The Department of Tourism (DOT) has partnered with Rakuten Viber to offer free business accounts, digital training, and promotional support to accredited tourism micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Under a memorandum of understanding, participating businesses, including travel agencies and tour operators, will be able to set up Viber Business Accounts to promote their services and communicate with travelers through messaging and calls.
Rakuten Viber will hold MSME Caravans at DOT regional offices to help businesses create their accounts. Onboarding assistance and training will be provided at no cost to participating enterprises and the agency.
Each account will have a dedicated business page, with messaging, calling, and promotional tools. Businesses can also use Click-to-Chat QR codes that let customers start conversations directly through Viber.
The agreement includes monthly promotions featuring DOT-accredited MSMEs and tourism campaigns on Viber channels. Programs will be available to accredited enterprises on equal terms.
Department of Tourism (DOT) secretary Maria Bernardita Angara-Mathay said the partnership aims to help local businesses adapt to changing traveler expectations.
“Travelers should be able to find accredited establishments easily and with confidence,” she said.
The DOT will tap its regional and foreign offices to connect Viber with tourism associations, travel agencies, operators, and other stakeholders.
It will also provide campaign guidelines and branding materials, promote the program, and explore joint tourism campaigns and familiarization tours.
The partnership will also encourage travelers to verify tourism businesses before making transactions. Training and information campaigns will cover how to identify legitimate establishments and protect personal and payment information.
Rakuten Viber senior director for Asia-Pacific David Tse said the initiative aims to help travelers make informed decisions.
“We hope this initiative helps travelers make informed choices and encourages them to verify businesses before sharing payment or personal information for a smoother, more secure travel experience,” Tse said.
