TRAVEL AND TOURISM UPDATE
DoT pledges support for domestic tourism in Negros Occidental
Tourism secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat recently conferred with Negros Occidental local executives led by Governor Eugenio Jose V. Lacson, Bacolod City Mayor Evelino Leonardia and Silay City Mayor Mark Golez to share the good news that the Department of Tourism (DOT) is rebooting tourism in the province. Present were various key officers of tourism-related associations who, in turn, vowed cooperation by following the protocol issued by authorities and providing the appropriate services that would address the needs especially of domestic tourists.
Meeting with local officials and stakeholders is the strategy adopted by Puyat who said, “We can better understand the situation in the regions and help address the most pressing needs of the industry through regular dialogues and consultations.”
Secretary Puyat cited the DoT partnership programs with the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) in providing financial assistance to displaced tourism workers, and the Small Business Corporation (SB Corp) of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in providing loans.
“A total of 7,195 beneficiaries from 226 tourism enterprises and associations in Negros Occidental and Bacolod City have been endorsed to the DoT-DoLE program, with approval and payouts reaching P8.77 million as of (6 January),” Puyat said.
She also reported that 48 loan applications have been approved as of 14 January, under the CARES for TRAVEL program between the DoT and SB Corp, with a total amount of P30.07 million.
Goodbye for now, Shangri-La Makati
Reacting to the announcement of the temporary closure of the operations starting 1 February of Makati Shangri-la hotel, the DoT has expressed sadness over the fate of the renowned hotel.
The hotel has been a pillar in the tourism industry in the Philippines and has contributed to positioning the country in the region and around the globe. The Filipino people, especially those who have enjoyed the services and facilities of the hotel which, for many years, has been the venue of the most prestigious events in the country, hope it will soon be back and in full operation as in the good old happy days.
Special mention goes to Patty Javier whose graciousness and charm had been instrumental in the media’s support for the hotel. We hope to see you soon,
Patty!