PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr., through the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), has greenlit an additional grant of P5 million for each victor of the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) Tourism Champions Challenge.
“We are doing this because it is a very, very good policy to invest in success. So, make the most of it. Make the Philippines proud. Make the Filipinos proud,” remarked the President during the Tourism Champions Challenge Awarding Ceremony held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City on Monday.
“Each winner deserves this additional reward towards building infinite capabilities to make everything better,” he emphasized. “It is also a reaffirmation of my belief that local governments are our indispensable and active partners in national development,” he further elaborated.
Marcos pledged the continued support of the national government to the sector, promising to construct more infrastructure, implement tourism-friendly policies, and pique interest from a global audience.
Highlighting the Tourism Champions Challenge as a step in the right direction, an initiative that stimulates creativity capable of amplifying the allure of the Philippine tourism industry, Marcos underscored its significance.
Simultaneously, the Chief Executive urged industry players and stakeholders to showcase not only the country’s scenic beauty and physical marvels but also the warmth, affection, and love “that Filipinos always bring to their relationships.”
“We show the world that we have long been ready to love them back,” he said.
He also commended Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, the DOT, and TIEZA for their exemplary efforts in executing the program.
Last year, the Philippines welcomed 5.5 million inbound tourists, marking a 100 percent surge from the 2022 record. With over 1.2 million tourist arrivals registered in the first two months of 2024, the DOT remains optimistic about sustaining the progress. The agency aims to welcome 7.7 million inbound tourists this year. (Gilbert Perdez)
