‘Enhanced’ Travel Philippines app unveiled

MANILA, Philippines — The Tourism Promotions Board, the marketing arm of the Department of Tourism on Thursday relaunched the new and “enhanced” Travel Philippines app.

The Travel Philippines app was previously launched in 2020 under the helm of former Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat. The previous version, developed by DOT and TPB in partnership with inclusion tech venture builder HIMO Global Inc. / Talino Venture Labs, provides users access to the latest travel advisories and safety guidelines in various destinations that have reopened to tourism that year amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

It was then dubbed as an “easy-to-use platform” that allows users to create itineraries for their future trips, find up-to-date information on their favorite tourist attractions, and get digital copies of travel documents.

The current app, on the other hand, offers resource for travel enthusiasts and serves “as virtual passport to uncovering unexplored destinations.”

“This is our step into digitalization. With a click of a button you are able to see  all, you are able to visit and explore our 7641 islands. Our app will also lead you to different tour operators and tour guides to help you craft your itineraries into the Philippines and within the Philippines,” TPB Chief Operating Officer Marga Nograles said on Thursday.

She also credited the regional directors for the new app.

“This app is a labor of love. This enhanced travel Philippines is a labor of love of the Department of Tourism, the Tourism Promotions Board and every single Regional Director in all 17 regions of the Philippines because each one of them would like to invite all of you into their home to experience more and more,” she added.

The DOT announced that the feature-rich app is now available for download on both Apple and Android devices.

The launch of the app, held in Makati City, was graced by Nograles, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, Tourism Undersecretaries Mae Elaine Bathan, Shahlimar Hofer Tamano, and Shereen Gail Yu Pamintuan, as well as TPB officials and other personalities.