Improved connectivity in leading tourism sites seen by year-end

Department of Information and Communications Technology (DITC) Secretary Ivan John Uy on Tuesday said they are looking to improve internet connectivity in 94 identified tourist destinations in the country before the end of this year.

He said this will be done through the activation or deployment of the needed internet infrastructure which will boost connectivity in these destinations.

Uy, in a Palace briefing, said the deployment of the needed internet infrastructure for the initial 46 tourist destinations will be completed by the next quarter.

“In a matter of a few months, we have already put into the program for the first phase, we will be able to deploy 46 out of the 94 destinations that will be light- ened with free internet connectivity,” he added.

Uy said the first phase will cover major tourism sites which include Baguio, Palawan, Boracay, and Cebu, among others.

Meanwhile, the remaining 48 tourist destinations will “most likely” have better internet connectivity by the end of the year to achieve “full 100 percent coverage”.

“This is a joint initiative with the DICT in order to ensure that our tourists will have a complete experience in the tourism areas,” he said.

Uy said boosting connectivity in tourist spots will be a good strategy to market the Philippines as a tourist destination, considering that many tourists are also “vloggers.”

“Many of the tourists now are also vloggers. They vlog about their experience while they are there experiencing or enjoying the tourism sites so it is critical that we provide them with internet connectivity. So while they’re there, enjoying those experiences, they can actually be also our marketing tool in propagating the message to them how they’re having fun in the Philippines and how they are enjoying the Philippine experience,” he said.