TIBFI’s Courtesy Call with Usec. Jimenez of DOT

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The Tourism Industry Board Foundation, Inc. Officers had a courtesy call meeting with Usec. Alma Rita Jimenez on 02 August 2016, Tuesday, 10:00 AM at the Department of Tourism building, Makati City. Present at the courtesy call were Ms. Anabelle Ochoa-Moreno (Chairperson), Dr. Gloria Baken Wong-Siy (Board Member), Ms. Ma. Christina Aquino (Secretary), Mr. Arjun Shroff (Board Member), together with Dir. Rica Bueno and Ms. Arlene Alipio, TIBFI Advisers from the Department of Tourism.

Ms. Anabelle Ochoa-Moreno presented an overview of TIBFI as an organization and its affiliated members. After the presentation, a discussion between TIBFI Officers and Usec. Jimenez took place regarding the plans of the new DOT administration for the development of Philippine tourism industry.

One agenda that was discussed is the reduction of travel tax by the government. In addition, Usec. Jimenez stated that one of DOT’s goals is to attract investors to invest in the Philippines. Through attracting investments, this stimulates the creation of jobs among Filipinos. “Investment is important because it is one of the major economic drivers when it comes to tourism industry,” according to Usec. Jimenez. The budget of DOT should always be put in a practical use and prudent plans and actions should always be put upfront.

During the courtesy call meeting of TIBFI Officers with Usec. Jimenez of DOT

Usec. Jimenez also shared that the new strategy of DOT under her leadership is to have a very practical approach. It is key to start creating actions in order for a development to progress. “Vision without action is hallucination,” Usec. Jimenez added. Furthermore, it is also one of the programs for the new administration of DOT to increase the market of tourism. Marketing the marginalized area should also be one of the programs that need to prioritize. Improving the life of Juan and Juana (J&J) should always be prioritized, according to Usec. Jimenez. The goal is to improve the quality of life of every Filipino. Usec. Jimenez also added that their strategy is to have inclusive rather than exclusive programs so that everyone is included because basically, tourism is everyone’s business.

Accreditation programs of DOT have also been discussed during the meeting. Accreditation programs are necessary in order to protect the consumers from abusive producers or suppliers. Some accreditation programs are already being made and implemented for the tourism establishments across the country.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:05 AM and the TIBFI Officers are looking forward to work with and support the new Department of Tourism administration for their plans and programs for the progress and development of Philippine tourism.

Tourism Industry Board Foundation Inc.

University of the Philippines - Asian Institute of Tourism
Commonwealth Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines

secretariat@tourismindustryboard.org
tourismboardmembership@gmail.com

+63 0920 2906840
+63 919 6162586