The Philippine Experience Program by DOT is now available on KLOOK.
On Wednesday, January 15, the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Klook Philippines entered into a significant partnership aimed at enhancing travel accessibility throughout the country. This collaboration focuses on promoting a variety of curated tour packages as part of the Philippine Experience Program (PEP), a flagship tourism initiative designed to showcase the rich culture and diverse attractions of the Philippines. The PEP, which was developed and launched during the Marcos Administration, seeks to provide travelers with unique and unforgettable experiences while exploring the beauty of the archipelago.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) and Klook Philippines
The recent partnership between the Department of Tourism (DOT) and one of Asia’s premier platforms for travel and experiences has led to an exciting new initiative: a diverse selection of PEP (Philippine Experience Program) tours available on the platform. This collaboration not only showcases the rich tapestry of the country’s attractions but also seeks to enhance the digital transformation of tourism across the Philippines.
Travelers can now explore a range of unforgettable destinations through Klook, including the enchanting Culture, Heritage & Arts Tour in Calabarzon. This immersive journey invites visitors to experience the breathtaking beauty of Pagsanjan Falls, a natural wonder. Along the way, guests will be able to visit significant cultural sites such as the interconnected Pinto Art Museum, which features contemporary Filipino art within lush gardens, and the historic Villa Escudero, where they can delve into the rich heritage and traditions of the Philippines. Each stop on the tour promises to leave a lasting impression and enrich the understanding of the nation’s vibrant culture.
Discover the vibrant tapestry of the Philippines through the captivating Culture, Heritage & Adventure Tour in Bicol. This exhilarating experience invites adventurers to hop on an ATV and journey to the majestic Mayon Volcano, renowned for its perfect cone shape and breathtaking vistas. Along the way, indulge in the tantalizing flavors of authentic Bicolano cuisine, renowned for its rich coconut milk dishes and spicy profiles, showcasing the culinary treasures found in this stunning region south of Manila.
Venture up north to the picturesque Ilocos Region, where the Culture, Heritage & Arts Tour awaits. Here, you’ll wander through the enchanting streets of a UNESCO World Heritage City steeped in history, unveiling the Philippines’ rich Spanish colonial legacy. Engage with warm and welcoming locals, who are eager to share their culture and traditions, while delighting your taste buds with local delicacies like crispy empanadas and sweet tupig, each bite telling a story of the region’s heritage.
For those enticed by the charm of the Visayas, the Culture, Heritage & Arts Tour in Western Visayas offers an unforgettable experience in Silay City. Known for its beautifully preserved Spanish colonial architecture and heritage houses, the city is a feast for the eyes and a haven for history enthusiasts. As you meander through its streets, don’t miss the chance to savor the freshest seafood, a true highlight of this coastal paradise, that will leave you craving more of the delicious flavors showcasing the heart and soul of this vibrant region.
To conclude the pioneering series of tours, we present an exclusive experience that immerses visitors in the stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant traditions of Palawan. This is encapsulated in the Culture, Heritage & Arts Tour, which offers participants a deep dive into the island’s heritage. Highlights include a visit to the Palawan Special Battalion WW-II Memorial Museum, where visitors can reflect on the bravery and sacrifices of those who served, as well as partake in the Binuatan Weaving Creation workshops, where the artistry of local weaving is showcased. The tour also includes a tranquil experience at the Butterfly Garden, allowing guests to connect with nature while marveling at the beautiful fluttering insects in a serene environment.
In addition to these thoughtfully curated experiences by PEP, this partnership aims to enhance the travel experience by integrating the Department of Tourism’s Tourist Rest Areas (TRAs) into the Klook platform. Furthermore, there are plans to explore collaborative opportunities with Mactan-Cebu International Airport and Clark International Airport, facilitated through the DOT’s endorsement, promising a more seamless journey for travelers visiting this magnificent region.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and Klook President and Co-Founder Eric Gnock Fah led the ceremonial signing of Strategic Alliance and Memorandum of Agreement between the DOT and Klook, with Tourism Assistant Secretary Sharlene Zabala-Batin and Klook General Manager for Philippines and Thailand Michelle Ho as witnesses.
“With this partnership with Klook, the Philippine Experience Program will now be carried on the Klook platform. The Philippine Experience Program is a flagship initiative of the Marcos administration, whereby, we are translating the President’s vision of reintroducing the Philippines to the world, not just from a one-dimensional lens of fun and adventure, but also from the highly diversified lens of our Filipino identity that can very well be seen in in our culture, our heritage, our stories, immersions into our communities, our gastronomy, and all the other experiences that you can have in our destinations. Carrying the Philippine Experience Program on Klook will also equalize tourism opportunities among our destinations, which is the advocacy of the Department of Tourism,” Secretary Frasco said.
From Klook’s end, the global platform’s co-founder shared his excitement about this new endeavor.
“At Klook, we believe there are countless adventures, unique experiences, and cultural treasures still waiting to be discovered. Here in the Philippines, with its stunning natural wonders and the warmth and vibrancy of its people, we are excited to partner with the Department of Tourism to bring even more of these incredible experiences to Filipinos and travelers around the world,” Gnock Fah said.
Klook is set to continue its vibrant series of regional roadshows, aimed at inspiring and empowering more travel operators to leverage its innovative technology, thereby expanding their reach on a global scale.
Throughout the years, Klook has actively collaborated with the Department of Tourism (DOT), establishing a strong partnership that began during the pandemic. This initial collaboration focused on conducting training seminars that equipped participants with valuable skills in social media marketing and product development. One of the notable initiatives was the launch of the Intramuros Pass, which offers travelers exclusive access to a variety of attractions and activities within the historically rich and award-winning Walled City of Intramuros. Furthermore, Klook has engaged in a fruitful marketing partnership with the Tourism Promotions Board to promote the “Love the Philippines” Campaign, highlighting the country’s vibrant culture and stunning destinations.
Currently, Klook boasts an impressive portfolio of over half a million unique experiences available on its platform, spanning more than 2,700 destinations across the Philippines. This extensive offering not only enhances travelers’ options but also showcases the diverse beauty and richness of the country’s tourism landscape.
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