The Department of Tourism (DOT) has unveiled strategic plans to further promote tourism growth in Central Luzon.
Speaking during the third episode of Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas hosted by the Philippine Information Agency for 2025, DOT Regional Director Richard Daenos emphasized the key role of the Regional Tourism Development Plan (RTDP) in bridging the gap between national and local tourism strategies.
Daenos shared that the DOT has already begun implementing the RTDP across the region, which includes the provinces of Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Zambales, Pampanga, Bataan, Bulacan, and Olongapo City. Tarlac is expected to roll out its phase within the week.
He also highlighted the collaboration with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) in formulating the RTDP, with TIEZA funding the project.
“TIEZA will fund the RTDP, and as I mentioned earlier, the rollout has already started. We are currently in the first phase, and we expect to complete it by the end of the year, with a brief pause during the election period,” Daenos said.
In addition to the RTDP, the DOT is focused on increasing foreign tourist arrivals by targeting emerging markets. Daenos revealed that the agency has introduced Central Luzon as a tourism destination to India, recognizing its large population as a valuable source of potential visitors.
The DOT is also developing new tourism offerings, including faith tourism to celebrate the Jubilee Year. The Philippine Experience Program is being expanded to Nueva Ecija and Aurora to encourage cultural immersion and experiential travel.
“These initiatives will build on the ongoing developments in the region and will further expand our tourism portfolio,” Daenos added.
To ensure quality tourism services, the DOT is implementing the Accreditation Inspection Monitoring System to establish quality standards for tourism establishments.
As part of its collaborative approach, the DOT is strengthening partnerships with various government agencies to enhance tourism promotion. Additionally, the agency is working closely with local industries to foster tourism growth and revitalizing the Tourism Recognition for Enterprises and Stakeholders (TRES) Awards to honor outstanding contributions to the tourism sector.
“All of these initiatives make Central Luzon even more exciting. We want to create more stories, and these stories will showcase how vibrant and alive tourism is in the region,” Daenos concluded.
With these strategies in place, the DOT remains confident in the continued development of tourism in Central Luzon.
