The Philippines might not be only for beach bums and outdoor adventures, as the Department of Tourism (DOT) is gearing up the country to be also a “religious pilgrimage destination”, according to DOT Secretary Wanda Teo.
The DOT is now planning to restore and develop old churches and historical shrines nationwide. In an interview with ABS-CBN News, “Plans are underway to make the Philippines a destination with unique spiritual significance that will attract millions of pilgrims from all corners of the world, as shown in popular religious festivities in Cebu, Iloilo and Bohol.” According to Teo, the DOT is coordinating with tour operators to craft “spiritual tour packages” for the “6.6 million Catholic faithful in Asia.” “South Korea tops the Philippines tourist market with over 5 million Catholics, 800,000 in Malaysia, 500,000 in Japan, 200,000 in Thailand and 185,000 in Singapore,” said Teo in justifying the said program.
DOT is yet to release a list of religious sites that will incorporate its religious pilgrimage program for tourists.
Source: ABS CBN News