Government ready for UNDAS 2019 tourist influx

In anticipation of the surge of local and foreign visitors, the Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat has already ordered the main and regional offices to extend all assistance that may be needed by visitors.

Meanwhile, Secretary Puyat lauds the initiative of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) in ensuring a seamless travel experience for all with the OPLAN BIYHENG AYOS: UNDAS 2019. With this, May Malasakit Helpdesks (MHDs) are now up in all transport hubs all throughout the country.

MHDs shall serve as a one-stop shop for passenger assistance in airports, seaports, train stations, and land terminals. Services to be provided include handling transport-related inquiries, complaints, and requests for assistance with TNVS/taxi booking; facilitating refund of terminal fees; providing attestation of cause of trip cancellation or delays; delivering emergency medical assistance; and accepting reports of possible security threats, among others.

“This nationwide drive bodes well in promoting domestic travel,” Secretary Puyat said.

Domestic trips reached 111 million in 2018 as reported by the Philippine Statistical Authority (PSA). This year, there are 21 holidays and 10 long weekends, one of which is the All Saints’ Day on November 1.

“The forthcoming All Saints’ Day celebration is one of the long weekend holidays that vacation takers and travelers take advantage of. We expect this year’s domestic trips to approximate the 2018 level when there were 20 holidays and 13 long weekends declared,” the Secretary added.