Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco met the largest group of tour operators in the country to map out topmost concepts in boosting tourism plans on top of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s vision in sustainable tourism.
On her keynote address at the 4th Membership Meeting of the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) last Wednesday, August 10, at EDSA Shangri-La Hotel in Mandaluyong City, Frasco expressed sadness on the "collapse" of tour businesses in the country due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
While Frasco brought hope in front of over 400 PHILTOA member, she echoed new direction of tourism under the administration of President Marcos Jr. to ensure sustainable tourism amidst the threat of Covid-19.
“I understand (that) the last two years have been difficult for everyone and so I thank you for continuing to forge forward, notwithstanding these challenges. Truly, it is because of your determination for our tourism industry to survive, to thrive, and to recover that the prospects for the recovery of the tourism industry are really quite optimistic," said Frasco.
She also emphasized the importance of stakeholders in protecting tourist destinations.
“Accordingly, other than the assured tourist safety and excellent quality of service, sustainable tourism practices should always be integrated with wider economic, social and environmental policy considerations,” she added.
The Tourism Secretary also directed the agency and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) to create possible promotions and marketing concepts and expand economic opportunities in the future.
“On top of the President’s vision for the tourism industry, the most crucial, of course, is shared tourism governance by the public and private sector to ensure sustainable tourism,” she stated.
PHILTOA, on the other hand, assured Frasco of their full support to her programs.
“PHILTOA looks forward to better years ahead as we work together with the Department of Tourism,” said PHILTOA President Fe Ablung-Yu.
The group also encouraged the public to support PHILTOA’s upcoming 33rd Phil Travelmart on September 30 to October 2 which intends to promote top domestic destinations in the country. (Jun Marcos Tadios)