Through a range of innovative digital solutions, GCash aims to bolster the livelihoods of local government units (LGUs) and over 5,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) while enhancing the overall travel experience for visitors.
From seamless cashless transactions with Scan-To-Pay to accessible micro-loans through GLoan and comprehensive insurance coverage with GInsure, GCash’s pioneering initiatives create a unified effort to boost Bohol’s tourism and propel the province towards a thriving future.
These innovations aim to revitalize the local tourism industry in the province by integrating digital payment solutions into local tourism campaigns, ushering in a new era of cashless travel experiences.
‘Sulong Turismo’ is set to empower LGUs with famed tourist spots to adopt convenient cashless payments for various tourism-related transactions, such as travel bookings, accommodations, and retail shopping.
By leveraging digital tools and showcasing their wide-ranging benefits, the campaign aspires to enhance customer satisfaction, drive repeat visits, and invigorate the overall tourist experience throughout the region.
“We are proud to be a part of the Sulong Turismo initiative. Financial inclusion toward economic growth has always been the main goal of GCash. And we believe that this can be achieved through partnerships with both the public and private sectors, so that together we can present opportunities to business owners as well as consumers, for a safer, secure, convenient, and profitable payment solution that can boost the domestic tourism industry,” said GCash Chief Marketing Officer, Neil Trinidad.
The official inauguration of ‘Sulong Turismo’ commenced with a dynamic seminar and dialogue, where the advantages of a digitalized tourism industry were extensively discussed, focusing on LGUs boasting prominent tourist destinations.
Driver of tourism
The Department of Tourism (DOT) unveiled exciting plans for infrastructure development, a dedicated tourism website, and a cutting-edge tourism app, all aimed at incentivizing tourism-related businesses to embrace digital payments and pave the way for growth in the sector.
Distinguished guests at the event included Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado; Department of Tourism Chief Tourism Officer for Central Visayas, Dr. Gelena Asis-Dimpas; Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Regional Head of Economic Affairs, Greg Baccay; Philippine Information Agency Head, Rey Anthony Chiu; Panglao City Vice Mayor Noel Hormachuelos; Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap; and GCash Chief Marketing Officer, Neil Trinidad.
Their presence underscored the importance of this initiative and highlighted the collective effort to drive the tourism industry forward.
During the event, the concept of a tourism circuit was unveiled, presenting a strategic route or itinerary that connects multiple tourist attractions within a specific region.
This structured approach aims to promote the region’s diverse offerings and entice tourists to spend more time exploring unique destinations.
“The active participation of local businesses, including micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), market vendors, and transport groups, further exemplified the strong collaboration between the public and private sectors in propelling the region’s tourism industry. We are very happy to be the first municipality to have pioneered this initiative and we are hoping that other municipalities would follow our lead,” said Governor Aumentado.
Cashless digital tourism
The GCash app, available for free on Google Play and App Store, plays a central role in facilitating cashless transactions during travel.
Its user-friendly interface and secure payment features make it an ideal tool for tourists and businesses to embrace the digital revolution in the tourism industry.
‘GCash Scan-To-Pay enables seamless payments and smoother business operations. It allows entrepreneurs and businesses to offer cashless transactions through a generated QR Code,’ Cathlyn Pavia of GCash explained.
‘This feature allows business owners to receive payments through cashless transactions. Merchants receive real-time texts on their smartphones when payments are made, enabling them to monitor transactions in their merchant portal, accept unlimited transactions daily, and even offer GGives and GCredit to their customers. These features facilitate more efficient day-to-day operations and open doors to potential increases in sales.’
To further support the aspirations of budding entrepreneurs, GCash offers GLoan, a hassle-free borrowing platform accessible through the GCash app.
With GLoan, eligible business owners can access instant cash of up to P125K without the burden of additional documents or collateral.
The loan amount is determined based on the individual’s GScore—a reflection of their activity and usage of GCash’s products and features.
‘GLoan lets you enjoy low-interest rates starting at 1.59 percent per month, and you can pay your installments in 5, 6, 9, or 12 months. Once approved, the loan will be sent to your GCash wallet within minutes, so you can immediately use it,’ Pavia said.
Additionally, GCash’s commitment to comprehensive financial protection is evident through GInsure, an all-encompassing insurance marketplace within the app. Travelers, whether exploring locally or abroad, can find peace of mind with insurance policies ranging from travel, life, health, and more, offering coverage of up to P2.5Mn. With GInsure, individuals no longer need to fret about lost baggage, emergencies, or unforeseen inconveniences during their journeys.
With ‘Sulong Turismo’ paving the way for cashless digital tourism, Bohol is set to become a shining example of how technology and strategic partnerships can transform and elevate the travel experience.
As the campaign gains momentum, Bohol’s picturesque landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality are now more accessible than ever, promising an unforgettable journey for travelers seeking to explore the wonders of this province.
For more information on ‘Sulong Turismo’ and the GCash app, visit www.gcash.com.ph. (SPONSORED CONTENT)