DOT program raising funds for Yolanda rehab

For every peso local tourists shell out, part of it will go to rehabilitating areas destroyed by typhoon Yolanda’s onslaught in the Visayas.

This is the new approach being spearheaded by the Department of Tourism (DOT) to rebuild travel destinations ravaged by supertyphoon Yolanda.

The economies of these damaged areas rely heavily on the service sector, mainly tourism, to survive.

The DOT and its marketing arm, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) introduced its “Bangon Tours” project titled “Your Vacation Means a Lot” project in line with the government’s recovery and rebuilding efforts for the victims and survivors of calamities through domestic tourism.

“It is an invitation to travel within the Philippines during the holiday period (Dec. 1 to Feb. 28), visit our fun destinations and participate in rebuilding efforts,” the TPB said.

TPB chief operations officer Domingo Ramon Enerio III said that participating tourist establishments are initially offering special tour packages to 16 tourist destinations nationwide and more destinations will be added.

“These establishments are being asked to share at least five percent of their net income from the tour packages/room nights sold via Bangon Tours,” Enerio said in a statement.

“The share will be directly given to the chosen nongovernment organization or charitable foundation involved in the relief efforts,” he added.

Enerio also invited foreign travellers as they can contribute to the rebuilding efforts.