‘More Fun’ Travelling in Phillipines by DOT and BPI

It's more fun and seamless to travel to Philippines as DOT-BPI partnership makes seamless travel in the Philippines ‘More Fun’.

The Department of Tourism (DOT), Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), and Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) formalized their newfound partnership in a press launch and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing held last November 28, 2012, at the Genting Club Resorts World Manila. The event was attended by Secretary of Tourism Ramon R. Jimenez Jr, BPI President Aurelio Montinola, and Visa Country Manager Iain Jamieson. Dubbed as “BPI-DOT Banking on Tourism Program,” this partnership developed by BPI commits itself to providing a holistic approach and serves as an active response to the country’s booming tourism industry.

A December 6, 2012, press release from the Department of Tourism
The Department of Tourism (DOT), Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), and Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) formalized their newfound partnership in a press launch and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing held last November 28, 2012, at the Genting Club Resorts World Manila. The event was attended by Secretary of Tourism Ramon R. Jimenez Jr, BPI President Aurelio Montinola, and Visa Country Manager Iain Jamieson. Dubbed as “BPI-DOT Banking on Tourism Program,” this partnership developed by BPI commits itself to providing a holistic approach and serves as an active response to the country’s booming tourism industry.
BPI President and CEO Aurelio R. Montinola III shared that BPI has renewed its commitment to nation building, and has now included support for the tourism sector. From issuing the first paper money in the country in 1852, financing the first train system in 1887, the first telephone system in 1890, the first electric power utility in 1895, and the first steam ship in 1899 to implementing the Department of Energy’s Pantawid Pasada program in 2011, BPI takes great privilege to be DOT’s partner. “Today, we are happy to once again assist in the realization of the government’s vision to spur tourism as a key anchor for economic development,” Montinola said.
Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez Jr. noted in his response that this auspicious occasion is a time to celebrate. “We gather more and more often to inaugurate things now, to break new grounds now, and less often to blame about things. We can now celebrate what President Aquino calls the dawning of daylight in our country, an age where everything is in the plain light of day,” Secretary Jimenez said.
The new partnership is a four-pillar program. It aims to strengthen DOT’s presence and accessibility through more than 800 branches of BPI here and abroad as express tourist centers where travelers can obtain information and avail of currency exchange service. Affordable financing options or facilities for qualified tourism enterprises will also be prioritized by BPI to expand or upgrade its offerings in accordance with DOT’s accreditation standards. Additional ATMs and Point of Sale (POS) terminals are in the pipeline as well, so tourists can transact, access their funds, and pay 24/7 when they travel to DOT priority areas. Lastly, BPI partners with DOT to market the Philippines as a more fun destination with innovative financial products for consumers.
The tie-up also launches the More Fun Prepaid Visa Card, a one-of-a-kind prepaid card that functions as a debit card and credit card for travelers without the hassle of opening an account. The specially designed card is reloadable at various BPI channels and offers discounts at many accredited establishments. It provides simplified ticketing and booking, secure electronic transactions, and ease of using anywhere in the world where Visa is accepted. An added fun feature is that cardholders may also customize and upload their own memes to serve as their personal card design.
“This DOT-BPI partnership contributes very significantly to the concept of seamless travel in the Philippines. All of this represents only what could be and what already is. But our work is only just the beginning. Part of my job and yours is to demand creation, the excitement, the desire to see the Philippines. It is building capacity that will be the call for the next three to four years,” Secretary Jimenez further added.
Secretary Jimenez also shared the positive news about the 7.1% growth in the country’s GDP. “This is, by far, the most significant rise relative to the rest of South East Asia. The country is finally heading for a Philippine Renaissance. With this newfound partnership, BPI and DOT are determined to make travel in the Philippines not only a FUN experience, but also truly seamless,” Secretary Jimenez said.
DOT continues to work hand-in-hand with the private sector in the implementation of its domestic tourism programs, as well as in providing support to regional offices and local government units for festivals, special events, and other tourism-related activities all year-round.