Tourism revival needs all agencies, says PTAA

The Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) is urging various government agencies to step up in addressing the challenges facing the country’s tourism industry, stressing that its revitalization cannot rest solely on the Department of Tourism but requires a whole-of-government approach.

PTAA executive vice president Evelyn Dy-Bondagjy, who represents more than 600 travel agency members, said her organization continues to support and promote local tourism and fully backs the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023–2028, crafted by Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and other stakeholders.

Speaking at the Joint Session of Committees on Tourism, Social Justice, Welfare, and Tourism Development on Tuesday at the Senate, Dy-Bondagjy acknowledged the NTDP as a strong, well-designed framework.

“However, for this plan to succeed, we respectfully urge other government support agencies, together with the DoT, to develop a comprehensive, inter-agency action plan that creates an environment truly attractive to tourists,” she said.

The PTAA official said there are several critical issues affecting tourist arrivals that must be addressed, including peace and order, which means ensuring the safety and security of metropolitan areas and all tourist destinations; traffic congestion and accessibility, which need to improve traffic flow within major cities and access to and from airports, and high fuel costs in the country, which is among the highest in the region.

Also, Dy-Bondagjy has called for the government to reexamine excise taxes and heavy tax burdens, particularly on carriers, travel agencies, hotels, and resorts; the airport Infrastructure limitations that prevent more efficient aircraft utilization; and added seaport infrastructure that would increase cruise line visits and stops in the Philippines.

Further, the PTAA official sought more road infrastructure projects that would improve access to key destinations such as Boracay, with fewer transfers or delays upon arrival; the frequent terminal changes for carriers, causing additional costs and inconvenience, especially to destinations like Batanes; revisiting of Visa policies, advocating for more relaxed policies for visitors from key source markets, and budgetary support by incentivizing and assisting local travel agents and overseas operators to promote Philippine destinations.

“While we work closely with the DoT, many of these concerns fall outside its direct mandate. We therefore respectfully call on the Senate Committee on Tourism, together with the joint Committees on Social Justice, Welfare, and Tourism Development, to support tourism stakeholders and facilitate coordinated government action. Through these efforts, we can position the Philippines as a preferred destination of choice for travelers worldwide,” she said.

Removal of Frasco’s image

The Department of Tourism (DoT) has tightened guidelines on promotional materials, ordering the removal of content featuring Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco to keep campaigns focused on destinations, not personalities.

Frasco said she directed all DoT regional offices to take down existing materials with her image and to stop producing similar content. Local governments will also be asked to refrain from using her photo.

“I’ve issued an order to remove any material with my image and not to produce any new ones,” Frasco said, clarifying that she never authorized the placement of her photo in the first place.

The move follows concerns raised during a Senate tourism hearing about officials appearing prominently in promotional materials.

Frasco said the measure ensures public resources remain focused on national tourism priorities. “There are many matters of national importance that need attention,” she said, adding that her visibility reflects her work, not self-promotion.

Frasco also called for a review of airline regulations to help lower domestic fares and promote local tourism. She urged transparency from carriers in publishing ticket prices, citing their public franchise obligations under RA 11682.

“Airlines have responsibilities beyond profit — they must serve the public interest,” she said, noting that fair and regulated pricing is key to encouraging more Filipinos to travel.