Smart, DOT launch Infoboard SIM for Region XI

LEADING wireless services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT), recently launched the customized DOT SIM and Infoboard during the 2011 Kadayawan Festival as part of the department’s campaign to promote local tourism.

The Infoboard is a web-based messaging solution that offers various functionalities designed to address the needs of the DOT. Through the Infoboard, the DOT will have the capability to broadcast advisories to its various stakeholders, including tourists.

According to former Secretary Alberto A. Lim, “The Infoboard enhances DOT’s capability to inform the travelling public and assist them in their travel information needs, providing them with choices for decision-making at the touch of a key and through a credible source.”

With Davao emerging as the business, investment and tourism hub for Mindanao and Southern Philippines, the DOT Infoboard enables more cost-efficient travel since the traveler has easy access to relevant travel information.  By enhancing the DOT’s reach to the public, the Infoboard provides instant access to destinations, and promotion of special events, festivals, conferences, exhibits and other tourism-related programs and activities.

DOT XI Regional Director Art Boncato looks forward to positive feedback via the Infoboard. “The National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) that DOT finished for presentation to the President focuses on bringing development to the regions like positioning airports to accept direct flights as afforded by the open skies policy of the president (EO 29),” he said.

According to Boncato, Davao is at the threshold of great tourism growth with increasing domestic and international flights, new hotels, new MICE facilities, new islands to highlands products in Davao Oriental, Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte and Compostela Valley and Davao City.

This partnership between the DOT and Smart is seen as responsive and relevant to the needs of the travelling public. “The more satisfied our domestic tourists, the more repeat visits they make. The more frequent they travel, the greater the opportunities for jobs and dispersal of incomes from tourism in the countryside, “ said Lim.

This venture is a part of the Pilipinas, Tara Na! domestic tourism advocacy program.