The Philippines reaffirms its commitment to the 2016-2025 ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan and emphasizes the hope of making the region a unified and sustainable tourist destination.
Philippine Department of Tourism Secretary Frasco emphasized that the country strives to align with ASEAN's vision of responsible, inclusive, and sustainable tourism development.
She made these remarks in a prerecorded video during the “Philippine Night,” one of the key events of the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) ASEAN Tourism Exchange (TRAVEX).
She said that guided by the shared goal of promoting regional unity, the Philippines emphasizes support for the ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan through continuous initiatives, aiming to position ASEAN as a premium tourism destination offering unique and diverse experiences.
She pointed out that at the core of this commitment is the “Love Philippines” tourism campaign, showcasing the Philippines' rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and warm hospitality, while also contributing to ASEAN's collective development.
“We place sustainability at the cornerstone of our tourism strategy to ensure that our treasured heritage is passed on, continues to inspire future generations, and is utilized properly.
“Our commitment, besides expanding economic benefits, ensures environmental, cultural diversity, inclusive growth, and constant innovation.”
Frasco said the Philippines is honored to participate in this year's ASEAN Tourism Forum hosted by Malaysia. For nearly 30 years, the forum has been a beacon of unity, providing strength to the ASEAN region.
“This forum showcases ASEAN's cultural diversity as a tourist destination, its stunning landscapes, and the indomitable spirit of our ASEAN member countries and peoples.”
She said that it is exciting that the ASEAN Tourism Forum, operated as an independent central body under the ASEAN Tourism Ministers' Meeting, is as dynamic as the tourism industry itself, which is growing and expanding at an exponential rate.
The 2025 ASEAN Tourism Forum is held from the 15th to the 20th of this month, lasting 6 days, aiming to promote regional tourism products, facilitate knowledge exchange, build valuable networks, and strengthen cooperation with global tourism leaders to increase the number of tourists to ASEAN.
This is Malaysia’s second time hosting the forum, the first being in 2014 in Kuching, Sarawak.
Malaysia, serving as the ASEAN rotating chair this year, makes hosting the 2025 ASEAN Tourism Forum particularly significant.