MANILA – Philippines’ Department of
Tourism (DOT) has renewed its commitment to train tourism frontline professionals,
a crucial part in its “quest for quality tourism”.
The move will ensure the DOT and
agencies concerned continue to lead initiatives that “uphold the quality of
tourism human resource” and “promote and educate our frontliners on the
Filipino brand of service”, the DOT said.
Tourism Undersecretary Arturo Boncato
Jr. said that the “quest for quality tourism” is something that only humans can
give.
“Quality tourism is the key in bringing
tourists in the country. It’s all about the human heart. Tourism is all about
experience and relationships,” said Mr Boncato.
While human resources is “without a
doubt irreplaceable” in the tourism industry, the DOT noted the role of artificial
intelligence (AI) in boosting the industry’s products and services.
“Instead of competing with technology,
partner with it, collaborate with it. Strive to look at the good things, strive
for partnership instead of competition,” said Ramon Marinas, managing director
of Bienvenido Travel and Tours.
“Even with the advent of the 4th IR
(Industrial Revolution), always provide love and tender loving care because
this is something that robots can’t do. Always personalise to achieve great
customer and guest experience,” he added.