Frasco lauds 'tireless' tourism workers

TOURISM Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco took the opportunity on Monday, Christmas Day, to express her appreciation to all who continue to work «tirelessly» for the tourism industry.

She cited tour guides, hotel staff, local artisans and countless others «who contribute to making the Philippine travel experience truly memorable.»

«Their dedication to duty deserves our appreciation and support, especially during these times,» she added.

Frasco also noted that Christmas provides even more reasons to «Love the Philippines,» as Filipinos welcome loved ones, relatives, friends and guests into their homes with world-renowned hospitality, giving culture and loving care.

The Department of Tourism (DoT) launched the enhanced tourism campaign «Love the Philippines,» which seeks to highlight to the world the country's many tourism assets that go beyond fun and adventure, such as the country's natural assets, deep well of culture and history, gastronomy, and many more.

In addition to a strengthened tourism campaign, the DoT sought to improve and elevate the quality of tourism services in the country through its centerpiece training program called the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE), which is anchored on the distinct Filipino brand of hospitality that is known all over the world, setting and meeting the target of training 100,000 workers by 2023. That goal was met in October.

«Our effort to not just develop hard infrastructure but also soft infrastructure with a focus on human capital development is part and parcel of the goal to capacitate our tourism workers in our bid to empower them and, in turn, increase tourism revenues across the entire tourism economy,» Frasco said.

Based on the DoT data, the number of FBSE-trained individuals has reached 124,116.

«From our Department of Tourism family to yours, I extend my heartfelt wishes for a Christmas overflowing with love, peace and joy,» Frasco said.