The Department of Tourism (DOT) said Friday, August 30, that it has embarked on a mission to strengthen tourism relations between the Philippines and Spain, driven by growing Spanish interest in the country and several upcoming joint projects.
The initiative was underscored in a recent meeting between DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco and Philippine Ambassador to Spain Philippe J. Lhuillier, which focused on creating new opportunities for tourism expansion and bilateral ties.
Lhuillier noted a surge in Spanish interest in the Philippines, largely attributed to the inauguration of the Centro de Filipinas en Madrid in October 2023.
He suggested enhancing tourism through improved connectivity and the promotion of educational tourism.
Frasco, on the other hand, provided an update on recent advancements, including expanded flight connections and the successful United Nations (UN) tourism forums held in Cebu, which have elevated the Philippines' global tourism profile.
She reiterated the DOT's commitment to supporting embassy initiatives and pledged collaborative efforts to improve connectivity via the DOT’s Routes Development Team.
Spain currently ranks as the 19th largest source of international visitors to the Philippines, with 23,663 arrivals recorded from January to July 2024 and a total of 34,063 in 2023.