The Philippines, represented by Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, proudly participated as Vice Chair at the 28th ASEAN Tourism Ministers Meetings, held alongside the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2025 recently.
The meeting brought together tourism ministers from ASEAN member states, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Timor Leste, and Vietnam, and tourism leaders and representatives from Russia, Japan, and Korea.
In her opening remarks, Frasco called upon the tourism leaders present to unite in pursuit of the shared goals of ASEAN.
“The theme of unity at this year’s ASEAN Tourism Forum embodies our collective ambition and responsibility. It serves as a clarion call for us to collaborate with purpose and determination, crafting a vibrant future for ASEAN tourism that reflects the immense potential of our region-its people, cultures, natural resources, and limitless capacity for innovation,” tourism chief stated.
“We must remember that the true strength of our region lies not only in the policies we formulate and the strategies we execute but also in the deep-seated values of warmth, resilience, and unity that define our peoples.”
The tourism head emphasized the importance of shared values, saying, “We must remember that the true strength of our region lies not only in the policies we formulate and the strategies we execute but also in the deep-seated values of warmth, resilience, and unity that define our peoples. Our cultures are interconnected; our histories intertwined. Together, we can harness these shared narratives and natural wonders to create economic opportunities while ensuring the sustainability and preservation of our beautiful region for generations to come.”
As the lead country coordinator for the development of the ASEAN Tourism Sectoral Plan (ATSP) Post-2025, the Philippines is poised to present updates and recommendations aimed at fostering a tourism sector that drives equitable and sustainable economic growth for all.
“Our focus extends beyond quantity to quality.”
“The ATSP envisions a tourism landscape that not only stimulates economic progress but does so in a manner that is equitable and sustainable. Our focus extends beyond quantity to quality-prioritizing convenience and safety in tourism, promoting longer stays and increased spending, all while safeguarding our natural resources and honoring our heritage and culture,” she concluded.
