The Department of Tourism (DOT) is expecting increased tourist exchanges between the Philippines and Qatar as the two countries renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Monday, April 22.
During the state visit of the Qatar Amir to the Philippines, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and State Minister for Foreign Affairs H.E. Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Malacañang Palace, in the presence of President Marcos and Qatar Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, as one of the agreements exchanged.
“Fortifying tourism cooperation between the Philippines and Qatar by way of signing this Memorandum of Cooperation forges a stronger partnership for increased tourism exchanges between our nations,” Frasco said in a statement.
According to the MOU, the Philippines and Qatar have committed to collaboratively fostering tourist inflows into both nations, enhancing cooperation among travel and tourism agencies, and other entities to bolster tourist exchanges and promotions. Additionally, they aim to establish conducive conditions for the movement and communication of visiting tourists.
The DOT said it also solidifies the shared commitment of both countries to stimulate tourism investments and facilitate the exchange of organizational expertise, knowledge, statistics, and best practices. As such, it outlines plans to facilitate familiarization visits for media and tourism experts and to enhance the skills of tourism operators, employees, and specialists through seminars and specialized training sessions.
Regarding business events, the DOT said both countries have agreed to promote the holding of various business events including exhibitions and conferences attractive to tourists, promote cooperation between other relevant exhibitions and conferences, and organizing agencies; encourage the exchange of organizational experiences in the field of business events; encourage familiarization visits in the field of business; exchange legislations and regulations; and provide possible logistical support at the international level for hosting exhibitions and international conferences.
The tourism department said a joint working team between the Philippines and Qatar will be formed to undertake and set up the work program, execution, follow-up, and evaluation of the activities in line with the implementation of the provisions of the agreement.
Frasco described the MOU as a "significant step forward," unlocking the wealth of opportunities for growth as the two countries explore new avenues for collaboration, particularly in the aspects of tourism and business events.
Philippines’ renewed tourism collaboration with Qatar, she said, aligns with the country’s approved National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023-2028, where Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) is identified as a strategic tourism product essential in the actualization of our President’s vision for a tourism powerhouse in Asia.
“Aside from being blessed with natural wonders and rich cultural experiences, the Philippines is home to world-class MICE facilities, not to mention the country’s biggest strengths – our Filipino workers who are always willing to go the extra mile to extend warmth and hospitality to our guests. Cooperation in the field of tourism presents significant opportunities for Qatar and the Philippines to leverage each other's strengths and jointly expand our respective MICE offerings, contributing to our region's and globally recognized MICE offerings,” said Frasco.
The agency said it has been actively enhancing its Muslim-friendly and halal tourism offerings to align with the National Tourism Development Plan's goal of promoting diversified tourism products.
In June 2023, the Philippines received recognition as the Emerging Muslim-friendly Destination of the Year (Non-OIC) at the esteemed Halal in Travel Global Summit 2023.
Per the data of the DOT, the Philippines welcomed 10,438 visitors from Qatar in 2023. As of April 20, 2024, visitor arrivals for this year have already reached 3,784 from January to April.