DOT partners with Makati LGU for 'Hop On, Hop Off' bus tours

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has partnered with the local government of Makati City for bus tours that will promote the city's heritage sites, museums, and lifestyle centers.

Makati City has been chosen as the pilot site for the DOT's "Hop On, Hop Off" program, which aims to promote Metro Manila through a modern bus system and mobile application.

Makati City Mayor Abby Binay said the program offers "seamless and contactless travel options, allowing tourists to explore strategic hubs easily."

"Makati City boasts a rich tapestry of history, art, and natural beauty that deserves to be celebrated. With the launch of the HOHO bus tour, we aim to bring this exceptional experience to the forefront, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in our city's unique heritage and experience the diverse offerings that Makati has to offer," Binay said in a press release.

Binay said the bus tour would operate from Wednesday to Friday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with eight stops including Glorietta 2, Washington SyCip Park, RCBC Plaza, Museo ng Makati, Rockwell Center, and Ayala Triangle.

She said tourists only need to download the HOHO mobile application and sign up in order to book tours.

Binay said the DOT has set the cost of a one-day pass at P990, providing travelers with unlimited access to HOHO bus stops throughout the day.

She added that residents and city hall employees with Makatizen Cards may avail themselves of a 40% discount when they take the HOHO buses.

Meanwhile, DOT Secretary Christina Frasco said the agency wishes to replicate this program in other areas in Metro Manila and the entire Philippines.

"People search for experiences that go beyond adventure, fun, and they search for meaning. And that is why the (Philippines) Hop-On Hop-Off tours gives opportunities for our tourists not only to be reminded of the spirit of modernity and innovation that Makati has always been known for, but also to get to know the soul of your city that lies in your hidden gems, in your museums, in the many stops that are covered by this tour,“ Frasco said during the kick-off of the bus tour on Sunday.

The DOT said the bus tour, which takes inspiration from world-class hop-on, hop-off buses in cities such as Abu Dhabi, Argentina, London, Madrid, New York, and Singapore, among others, will feature a dedicated website with all essential information, a reloadable EMV-capable card, and a mobile app for booking tours.

It will also include GPS networked-bus arrival monitoring and video guides as well as information on hotels, food, and tourism merchants.

Data from the DOT showed that in 2022, a total of 5.3 million overnight tourists were recorded in the National Capital Region, with Makati City ranking third out of 17 local government units and having the highest number of overnight arrivals at 969,927 visitors. —VAL, GMA Integrated News