MANILA — The Department of Tourism (DOT) has partnered with Klook Philippines to modernize the country's tourism industry. 

A ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement and a Pledge of Strategic Alliance was held on Wednesday in Pasay City.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco emphasized the importance of the collaboration, stating that the partnership will enhance the Philippines’ visibility on the global stage.

"Napakahalaga ng partnership na ito with Klook and the Department of Tourism dahil mabibigyan natin yung ating destinasyon ng pagkakataon na makilala sa buong mundo kung saan ang ating mga turista ay mabibigyan na ng pagkakataon na magbook sa Klook ng ating philippine experience toursim packages," Frasco said.

(This partnership with Klook allows our destinations to be known worldwide, giving tourists the convenience of booking Philippine experience tourism packages through Klook.)

Initially, the program will focus on promoting destinations in the Ilocos Region, Bicol, Calabarzon, Palawan, and Western Visayas. However, Secretary Frasco noted plans to expand coverage to more areas in the future.

The partnership will also provide a digital platform for local travel agencies and tourism stakeholders to sell their packages, fostering inclusive growth in the sector.

The DOT expects an increase in international tourist arrivals and domestic trips.

Erick Gnock Fah, President and Co-Founder of Klookabs, also expressed enthusiasm for the partnership.

“We are very excited to partner with the department of tourism especially about not leaving out any of our tourism operators locally. We are now working with government body, we can now make sure that every single party in the Philippines in the tourism industry is now included,” Gnock Fah said.

Secretary Frasco shared that during a recent meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., they raised concerns about the P100 million budget allocated to DOT for 2025.

"We are grateful that the President listened and acted right away by saying that 400 million will be added to our promotions budget, to bring it back to the 500 million original proposal in the national expenditure plan," she said.

"With the promotions budget that we have so far been given, we have also managed to ensure increased tourism spending in the country. With increased budget also mean more tourism spending and more livelihood for our fellow FIlipinos," she added.