Leading communications platform Rakuten Viber and the Department of Tourism (DOT) have joined forces to strengthen the Philippine tourism and hospitality sector by equipping micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with digital tools to deliver seamless and secure travel experiences.

The partnership was formalized through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) by Tourism Secretary Maria Bernardita “Dita” Angara-Mathay and Rakuten Viber Senior Director for APAC David Tse. Under the agreement, DOT-accredited tourism MSMEs will gain access to Viber Business Accounts, enabling them to communicate with travelers conveniently and securely.

Expanding Digital Opportunities for Local Tourism Businesses

The collaboration aims to help tourism MSMEs leverage Viber’s super app capabilities to provide visitors with a more connected travel experience. Through Viber Business Accounts, local enterprises can strengthen customer relationships, establish greater business credibility, and expand their reach to a wider audience.

The initiative also seeks to build trust in local tourism businesses while helping protect travelers against scams. DOT-accredited enterprises are encouraged to join Viber’s platform, alongside efforts to promote responsible travel practices among business owners and visitors.

Travelers can use Viber’s private and secure messaging and calling features to connect directly with tourism establishments. They can also integrate ChatGPT features within the app to assist with trip planning.

The partnership comes as tourism continues to play a significant role in the Philippine economy. According to the Philippine Tourism Data Dashboard, the country recorded 6.5 million international arrivals in 2025, representing a 0.8% increase from 2024. Tourism contributed ₱2.27 trillion to the economy and provided employment to 7.70 million Filipinos during the same year.

“Our partnership with Viber is part of our efforts to make tourism-related MSMEs across the country more competitive and adaptive to modern-day tourism demands,” said Secretary Angara-Mathay. “Travelers should be able to find accredited establishments easily and with confidence.”

She added that the partnership would support the DOT’s efforts to keep local MSMEs and tourists safe while helping tourism businesses connect with more customers and streamline operations, in line with the agency’s “Love the Philippines” and “Discover More to Love” campaigns.

Digital Tools, Training, and Support for Accredited MSMEs

Under the MOU, the DOT will engage its Regional and Foreign Offices in partnership programs and connect Rakuten Viber with local tourism stakeholders, including travel agencies, tourism operators, and tourism associations. The department will also provide campaign guidelines and branding materials, explore joint media campaigns, familiarization tours, and tourism promotions, and promote the partnership through its communication channels.

Rakuten Viber, meanwhile, will conduct MSME Caravans at DOT Regional Offices to help accredited enterprises establish free Viber Business Accounts.

These accounts provide businesses with dedicated pages for secure messaging, calls, and promotional campaigns. Click-to-Chat QR codes will also enable travelers to initiate conversations directly with tourism establishments.

The initiative includes free onboarding assistance and training for both participating MSMEs and the DOT. DOT-accredited businesses and tourism campaigns will also be featured monthly on Viber channels, with all programs made available to accredited MSMEs on equal terms.

Building Safer and More Trusted Travel Experiences

Rakuten Viber emphasized its commitment to supporting initiatives that help prevent scams and promote safer digital interactions in the Philippines.

“Rakuten Viber is committed to supporting initiatives that help curb and prevent scams in the Philippines. We are honored to work with the Department of Tourism by providing digital tools that make it easier for travelers to find and communicate with accredited tourism businesses,” said Tse.

He added that the initiative aims to help travelers make informed decisions and encourage them to verify businesses before sharing payment or personal information.

“Our ambition is not simply to connect more travellers with more destinations; it is to make every connection more trusted, every journey more reassuring, and every travel experience worth remembering,” Tse emphasized.

Through the collaboration, Rakuten Viber and the DOT aim to strengthen the digital capabilities of tourism MSMEs, broaden their customer reach, and help make travel across the Philippines more accessible, connected, and secure.

About Rakuten Viber

Rakuten Viber is one of the world’s most trusted and downloaded applications, creating meaningful and secure connections that bring people together. The platform enables users to connect with family and friends, manage business relationships, and pursue their passions in one place.

As a super app, Rakuten Viber offers services that support users’ everyday needs. It is part of Rakuten Group, Inc., a global technology leader in e-commerce, fintech, digital content, and communications services.

Photo Caption:
Lerick Elipe, Business Development Manager for the Philippines, Rakuten Viber; David Tse, Senior Director for APAC, Rakuten Viber; Maria Bernardita “Dita” Angara-Mathay, Secretary, Department of Tourism (DOT); and Ren Sapitan, Assistant Secretary, Department of Tourism (DOT), during the formalization of the partnership.