President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. meets with Japanese tourism partners in Osaka, Japan on June 20, 2025. (RTVM)
President Marcos met with Japanese tourism partners during his working visit in Osaka, Japan on Friday, June 20.
Malacañang said Marcos began his second day in Osaka by meeting tourism stakeholders who have supported the growth and development of Philippine tourism in the Japanese market.
According to the Palace, the President was given an overview of key interests and opportunities for Philippine tourism in Japan.
The stakeholders represent important areas of tourism, including industry associations, travel and tour companies, airlines, and airports.
Today, I met with Japanese tourism leaders who are helping us welcome more visitors than ever before, with 214 weekly flights connecting Japan and the Philippines, Marcos said in a social media post.
We are working to create more jobs for our people, help more businesses grow and ensure more communities feel the impact of a strong tourism sector, he added.
Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Frasco said Marcos has conveyed to the Japanese tourism stakeholders his prioritization of tourism development by ensuring the improvement of infrastructure in the country.
He also mentioned the privatization of the Philippines’ main gateway—the Ninoy Aquino International Airport— and regional airports “with the intent of being able to usher in Japanese tourists directly to the country’s island destinations.
Data shows that Japan continues to be one of the strongest source markets of the Philippines in terms of inbound travel, Frasco said.
Japanese travelers also favor Cebu, Palawan, Boracay, Bohol, and other emerging island destinations in the country.
Marcos is in Japan to attend the World Expo 2025 in Osaka this week to promote the country's tourism. He left Manila on Thursday, June 19.