President Marcos underscored the importance of the continuing partnership between the government and the private sector to promote the country’s tourism industry.

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco speaks at the Tourism Summit on Monday, May 13, 2024. (Photo from DOT/Facebook)

In a speech delivered by Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Frasco during the Tourism Summit on Monday, May 13, the Chief Executive lauded the significant contribution of the private sector on the country’s tourism sector, noting how it has made Philippines destinations stand out from all the others.

“To the exemplary industry leaders, content creators, and key players who are making an impact in the tourism community: You are serving your country well with your exceptional work. You are also showing us what it takes, what it requires, to give the Philippines that edge over other destinations,” the President said.

Noting how the tourism industry contributed to revenue generation, job creation, and economic growth, Marcos applauded industry leaders, key players, and content creators.

“Let us continue this partnership between the government and the private sector, working together to support our MSMEs, including those catering to the needs of the tourism industry,”he added.

The Tourism Summit was led by non-profit organization Go Negosyo and its founder, Joey Concepcion, whom the President thanked for partnering with the government.

Aside from Frasco, the summit was also attended by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.

In his speech, Marcos urged the private sector “to bring the rewards of a thriving tourism industry directly to the Filipino people.”

He also reminded them to protect the environment, care for all people, and utilize the resources accorded to them.

“For, at the end of the day, we are not just entrepreneurs – we are all promoted advocates and protectors of our beautiful country. Only by being so can we make the Philippines a truly sustainable, inclusive, and resilient global tourism hub,” he said.

In acknowledging the contribution of the tourism sector to the country’s economy, Marcos reported that the DOT is on track to realizing its goal under the National Tourism Development Plan for 2023-2028, which outlines a clear part to establishing a sustainable, resilient, and competitive tourism industry.

DOT’s Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) program was given special mention in the President’s speech as it has enhanced the tourism services in the country.

According to DOT’s report, the country has recorded 5.5 million inbound tourists in 2023. This is 15 percent higher than the 4.8 million target for the year.

In the first four months of 2024, the country has already recorded more than two million tourist arrivals.

“These numbers, and the accompanying visible increase in economic activities and commerce across our famous destinations, are a testament to the industry’s recovery,” Marcos said.

“These also prove that the active participation of every stakeholder matters; that one’s perseverance to acquire more skills, know-how, and networks makes a difference in our tourism agenda,” he added.

But even though the President is confident that the Tourism Summit will revive the country’s tourism industry, which was affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, he also stressed that challenges remain for the government to translate the recent gains in the sector into “tangible benefits” that will be felt by the people, communities, and the economy.