The Department of Tourism (DOT) is now in touch with all hotels and related industries engaged in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) as it assists the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc) in welcoming the foreign athletes.

“The Department of Tourism (DOT), alongside our tourism stakeholders from the Tourism Congress of the Philippines (TCP), remains committed to implementing the best practices in welcoming international guests to the country,” the agency said in a media statement on Tuesday.

The DOT said it assigned personnel to be present during all airport reception and departure activities for all SEA Games delegates in coordination with Phisgoc.

“Through the TCP, we are also now in touch with all hotels and related industries engaged in the SEA Games,” it added.

Meanwhile, it called on the public to unite and promote the Filipino brand of service it is known for.

“We call on everyone to unite and live up to the Filipino brand of service and fun that we are known for. Let us rise to the occasion and put our best foot forward,” it ended.

Some SEA Games teams have earlier aired frustrations in social media over issues on accommodations and upon arriving at the airport in Manila.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo earlier reminded the Phisgoc to ensure that other arriving teams would not face similar concerns. (PNA)