THE Department of Tourism (DoT) and Rakuten Viber are prioritizing provincial micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in key travel destinations under a partnership that equips local tourism operators with verified Viber Business accounts.
Under the memorandum of understanding, the pilot initiative will focus on key tourist destinations, including Siargao, Siquijor, and Bohol, before expanding to other provinces. The effort aims to protect travelers from digital booking scams while expanding the market reach of local tourism businesses.
DoT Assistant Secretary Ren Sapitan said during the signing on Tuesday that the onboarding phase will specifically prioritize small and provincial tourism providers.
The initiative targets the country’s more than 13,000 accredited tourism establishments, covering hotels, accommodation facilities, tour operators, restaurants, and transport providers. To support these businesses, the DoT and Rakuten Viber plan to conduct joint MSME caravans to help local enterprises set up and optimize their Viber Business accounts.
DoT Secretary Maria Bernardita Angara-Mathay underscored the growing reliance of tourists and local businesses on mobile messaging platforms.
“Today’s travelers use messaging platforms, not just the community, but to discover places, make inquiries, arrange meetings, and stay connected,” Ms. Angara-Mathay said.
“For many of these enterprises, one mobile phone serves as their reception desk, research agents at offices, and customer service center. Giving them better digital tools can make a real difference in how they reach customers and grow their businesses.”
She added that verified messaging channels will help address traveler concerns regarding fraudulent bookings.
DOMESTIC TRAVELThe collaboration addresses security in the domestic travel sector, where nearly 63 million Filipinos traveled domestically in 2025, representing almost 75% of the target population based on Philippine Statistics Authority figures.
Rakuten Viber Senior Director for Asia-Pacific David Tse pointed out that online travel scams inflict broader reputational damage on the tourism industry.
“It is a disappointed traveler’s damage reputation and confidence that must be repaired. This is why we strongly support the Department of Tourism initiative to strengthen the identification and recognition of accredited domestic tour operators,” Mr. Tse said.
“Our vision with Department of Tourism is simple. Connect trusted operators with travelers through Viber that is seamless, reliable, and most importantly, assuring. Before, during, and after every journey.”
He noted that verified Viber Business accounts will enable travelers to verify legitimate operators, make inquiries with confidence, and receive timely updates throughout their trips.
Addressing real-time verification and account monitoring, Mr. Tse explained that Viber will maintain interface updates based on official accreditation data provided by the DoT.
If an operator’s accreditation status changes or is revoked, the messaging platform will reflect those updates, he said, adding that internal defense mechanisms will continue detecting and addressing fraudulent activity.
Mr. Tse also highlighted that rolling out the program will require dedicated educational campaigns for local entrepreneurs at the regional level. — Juliana Chloe A. Gonzales