Tourism is one of the sectors hardest-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in countries where it is a crucial economic pillar. Digital technologies play a valuable role in helping countries like the Philippines bounce back and restart tourism activities in the new normal.
The Philippine tourism department has embarked on a digital tourism campaign to promote its tourist attractions and encourage foreign visitor arrivals once pandemic-related travel restrictions are lifted. They are also enforcing tourism establishments to adopt strict health safety protocols by encouraging contactless and cashless transactions. Meanwhile, local officials in Baguio City has adopted an effective digital contract tracing methodology, utilizing cloud-based data encoding and capture, and GIS-based geospatial and link analysis that provide city officials deeper insight in handling COVID-19 cases in the city.
Through the ASEAN Australia Smart Cities Trust Fund, ADB and the Australian Government hopes to support cities throughout Southeast Asia in improving their service delivery, planning, and financial management using appropriate digital technologies. Learn more about the trust fund and follow the discussions on AASCTF’s social media platforms.
Original source: ADB
