DOT’s Travel Show to Highlight Potentials of Tourism, Help Underserved Communities

The Department of Tourism (DOT) recently launched a travel show to promote the must-visit places within featured provinces and highlight their potential for tourism, business and development.

“iTravel PINAS is a 30-minute travel magazine program that features the most popular tourist spots and gives premium to offbeat destinations,” the DOT said in a project brief.

The program, which premiered last Sunday (March 26), is produced by the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) and PTV4 in partnership with the DOT.

It airs on Sundays, 7 to 7:30 p.m. on PTV4, with snippets on Kilos Pronto every Monday, Tuesday, and Friday.

On its first episode, which was hosted by Tourism Undersecretary for Media Affairs Kat De Castro, featured was Ilocos Norte, particularly the Paoay Sand Dunes best-known for being the filming location of local and international films such as Himala, Panday, Mad Max among others.

De Castro said that the next episode will feature Ilocos Sur.

She said that DOT undersecretaries and assistant secretaries will take turns in hosting the program.

To set iTravel PINAS from the usual travelogue-type of programs, the DOT said that it will also exert efforts to bridge underserved communities, especially those that can ride on tourism for economic growth.

“Over the past decades, the Philippines has connected millions of individuals from across the globe to marvelous attractions, communities, and cultures, positioning the country as Asia’s rising star in travel and tourism. This has become one of the key growth drivers, generating billions in revenue next to manufacturing and trade,” the DOT said.

“But while much has been said about the Philippines being a prime tourist destination…there are still thousands of vacation spots and natural wonders waiting to be explored, It’s time people get to discover these hidden treasures by showcasing the best of the 81 provinces that make up this beautiful country,” the agency further said. (PNA) AZER N. PARROCHA