QUEZON CITY (PIA) – Local and foreign tourists in the country can now contact a live agent via landline, mobile phone, or even through online messaging to relay their tourism-related concerns, this after the Department of Tourism (DOT), on Monday launched its first-ever nationwide Tourist Assistance Call Center.
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco herself made the first call to the centralized telecommunication assistance in its launch at the DOT Central Office in Makati City.
The newest tourism innovation aims to provide tourism and travel related information to tourists, and extend assistance to any unforeseen events in a bid to enhance the overall tourist experience in the Philippines.
According to the tourism chief, the Tourist Assistance Call Center shall serve as the hotline and a one-stop shop for local and foreign tourists.
“We are delighted to launch today the Tourist Assistance Call Center that aims to fulfill our President's vision to enhance the overall tourist experience in the country. This is a first for the Department of Tourism where we have consolidated the modes of assistance that can be given to tourists from the national government agencies and regional offices that will then coordinate with our local government units,” Secretary Frasco said in a message during the launch.
“One of the strategic approaches of the National Tourism Development Plan approved by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is on the aspect of convenience. The convenience of travelers must be the central focus of our efforts and programs,” she added.
Tourists can relay their queries and concerns through multi-platform support via hotline number 151-TOUR / 151-8687 (available only for Smart and PLDT users) or mobile phone at +63995-835-5155.
They may also opt to contact via email at touristassistance@tourism.gov.ph; or through Facebook messenger at https://www.facebook.com/DepartmentOfTourism; web chat at https://philippines.travel/; and https://beta.tourism.gov.ph/; or via https://philippines.travel/; and https://beta.tourism.gov.ph/.
There are currently eight tourist assistance agents available 24/7 to answer calls from tourists from different time zones.
They are fluent in both English and Filipino languages but plans to expand and add more foreign language-trained agents is in the works.
The DOT also plans to add more call center agents should the need arises. (PIA-NCR)
