Philippines Embraces AI and Technology for Sustainable Tourism at WTM London 2024
London, United Kingdom – On November 6, Philippine Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco participated in the esteemed World Travel Market (WTM) Ministers’ Summit. This year’s theme, “AI for Good in Tourism: Exploring AI and Emerging Technologies,” was a collaboration between UN Tourism, the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), and WTM. The summit was part of WTM 2024 London, which took place from November 5 to 7.
During this pivotal session on the second day, leaders delved into how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies are forging new paths within global tourism. Key topics included enhancing visitor experiences, promoting sustainable practices, simplifying operational processes, generating employment opportunities, and supporting inclusive sector growth.
In her remarks at the event, Secretary Frasco underscored the proactive measures undertaken by the Philippines to incorporate AI in their sustainable tourism initiatives under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s leadership.
Philippines’ Innovative Approach to AI in Tourism
The WTM Ministers’ Summit featured several countries’ representatives discussing technology’s role in shaping tourist experiences. Secretary Frasco highlighted that since introducing its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS) back in 2021—becoming one of just fifty nations globally to embark on such a strategy—Philippines has paved the way towards embracing inclusive technological advancement.
“This commitment led our President to emphasize inclusivity through technology back in 2022,” said Secretary Frasco. “Moreover, Roadmap 2.0 was unveiled earlier this year to establish a Center for AI Research and Development aimed at crucial fields such as sustainable agriculture and disaster resilience—all essential elements that will significantly impact our country’s tourism future.”
Aligning with this strategic approach enabled DOT to incorporate tech-oriented components into its National Accreditation System designed for accommodation providers. The private sector’s enthusiastic engagement is evident; numerous establishments are now utilizing AI features like virtual assistants and smart hotel systems while addressing food waste more effectively.
Under her stewardship, significant strides have been made toward digital transformation within DOT as well—including innovative initiatives like GPS-integrated Hop-On Hop-Off bus tours alongside a comprehensive Tourist Assistance Call Center portal plus an all-in-one Travel Philippines app—all intended to foster improved travel engagements.
Maintaining Human Connection Amidst Technological Progress
While emphasizing modernization through technology implementations within tourism services—a domain that supports an estimated six million to nine million jobs as reported by WTTC—Secretary Frasco affirmed the necessity of retaining personal interactions that characterize Filipino hospitality; these human connections remain vital contributors boosting local economies with over eight percent generated from gross domestic product sources directly tied back into tourism sector earnings.
“We must strive not only towards digitization but also keep alive what truly sets us apart: genuine human interaction.” She stressed how “our distinctive warmth serves as one of our country’s most cherished attractions.”
Showcase of Philippine Culture at WTM
Secretary Frasco led an engaging presentation featuring rural businesses supporting experiential travel throughout various beautiful locales across Philippines during her visit at Dubai’s flagship global trade event dedicated solely towards hospitality industries—the esteemed World Travel Market headquartered here also welcomed foreign dignitaries from Andorra’s Minister Jordi Torres among others who play vital roles globally!
Through showcasing diverse regional venues spanning pristine beaches like Boracay & Palawan among others whilst creating package offers rooted deeply into cultural immersion alongside wellness journeys tied closely with gastronomical delights—they’re not just inviting visitors but essentially telling stories wrapped around heritage crafted upon unique regional offerings found nowhere else!
“Our participation highlights both commitment toward strengthening ties internationally while presenting opportunities awaiting all travelers alike eager enough discovering hidden gems embedded deep beneath vibrant local cultures.” declared Secretary adding efforts accentuated needs collaborative engagement uplift destinations previously overlooked transforming also potential market dollars flowing more vigorously throughout island network regions year-round creating positive ripple effects benefiting each community involved therein reason why showcasing history-bound traditions mattered so much at today’s generation-wide stage platform.”
Furthermore highlighted were key officials joined elected representatives presented honoring dynamic nature surrounding supporting those present throughout ongoing successful dialogue exploring innovative solutions needed tomorrow ahead respective sectors communities drew collaboration woven countries passionately believing together capable curation cultural gems discover sustained success every step advancing traveler always hoping find able share special moments life ever lasting whether adventuring ocean floors experiencing land peaks ensuring nostalgic connection forged no matter distance traveled pursuing memories worth cherishing long after!
The Philippine Pavilion now captures attention across significant events highlighting journey genuinely filled both opportunity friendliness promising futures aplenty showing world willing eager discover everything they awaited right here homegrown souls come together once arriving shores infinity awaits timeless unseen vistas reshaping industry landscape enhancing lives experience show mankind coexist beneath sun join forces really push boundaries accomplish endeavors rise high more!
