Klook, Asia’s premier platform for experiences and travel services, has signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) to enhance domestic tourism and support the digitalization of the Philippine tourism industry.
“Philippine tourism is a vital contributor to our economy, making it a priority for the Department of Tourism to explore innovative ways to maximize our local treasures,” said Secretary Christina Frasco of the Department of Tourism. “The tourism landscape has evolved significantly, and by embracing technology and digitalization, we can foster innovation and competitiveness in the sector. With Klook, we can further our efforts to digitalize the tour offerings of our partner operators and the DOT’s Philippine Experience Program, providing them with opportunities to reach larger audiences and thrive in the global market,” Frasco added.
The Philippine Experience Program (PEP) is an initiative by the DOT to showcase and celebrate the country’s culture, heritage, and arts through a series of caravans. Having completed nine legs across the country, PEP will soon extend to the Cordillera Administrative Region and the Caraga Region. Now available on Klook, the platform serves as an accessible portal for Filipino and global travelers to experience more of the Philippines and book curated tours that highlight the essence of different regions.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Philippine Department of Tourism in this significant step towards digitalizing the Philippine tourism industry, bringing treasured destinations and experiences to Klook and making them more accessible to travelers from the Philippines and around the world,” said Eric Gnock Fah, President and Co-Founder of Klook. “By offering these authentic Filipino experiences, we aim to attract next-generation travelers eager for unique adventures, positioning the Philippines as a top destination for young, experience-driven tourists globally. This is a milestone moment for us at Klook, as it is an honor to introduce these unique Filipino experiences and destinations to more travelers on our platform.”
Michelle Ho, Klook’s General Manager for the Philippines, added, “By connecting with local tour operators and providing them with a platform that connects them globally, we can offer our merchants opportunities to reach more customers while providing Gen Z and Millennial travelers with the meaningful, one-of-a-kind experiences they seek.”
Klook currently offers over half a million experiences in 2,700 destinations and over 30,000 service providers worldwide. The platform has amassed a monthly visitor base of over 70 million and can localize its offerings and services in 15 languages. In the Philippines, Klook offers over 1,000 experiences across 21 cities.
At the Memorandum of Agreement signing event, the DOT and Klook unveiled a pioneering roster of PEP tours on the platform. These include a tour in Calabarzon, where travelers can discover the captivating Pagsanjan Falls and cultural landmarks like the Pinto Art Museum and the historical Villa Escudero. In Bicol, travelers can embark on an ATV adventure to Mayon Volcano and sample delicious Bicolano cuisine, highlighting the wonders south of the capital in Luzon.
Up north, the Ilocos region tour offers visitors a chance to explore the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage City and discover the Philippines’ Spanish colonial history. Participants will also interact with locals and savor local specialties like empanadas and tupig.
For those looking to explore the Visayas region, travelers can visit Silay City, known for its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture and heritage houses, as well as its fresh and delectable seafood throughout the tour in Western Visayas.
Rounding out the pioneering set of tours is an exclusive experience highlighting the beautiful sights, history, and traditions of Palawan, through the Palawan Special Battalion WW-II Memorial Museum, Binuatan Weaving Creation workshops, and the Butterfly Garden.
In addition to the PEP campaigns, the partnership aims to integrate the DOT’s Tourist Rest Areas (TRAs) on Klook and initiate exploratory partnerships with the Mactan-Cebu International Airport and Clark International Airport through the endorsement of the DOT.
“We believe that partnering with the DOT allows us to offer a wider variety of experiences for travelers and uplift local tourism businesses that have not yet integrated their operations digitally, boosting their efficiency and customer base. We are thrilled and honored to work with the DOT and support the current administration’s reform for a digitally enhanced and experience-centered travel experience,” Ho stated.
