Makati city: The Department of Tourism (DOT) has formally partnered with Klook and Newport World Resorts to enhance the domestic and entertainment tourism sectors in the Philippines. In a ceremony held on Tuesday, the DOT signed a memorandum of understanding with the two firms, focusing on joint promotions and the development of various travel-related packages.
According to Philippines News Agency, the multi-year partnership with Klook will enable the DOT to connect the online travel platform with its regional offices, assisting in the creation of curated travel experiences across the country. "We want to ensure that our experience providers, particularly MSMEs in the provinces, are equipped to participate meaningfully in the digital tourism ecosystem," said Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay. By integrating platforms such as Klook, the DOT aims to make local offerings more visible and accessible to travelers, enhancing the booking process's convenience and security.
Klook Philippines General Manager Michelle Ho expressed optimism that the collaboration will expand Klook's travel offerings from emerging destinations. "Together with the DOT's regional offices, we'll highlight the hidden gems across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. More importantly, we will assist operators and small and medium-sized businesses in becoming digital, visible, and bookable on Klook," Ho stated.
The partnership with Newport World Resorts will incorporate its offerings into the DOT's 'Love the Philippines' and 'Discover More to Love' campaigns. The agreement aims to promote original Filipino productions and foster connections between Newport World Resorts and tourism stakeholders in the Philippines and international markets.
Newport World Resorts will create integrated 'stay, dine, and watch packages' centered on experiential travel and develop visitor itineraries throughout Metro Manila. "Entertainment has become a major reason travelers choose to visit and revisit destinations, and this partnership allows us to provide that experience to more Filipinos and international visitors," Angara-Mathay added. The collaboration aims to showcase Filipino talent and creativity as a key aspect of the Philippines' appeal.
The DOT announced that live entertainment will be a central feature of the partnership, anchored by Full House Theater Company (FHTC), Newport World Resorts' production arm. FHTC's latest production, Bongga Ka, 'Day! The Annie Batungbakal Musical, opened at the Newport Performing Arts Theater on September 18. FHTC will also serve as the production arm for Westside Resort, set to open this year with four new theater venues in Entertainment City.
Both Newport World Resorts and Westside Resort are part of Travelers Group, which seeks to expand its entertainment footprint and position the Philippines as the 'Broadway of Asia.' The MOUs were signed by Angara-Mathay, Ho, Newport World Resorts President and CEO Nilo Thaddeus Rodriguez, along with Senior Vice President for Marketing Michelle Suarez, and DOT Assistant Secretary Ren Sapitan.
