The Department of Tourism (DOT) has named Grab as its official Digital Tourism Partner, leveraging the superapp’s proven reliability, convenience, and nationwide mobility network to modernize gastronomy tourism and strengthen inter-city connectivity.
The partnership was formalized through a memorandum of agreement, witnessed by DOT Assistant Secretary for Tourism Digitalization and Resource Generation Sharlene Zabala-Batin, Undersecretary for Tourism Regulation, Coordination & Resource Generation Shahlimar Hofer Tamano, Grab Philippines Vice President for Cities CJ Lacsican, and Grab Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Booey Bonifacio.
DOT and Grab will focus on two priorities: promoting Philippine gastronomy as a global tourism driver and enhancing connectivity between gateway hubs and regional cities.
“At Grab, our safe, reliable, and convenient services are redefining how travelers explore the Philippines — whether through local food discoveries or seamless mobility between destinations,” said CJ Lacsican, Vice President for Cities at Grab Philippines. “This collaboration not only enriches the travel experience but also fuels inclusive growth for small businesses across the tourism value chain.”
DOT emphasized the strategic value of integrating Grab’s technology into the country’s tourism ecosystem. “This partnership with Grab underscores our commitment to making Philippine tourism more inclusive, accessible, and future-ready,” said Assistant Secretary Sharlene Zabala-Batin. “By weaving mobility and gastronomy into a seamless travel journey, we are creating stronger opportunities for MSMEs and local communities while making the Philippines easier to explore for travelers.”
Making Local Gastronomy More Accessible
Grab is helping DOT’s gastronomy push through programs designed to elevate local food culture and increase market access for MSMEs:
- Grab Dine Out (Metro Manila, now expanded to Boracay) offers exclusive dine-in discounts, directing more customers to restaurants ranging from household names to hidden culinary gems.
- GrabFood 5-Star Eats, the superapp’s community-curated food guide, highlights must-try local specialties and under-the-radar food businesses, driving demand and visibility.
- GrabFood For One makes food tourism more accessible with curated solo meals starting at ₱150 and free delivery — ensuring authentic flavors are within reach for both budget-conscious travelers and locals.
Strengthening Travel Convenience and Reliability
Grab’s mobility services are also designed to ensure reliable, worry-free travel across destinations:
- Advance Booking allows travelers to schedule airport rides from 90 days in advance to as little as 75 minutes before departure — reducing stress and ensuring on-time arrivals.
- GrabCar, with its 4- and 6-seater options, provides transparent pricing, professional drivers, and enhanced safety features, setting the benchmark for modern and dependable mobility in the Philippines.
- Grab’s services now cover eight major airports nationwide, including Cebu, Davao, and Bohol, giving travelers immediate access to trusted, safe, and convenient rides upon arrival.
Through this partnership, DOT and Grab are working hand-in-hand to strengthen tourism’s role as an economic driver — making travel in the Philippines easier, safer, and more rewarding for both visitors and local communities.