Philippines – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has joined forces with the Department of Tourism (DOT) to strengthen micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) in the Philippines while boosting tourism.
Both agencies will collaborate to boost creative industries for tourism growth, supporting their product development and branding. The move aims to drive inclusive economic growth in the country through inter-agency collaboration.
Through the partnership, DTI will provide financing opportunities for eligible tourism projects with the Small Business Corporation. It will also help drive investment opportunities and promote local products and services through DOT’s events.
The partnership will also see DTI integrating its ‘One Town, One Product’ stores with DOT’s Philippine Experience Program, cultural tourism offerings, and Tourist Rest Areas (TRA).
Meanwhile, DOT will launch marketing campaigns and co-develop tourism packages, highlighting Filipino heritage through joint initiatives. It will contribute to DTI’s trade missions, promoting investments and services related to tourism.
DOT will also carve spaces for local products within TRAs and extend its program offers to DTI stakeholders, including its Filipino Brand of Service Excellence.
“By working together, we are enhancing the synergy between tourism promotion and enterprise development. This convergence aims to foster inclusive growth, empower local industries, and unlock opportunities that reach far beyond our urban centres and into the heart of our communities,” Cristina A. Roque, DTI Secretary, said.
“We are so grateful that the Department of Trade and Industry brings its expertise to our tourism MSMEs. Through the MOA, we are building a bridge for our MSMEs to receive the tools and resources that they need, as well as access and exposure to compete in both local and global markets. By nurturing local businesses, we elevate the Filipino brand, showcasing our cultural heritage, creative talents, and unique products to the world,” Christina Garcia Frasco, DOT Secretary, said.
