Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said tourism remains a vital contributor to the national economy and a driving force for development.
“[T]ourism continues to be a thriving sector in our nation and one of the top economic development drivers of our country. This is evident in the numbers that reflect our collective hard work and commitment in transforming Philippine tourism as a force for good,” Frasco said in a statement Friday, March 21.
Last Tuesday, the DOT convened key government agencies and stakeholders in Manila to address pressing challenges and chart a sustainable path forward for the tourism sector.
Created under Republic Act No. 9593, the Tourism Coordinating Council (TCC) serves as the primary coordinating body among tourism stakeholders, aligning efforts to maximize the sector’s economic contributions.
During the meeting, Frasco stressed the importance of strengthening air connectivity, expanding tourism infrastructure, and implementing effective destination management strategies to mitigate the impacts of over-tourism and ensure long-term viability.
She also cited the DOT’s collaboration with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Transportation (DOTr), and Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to bridge infrastructure gaps and enhance accessibility in priority tourist destinations.
A key focus of the discussions was sustainability and the responsible use of natural resources, with the DOT working closely with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to safeguard natural attractions while promoting sustainable tourism practices.
“The protection of our environment is integral to our tourism growth, ensuring that future generations will continue to enjoy the beauty of the Philippines,” Frasco noted.
To broaden the reach of tourism, the DOT is promoting emerging destinations in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and local government units (LGUs), offering alternatives to traditional hotspots such as Boracay and Palawan.
“We must decentralize tourism and distribute its benefits to more communities across the country,” Frasco said, adding that this approach will boost local economies and generate more job opportunities for Filipinos.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) and Bureau of Immigration (BI) also presented updates on the Cruise Visa Waiver Program. Launched in 2023, it allows international cruise passengers to disembark at designated Philippine ports without a visa, supporting the country’s positioning as a premier cruise tourism destination.
Experts from the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) and Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) likewise provided insights into the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023–2028, which aim to establish the Philippines as a leading global tourism hub.
Dr. Andrew L. Tan of AIM presented the Budget Convergence Report on Tourism Development, while Dr. John Paolo R. Rivera of PIDS called for enhanced policy support to drive sustainable sectoral growth.
Frasco concluded the meeting with a call for sustained collaboration, saying the success of Philippine tourism depends on the collective efforts of all agencies and partners.
She assured stakeholders of the DOT’s commitment to tackling the sector’s challenges and unlocking its full potential for inclusive and sustainable growth.
The meeting was attended by representatives from DOT’s attached agencies, including the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), Duty-Free Philippines Corporation (DFPC), and National Parks Development Committee (NPDC), along with officials from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), and League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP).