Sustaining urban regeneration through heritage and tourism
Manila, Philippines — The Department of Tourism (DOT) has recently pushed out a statement affirming its support for Intramuros Administration’s various improvement plans.
In a bid to make Intramuros a “sustainable creative heritage district,” the 2022 Onwards vision has three pillars, which include sustainable tourism, cultural heritage, as well as the convergence of urban regeneration.
“Ensuring a sustainable tourism industry entails a holistic management plan that starts with a great vision, and the Intramuros Administration’s vision is inclusive for integrating its people’s welfare, both the residents and tourists, with economic development and cultural heritage preservation,” said DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat through a statement.
She added that the goal of the agency is to give emphasis on the principle that tourism is a great instrument towards the economic progress of the country as well as the development of people near the sites.
Atty. Guiller Asido, the head of Intramuros Administration, admitted that the help that comes from the national government is essential in the accomplishment of their programs for the site.
“We’re done with some of our infrastructure projects, such as the establishment of Museo de Intramuros, lighting and landscaping projects on Muralla Street, Burgos and Bonifacio Drives, reclaiming of public spaces, and the rehabilitation of Fort Santiago, among other projects as well,” said Asido.
By the Numbers
Based on reports, there were 2.12 million visitors in Intramuros during the 1st semester of 2019. As such, the Intramuros Administration achieved 70.84 percent of its revenue target for this year during the first six months. It can be recalled that back in 2018, its revenue was at Php 78.61 million.
Six Priority Programs
Under the 2022 Onwards vision, there exist priority programs, which include: pedestrianization of the streets; preparation and implementation of the first Intramuros’ Conservation Management Plan (CMP); open spaces redevelopment; Tourism Circuit of Manila; and the SIMPLE program or the Strategy for the Effective Mainstreaming of People’s Living Entitlements.
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Also read: DOT, malls to launch first Philippine Fun Sale in March 2020