The Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) have formalized two new convergence initiatives to boost the country’s tourism industry through science-based innovations.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and DOST Secretary Dr. Renato Solidum Jr. signed on Aug. 28 the memorandum of understanding (MOU) to promote the Smart and Sustainable Communities Program (SSCP) and the memorandum of agreement (MOA) on the development of a tourist arrival application.

The SSCP will facilitate the development of communities to become smart, sustainable, resilient, and inclusive.

Under this partnership, the DOT and DOST will work on promoting smart and sustainable technologies; delivery of transformative S&T products and services; capability building; and policy advocacy and formulation for impact and sustainability, among others.

The MOA on tourist arrival, on the other hand, will facilitate the creation of the TourLISTA or Tourism Live-Inventory and Statistics of Tourist Arrivals 2.0 application.

The TourLISTA is a web-based tool for analyzing and assessing tourist arrivals that was previously piloted by the DOT-Mimaropa.

“Innovation has driven our programs in the Department of Tourism for the architect of our vision for tourism has called for the same — our President envisions tourism not only from the lens of recovery but rather of transformation; one that will see the Philippines elevate into a tourism powerhouse upon the strength of its culture, heritage, and identity,” Frasco said.

Solidum said the signing symbolizes the government’s commitment toward sustainability.

He also turned over DOST-developed “halal modules,” which aims to boost the DOT’s upskilling programs for Filipino tourism workers. (PNA)