250 riders join DOT's two-day ride to revive interest in local tourism

Over 250 fully vaccinated riders joined a two-day ride organized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) on November 20 to 21.

The ride was part of the DOT's campaign to regain the confidence of the public in local travel while following the minimum public health standards.

“Our current efforts are focused on boosting domestic tourism as a way for the tourism industry and the economy to recover. In line with this, motorcycle riders become our domestic tourism ambassadors to aid us in promoting fun and safe travel around the country," Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said.

"We are now on the road to sustain recovery and with the help of our riders, motorcycle clubs and associations, the tourism industry will be back in full swing in no time,” she added.

The event called Philippine Motorcycle Tourism (PMT) kicked off at Rizal Park and covered the Taal Lake loop from Cavite to Batangas; and the Laguna Lake loop from Rizal, Laguna, to Quezon.

Aside from Puyat, present during the send off were TBP Chief Operating Officer Maria Anthonette Velasco-Allones, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police General Dionardo Carlos, former Senator JV Ejercito, DOT CALABARZON Regional Director Marites Castro, and DOT Assistant Secretary Woodrow Maquiling.

Some of the destinations that the riders visited in the Taal Lake loop were the Caingin River, Basilica of St. Martin de Tours, National Shrine of Padre Pio, and Nuvali Park, while in the Laguna Lake loop, there were the Hinulugang Taktak, Daranak Falls, Pililla Windfarm, and Kamay ni Hesus.

As part of the preparations for the ride, a hybrid webinar was held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) on November 19 to teach the motorcycle riders about safe riding, off-road driving techniques and skills, and adventure tourism.

“Just the news that destinations are open for motorcycle tourism will signal all riders to go around, see places, and eat in restaurants," Breakfast Ride Community Head Raymon Gabriel said.

"If you pool together the income generated by millions of riders around the country, it will be a big business opportunity for tourism,” he added . -NB, GMA News