Philippines’ capital city lauded for tourism efforts

Visita Intramuros, a recently launched tour of the famous walled city, aims to reintroduce the complex and sites around it as part of Manila’s tourism belt. (DOT Photo)

The Department of Tourism lauds the initiative of the City of Manila under the leadership of Mayor Isko Moreno to boost tourism in the Philippines’ capital city.

“A strong and active partnership with the local government units (LGUs) can only help advance the government’s sustainable tourism development that aims to preserve and protect not only the country’s many natural tourist attractions but also its rich cultural heritage and historical sites,” says Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.

In support of Mayor Moreno’s efforts, Puyat has directed the following offices to work closely with Manila City Hall: DOT National Capital Region (NCR), attached agencies Intramuros Administration (IA), Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zones Authority (TIEZA), and the National Parks Development Committee (NPDC).

“Manila is the crucible of Philippine history and culture and the primary gateway to the country’s 7,641 island destinations. And we at the DOT share the vision and enthusiasm of Mayor Moreno in providing our international visitors a great first impression of the Philippines as soon as they set foot in Manila,” added Puyat.

Last month, the DOT NCR and the Intramuros Administration, in partnership with the Manila Hotel, recently launched the “Visita Intramuros” to showcase Manila’s historical gems through special promos on tour packages, including visits to Manila Hotel, Fort Santiago, and Intramuros.

“There is much to experience in the country’s capital city. Aside from Intramuros, we have Rizal Park, Paco Park, Quiapo Church, Sta. Cruz, Binondo, Manila’s Chinatown, and University of Sto. Tomas, as well as the traditional and religious festivities.

According to the DOT’s Statistics, Economic Analysis and Information Management Division (SEAIMD), a total of 4,839,593 international tourists arrived via Manila air and sea ports in 2018 (air, 4,691,003; sea, 148,590).

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Stay updated with news and information from the Department of Tourism by visiting their website at http://www.tourism.gov.ph.

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