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19th National Congress

11th IE Research Conference

MESSAGE FROM THE SECRETARY OF THE
DAPARTMENT OF TOURISM (DOT)

Warmest greetings to the esteemed officials and members of
the Philippine Institute of Industrial Engineers (PIIE) on the
occasion of its 19th National Congress, 11th IE Research
Conference, 2nd AI Summit, and CEO Forum in celebration of
the 20th anniversary of PIIE-Cebu.

The Department of Tourism recognizes the critical role that
industrial engineers play in enhancing the competitiveness and
efficiency of industries, which also directly impacts our
tourism sector. By leveraging the principles of industrial
engineering, we can develop more sustainable tourism
strategies, streamline operations, and improve the overall
experience for both domestic and international visitors. These
are critical components as we strive to position the Philippines
as a tourism powerhouse in Asia.
Philippine tourism is growing at a promising pace. In 2023, we exceeded our international tourist
arrivals target, welcoming over 5.45 million visitors. The surge in arrivals was accompanied by a
corresponding boost in tourism revenues, reaching PHP3.36 trillion in 2023. Our sector’s
contribution to the country’s GDP rose to 8.6%, reflecting a 47.9& increase from 2022, underscoring
the importance of tourism as a key driver of economic growth.

Under the National Tourism Development Plan 2023-2028, our tourism blueprint, which President
Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. approved, we have launched several transformative projects to further
enhance our tourism infrastructure and promote sustainable tourism. Our commitment to
enhancing the overall tourist experience extends beyond infrastructure improvements. We have
inaugurated Tourist Rest Areas across key locations nationwide, providing essential services such as
clean restrooms and information centers for travelers.

As we continue to embrace innovation and digitalization, we are leveraging data-driven strategies to
enhance the efficiency and sustainability of our tourism programs. This aligns with the forward-
thinking vision of the PIIE in industrial engineering. Your collective expertise and innovative
approaches are not only shaping the future of industrial engineering but are also contributing to the
broader growth and progress of our nation. Together, let us work towards a more prosperous and
sustainable Philippines.

Daghang Salamat!

PIIE-CEBU
th

ANNIVERSARY
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