Tourism stakeholders rally behind Frasco amid Cabinet reshuffle
By Trixee Rosel
At A Glance
- Tourism stakeholders nationwide voiced support for DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco following her courtesy resignation amid the Cabinet reshuffle.
- Industry groups credited Frasco's leadership for revitalizing the sector, which generated P760 billion in revenue and supported 16.4 million jobs in 2024.
(Photo courtesy of DOT)
Tourism leaders and stakeholders across the country have expressed strong support for Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco following her submission of a courtesy resignation in response to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive for a midterm Cabinet reshuffle.
Frasco, who affirmed her continued commitment to serve at the President’s pleasure, received backing from major industry associations, regional officials, and grassroots groups, who cited her inclusive leadership and key contributions to the sector’s post-pandemic recovery.
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) hailed Frasco as an “exemplary leader” who championed workforce development and sector resilience, while the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) recognized her initiatives in heritage preservation and hospitality improvement.
The Tourism Industry Board Foundation Inc. (TIBFI) highlighted the training of over 303,000 tourism workers nationwide under the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) program, reflecting Frasco’s push for service quality and innovation.
Regional tourism officers under the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) lauded her consistent engagement with local communities and support for grassroots tourism development.
Leaders from the National Association of Independent Travel Agencies (NAITAS), the Global Tourism Business Association (GTBA), and regional stakeholders in CALABARZON, Bohol, and Rizal commended her responsive, hands-on leadership.
Under Frasco’s watch, the tourism sector generated P760 billion in revenue and supported 16.4 million jobs in 2024, reinforcing its role in the country’s economic recovery.
She also advanced niche tourism segments such as dive, golf, heritage, gastronomy, Halal, and film tourism through national programs and global partnerships, including the Philippine Dive Experience and the Philippine Golf Tourism Summit.
Dive tourism alone nearly doubled its revenue to P73 billion last year, a gain attributed to enhanced marine conservation and destination development.
As the administration moves forward with its Cabinet realignment, tourism stakeholders expressed hope that the programs and reforms implemented under Frasco’s leadership would be sustained to ensure continued growth and global competitiveness for the sector.