DOT partners with Google to be the 1st GMB Trusted Verifier in the Philippines

TheDepartment of Tourism (DOT) announced its partnership with Google Philippines as the first Google My Business (GMB) Trusted Verifier in the country.

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As a GMB Trusted Verifier, the DOT can instantly verify via the Quick Response (QR) code method all local DOT-accredited micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and make them discoverable on Search, Maps, and other Google products. With this, all accredited tourism MSMEs do not need to mail documents and wait for the vetting period of  30 to 60 days just to be verified on GMB.

“The DOT is looking forward to working closely with Google in digitizing our tourism establishments in the country, as well as in showcasing to local and foreign tourists alike all the best that the Philippines has to offer. This partnership recognizes the unique role Google’s products such as Search and Google Maps have in the journey of our tourists when they go around the country,” said Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.

Verified businesses come with certain advantages. They will be able to manage their Google My Business profiles by listing their products and services, as well as being easily searchable and accessible to customers who want to connect, leave a message, or post a review.

Owners and managers can also view insights directly from their Business Profile on Google My Business. This allows them to check how often their profile has been viewed, and use profile view insights to track how popular their business is with current and potential customers.

 “We are committed to connecting Filipinos to the opportunities of the progressive digital economy. We hope that this partnership with the DOT will help in the growth of our local tourism by making the products and services of micro, small, and medium enterprises easily searchable online by more tourists,” said Yves Gonzalez, Head of Public Policy for Google Philippines.

Google My Business is a free and easy-to-use tool for businesses and organizations to manage their online presence across Google, including Search and Maps. Trusted Verifier is Google My Business’ verification method for businesses that wish to enlist, where a trusted agent manually verifies a business through an  app.

Google conducted an initial GMB training with the DOT tourism accreditation officers in December 2018 in Tacloban, and will do a refresher training workshop this December 2019 in Boracay.