CEBU CITY – Looking to exchange best practices and strengthen cooperation, the 63rd ASEAN National Tourism Organizations (NTOs) Meeting kicked off here on Monday, Jan. 26.

The meeting was part of the series of ASEAN Summit-related activities at Nustar Resort and Casino in South Road Properties.

Undersecretary Verna Esmeralda Buensuceso of the Department of Tourism (DOT), who welcomed officials of ASEAN NTOs, highlighted the significance of Cebu City’s hosting of the meeting.

Buensuceso said it was 28 years ago when the landmark declaration on tourism cooperation was signed in Cebu.

“Cebu holds a special place in ASEAN’s tourism history. In 1998, it was here that the ministerial understanding on ASEAN cooperation in tourism was signed. Today, in 2026, we return to Cebu at another meaningful turning point,” Buensuceso said in her opening remarks.

Buensuceso said the meeting aims to strengthen regional collaboration and advance tourism initiatives.

“As heads of national tourism organizations, we are in a critical and exciting position to transform vision into practice. What we decide and coordinate in meetings like these translate into the visitor journey, the competitiveness of our destinations, the resilience of our enterprises, and the livelihoods of our communities,” Buensuceso said.

Buensuceso described the meeting as timely. She said the purpose of the meeting is guided by the Philippines’ ASEAN chairship theme – “Navigating our Future Together.”

“Together, we are reminded that the future of tourism in our region will not be shaped by any one country alone. It will be shaped by how well we aligned our strategies, our standards, our innovations, and most importantly, our resolve that tourism remains a force for good,” the DOT official said.

For Oliver Chong, Assistant Chief Executive of the International Group (Designate) at the Singapore Tourism Board and Singapore’s representative to the NTO, the meeting is a “pivotal moment” for regional tourism.

“We continue to strengthen our collaboration and advance our shared vision of positioning Southeast Asia as an attractive single destination. The challenges and opportunities facing our tourism sector demand coordinated regional responses,” Chong said.

Singapore is the vice chair of ASEAN and will assume the next chairmanship.

Chong said the gathering is a valuable opportunity to “build upon past successes while exploring innovative pathways for sustainable tourism development.”

Timor Leste was welcomed as the 11th ASEAN member during the start of the meeting.

“Our collective strength lies in our diversity – 11 unique destinations, each offering distinct experiences and rich cultural heritage, yet united by shared values and common aspirations,” said Chong.