorporate a three-module “Content Camp” addressing themes related to content creation, live selling, and advertising.
“Our aim here is to assist the MSMEs, particularly those who have yet to utilize the platform, while elevating those who are already familiar with it,” Mr. Gonzales remarked. “It’s truly about empowering them with digital abilities to enable them to advance.”
The tourism executive remarked that the initiative will be trialed in Metro Manila and Cebu in November, intending to aid small hotels, eateries, souvenir shops, travel agencies, and tourism associations.
“I particularly pointed out Cebu, where the tourism sector in the north has been severely affected by the recent earthquakes,” she noted. “Hence, they are among the groups we aim to support through our partnership with TikTok.”
“Let’s bear in mind that a multitude of individuals are using TikTok. It’s a highly favored platform. Therefore, the Department of Tourism is eager to assist as many tourism stakeholders as feasible,” she added.
The initial cohort of the TikTok training program will be available to at least 50 DoT-accredited enterprises in a hybrid format. Other interested parties may express their intent to participate via the agency’s regional offices.
“Our TikTok team and the central office will compile the names of those recommended by the regional office, and we will have that list,” DoT Assistant Secretary Sharlene Zabala-Batin stated.
The DoT previously indicated that roughly 1,200 tourism employees in Cebu were displaced due to the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that hit the province on September 30.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has also extended its assistance to over a thousand affected employees by designating P11 million for the TUPAD (Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers) initiative.
IBP COLLABORATION
In a separate alliance with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), the DoT introduced a privilege card for lawyers maintaining “good standing” to promote local travel and tourism expenditures.
“Their jurisdiction is national, not limited to their conventions but also in managing cases in courts throughout the country,” Ms. Frasco mentioned to reporters. “Thus, it creates a consistent income stream for our local tourism destinations.”
The IBP privilege card provides discounts and exclusive rates at DOT-accredited establishments, including hotels, resorts, travel services, and tour providers.
The IBP National Director and Chairman Allan G. Panolong noted that approximately 48,000 lawyers in good standing could register for the IBP privilege card.
“If they have not settled their membership fees, lawyers are ineligible for the program,” Mr. Panolong explained. “We provide the names to the Department of Tourism to ensure only qualified lawyers can participate.”
The Tourism chief emphasized that one of the considerations for the collaboration is the travel habits of lawyers. “When they travel, it’s not only themselves; they also bring their families along.”
By traveling with their families, Ms. Frasco highlighted how lawyers significantly contribute to domestic tourism spending and related stakeholders.
“They don’t merely stay overnight; they tend to remain for several days. Their hotel accommodations and airline fares contribute, as do the ancillary services – such as dining, transportation, shopping, and souvenirs,” she elaborated.
“The ongoing influx of lawyers, members of the IBP, traveling nationally invigorates our local economies,” she remarked.
In addition to the privilege card, IBP will also provide free legal consultations, training, and representation to eligible DoT-accredited individuals and businesses to protect tourism workers and companies during disputes and emergencies.
“We hope that the impact in terms of community support will be felt by our destinations,” Ms. Frasco concluded. — Almira Louise S. Martinez
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