The Department of Tourism (DOT) has officially designated Grab as its digital tourism partner, signaling a strategic move to modernize food tourism and enhance inter-city travel in the Philippines. The collaboration, formalized through a memorandum of agreement, aims to elevate two key priorities: promoting Philippine gastronomy as a central tourism driver and improving connectivity between gateway hubs and cities across the country.
According to Grab Philippines vice president for cities, CJ Lacsican, the partnership leverages Grab’s extensive technology and user base to offer safe and reliable services that enhance the travel experience, supporting both popular and lesser-known destinations. The DOT also emphasized that the partnership contributes to creating a more inclusive, tech-enabled future for Philippine tourism, expanding opportunities for small businesses, local communities, and MSMEs.
Grab is enhancing food tourism through initiatives such as Grab Dine Out, which provides dine-in discounts at popular food destinations, and GrabFood 5-Star Eats, a curated guide highlighting local culinary gems. Additionally, GrabFood For One offers budget-friendly solo meal options to make food tourism more accessible.
In terms of mobility, Grab is improving inter-city connectivity with features like Advance Booking, allowing travelers to schedule rides up to 90 days in advance. The platform now covers eight major airports nationwide, ensuring travelers have easy access to reliable transportation. Through this partnership, Grab and DOT aim to create a seamless and inclusive tourism experience that benefits both travelers and local businesses.
