Why it matters:
Tourism is a major economic driver for the Philippines, and food tourism is one of its fastest-growing segments.
By partnering with Grab, DOT is banking on technology to make gastronomy and mobility more accessible to both locals and international travelers.
The big picture
The partnership, formalized through a memorandum of agreement, focuses on two pillars:
Elevating Philippine gastronomy as a driver of tourism.
Improving travel connectivity between gateway hubs and regional cities.
“This partnership with Grab underscores our commitment to harnessing digital platforms to make Philippine tourism more inclusive, accessible, and future-ready,” said Tourism Assistant Secretary Sharlene Zabala-Batin.
Food tourism push
Grab is aligning its suite of food services with DOT’s strategy to spotlight culinary culture:
Grab Dine Out offers exclusive dine-in discounts at restaurants, available in Metro Manila and newly launched in Boracay.
GrabFood 5-Star Eats highlights community-approved, often under-the-radar culinary gems.
GrabFood For One curates affordable solo meals starting at P150 with free delivery, expanding access to authentic flavors.
Between the lines
DOT sees these services as not only enriching the travel experience but also directing foot traffic to MSMEs — the small businesses that are critical to the tourism value chain.
Strengthening mobility
Grab is also boosting connectivity through its transport services:
Advance Booking lets travelers schedule airport rides up to 90 days in advance.
GrabCar, available in 4- and 6-seater options, provides reliable intra- and inter-city travel with transparent pricing, professional drivers, and safety features.
Grab’s mobility footprint now covers eight major airports nationwide, including Bohol, Cebu, and Davao.
What they’re saying: “At Grab, our suite of safe, reliable, and convenient services is reshaping how people explore the destinations they visit,” said Grab Philippines VP for cities CJ Lacsican. “This partnership fuels tourism and creates multiplier effect growth for small businesses.”
The bottom line
The DOT-Grab partnership seeks to make Philippine tourism more inclusive, tech-enabled, and community-driven — integrating gastronomy and mobility to attract travelers while strengthening the small enterprises that power local economies. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
