The Department of Transportation Secretary said a robust transport sector is critical in attracting more tourists to the Philippines.
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said transport projects aimed at moving people en masse are expected to boost tourism.
“Our confidence at expecting more tourist arrivals is based on a robust transport sector,” he added.
Bautista said apart from guaranteed mobility, the agency’s flagship projects will support the country’s national tourism efforts.
“Improving and modernizing our transport systems will be crucial in ensuring tourists enjoy their vacations that start with travel to and from their homes,” he said.
The Department of Tourism is targeting 7.7 million foreign tourist arrivals this year from 5.45 million international visitor arrivals in 2023.
In 2023 the Philippines received over 5.45 million international visitors, successfully breaching the 4.8 million target set by the industry. This year, the country has a baseline target of 7.7 million arrivals.
Bautista cited projects such as the modernization of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the Laguinduingan and Bohol-Panglao Airports as well as the construction of the New Manila International Airport helping the tourism industry realize the target.
The DOTr is likewise modernizing land transports under the PUV Modernization Program, expanding the country’s bike lanes, and the EDSA Busway.
Mega rail projects are also in full blast with the construction of the North-South Commuter Railway and Metro Manila Subway, according to Bautista.
He said seaports are also being improved to enable tourists to travel to their next destinations conveniently by sea.
