Tourism beyond a sector: DOT chief calls for system-wide strategy

Rosette Adel - Philstar.com April 30, 2026 | 1:34pm MANILA, Philippines — Newly appointed Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay emphasized that tourism must be treated as an interconnected system, not a standalone sector. She outlined a strategy to align efforts across sectors to enhance competitiveness. 'Tourism is not simply about destinations. It is about livelihoods, enterprises, and the strength of local economies,' she stated during the Tourism Congress of the Philippines National Conference on Tourism Resilience, attended by over 300 participants. Angara-Mathay highlighted that tourism currently faces challenges like slower bookings, cautious traveler sentiment, and cancellations in some segments, but noted strong demand, with 2.24 million international arrivals recorded from January to April 27, 2026—a nearly 9% increase from the previous year. She stressed that tourism contributes nearly 9% to GDP and supports around 6.75 million jobs, making it an economic priority. Her leadership approach, shaped by her background in trade and investments, views tourism as an ecosystem dependent on infrastructure, supply chains, investment flows, and market access. Angara-Mathay called for stronger alignment across government agencies and stakeholders, emphasizing that tourism thrives through coordinated efforts. Key priorities include improving connectivity, expanding priority markets, boosting investments, streamlining entry systems, and data-driven decision-making. She also proposed establishing a Tourism Resilience Management Team to monitor sector conditions and coordinate responses. Angara-Mathay acknowledged the need for clarity, coordination, and leadership amid global uncertainties. She emphasized the role of the Department of Tourism (DOT) in leading, aligning, and ensuring tourism functions as a complete, competitive system, supported by partnerships with the private sector for investment, innovation, and alignment.