DOT Taps Grab as Digital Tourism Partner to Boost Food Adventures and Seamless Travel Across the Philippines

Grab was named the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) digital tourism partner in a recent Memorandum of Agreement signing. Present at the event were [L–R] 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.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has officially named Grab as its Digital Tourism Partner, marking a bold step toward modernizing the travel experience in the Philippines. Through this strategic collaboration, the country’s leading superapp will help supercharge gastronomy tourism and regional connectivity, unlocking new opportunities for small businesses and travelers alike.

The partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement, focuses on two key pillars:

Elevating Philippine gastronomy as a central tourism driver
Improving inter-city travel between gateway hubs and emerging destinations

“Our services are designed to make exploration effortless—from cultural landmarks to culinary gems,” said CJ Lacsican, Grab Philippines Vice President for Cities.

“This partnership doesn’t just move people—it moves local economies, spotlighting community restaurants and under-the-radar attractions.”

Serving Up Local Flavor, One Ride at a Time

Grab is rolling out initiatives to support DOT’s gastronomy push, making local food culture more accessible and inclusive:

Grab Dine Out: Now in Metro Manila and Boracay, this program offers exclusive dine-in discounts to drive foot traffic to beloved eateries and hidden gems.
GrabFood 5-Star Eats: A curated guide to community-approved culinary spots, boosting visibility for homegrown MSMEs.
GrabFood For One: Affordable solo meals starting at Php 150 with free delivery—perfect for budget-conscious travelers and locals alike.

These programs align with DOT’s vision of making food tourism a vibrant, community-powered experience.

“By integrating mobility and gastronomy, we’re enriching how travelers discover the Philippines,” said Sharlene Zabala-Batin, DOT Assistant Secretary for Tourism Digitalization and Resource Generation.

“This partnership opens doors for small businesses and local communities that are the heart of our tourism value chain.”

Connecting Cities, Empowering Journeys

Grab is also enhancing inter-city travel with features designed for convenience and reliability:

Advance Booking: Travelers can schedule airport rides up to 90 days in advance, ensuring stress-free departures.
GrabCar: Available in 4- and 6-seater options, GrabCar offers transparent pricing, professional drivers, and safety-first features for solo riders, families, and groups.

With coverage across eight major airports—including Bohol, Cebu, and Davao—Grab ensures that arriving travelers have immediate access to safe, reliable transport.

This partnership signals a future-ready approach to tourism—where tech meets tradition, and every ride, meal, and moment supports a more connected, inclusive, and flavorful Philippines.