Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco led the opening of the Philippine Pavilion at the World Travel Market – WTM London 2024 heading the Philippine delegation to the prestigious annual travel and trade event attended by stakeholders from across the globe.
“I am honored to lead our Philippine delegation here at the World Travel Market, as we showcase the heart of our nation to the world,” Frasco said.
“Through the Philippine Pavilion at the WTM, one of the world’s biggest and most influential travel and tourism events, we aim to tell the Filipino story — a proud people, deeply rooted in tradition, rich in culture and creativity, molded by heritage and history, unique by the vastness of our regional diversity, yet united by our common love of country,” the tourism chief said.
“Today’s travelers seek immersive experiences, evolving from merely sightseeing to a quest for authentic experiences, and this is precisely what we are able to offer in the Philippines.”
With a focus on enticing travelers from both key and opportunity markets to visit the Philippines, the tourism head emphasized in her speech that, under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., the DOT has embarked on a multidimensional approach to tourism development, committed to ensuring the sustainability of Philippine destinations.
“Today’s travelers seek immersive experiences, evolving from merely sightseeing to a quest for authentic experiences, and this is precisely what we are able to offer in the Philippines,” she said.
“We have focused on diversifying our tourism offerings.”
“We have focused on diversifying our tourism offerings. And so, while our tourists enjoy our verdant landscapes and pristine shores and encounter our immense biodiversity, as represented here by our Philippine sellers across our famed and world-renowned islands, as well as our emerging destinations, among which include Palawan, Boracay, Cebu, Siargao, Batanes, Batangas, and also Bohol, Negros Oriental, Bicol, Bukidnon, and also, of course, Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur, and through the work of our tour operators and regional offices, as well as our engagement with our tourism frontliners, our tour guides, our community-based tourism organizations, we are now able to offer experiential travel in the Philippines through tourism packages focused on cultural immersions, festivals, the creative arts, health and wellness, gastronomy, and other offerings,” Frasco explained.
She also took the opportunity to thank distinguished officials and guests attending WTM 2024 London for their continuous support of the DOT’s endeavors to promote the Philippine tourism industry, which has contributed revenue to the country’s economy and provided employment for millions of Filipinos.
Among the Philippine government officials present at the event were Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom Teodoro Locsin Jr., Consul General and Deputy Chief of Mission Rhenita Rodriguez, Deputy Speaker Duke Frasco, Deputy Speaker and 2nd District of Ilocos Sur Representative Kristine Singson-Meehan, Chairperson of the Committee on Tourism of the House of Representatives and Lone District of Romblon Representative Eleandro Jesus F. Madrona, 3rd District of Batangas Representative Ma. Theresa Collantes, Lone District of the City of Biñan Representative Len Alonte, 1st District of Cagayan Representative Ramon Nolasco Jr., North District of Cebu City Representative Cutie Del Mar, 1st District of Negros Oriental Representative Jocelyn Sy Limkaichong, 4th District of Pangasinan Representative To V.P. De Venecia, 2nd District of Misamis Oriental Representative Bambi Emano, OFW Party List Representative Del Mar Magsino, and Pateros Lone District of the City of Taguig Representative Ricardo Cruz, Jr.
Also in attendance were Governor Jose Enrique Miraflores of Aklan Province and Mayor Frolibar Bautista of the Municipality of Malay, Aklan, who joined the Philippine delegation at WTM 2024 in London. The Aklan Provincial Government participated as a Partner Destination.
Other officials present included DOT Undersecretaries Maria Rica Bueno and Verna Buensuceso, Assistant Secretaries Judilyn Quiachon and Ronald Conopio, Director Jennifer Olba, DOT-London Tourism Attaché Gerry Panga, and Committee on Tourism Secretary Jona Navarro.
