The Philippines would be the venue for the ASEAN Tourism Discussion board 2026.
Johor Bahru, Malaysia – In a momentous event that underscores the rising prominence of the Philippines within the international tourism panorama, Secretary of Tourism Christina Garcia Frasco formally accepted the distinguished chairmanship of the ASEAN Tourism Discussion board (ATF) 2026. This important handover ceremony happened on January 20, 2025, on the spectacular Johor Worldwide Conference Heart, the place delegates from numerous ASEAN nations gathered to have a good time this pivotal occasion.
Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Malaysian Minister of Tourism, Arts and Tradition fingers over the symbolic gavel to Philippine Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco for the chairmanship and internet hosting of the ASEAN Tourism Discussion board (ATF) in 2026 throughout the closing ceremony of the ASEAN Tourism Discussion board in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, 20 January 2025.
The ceremonial gavel, a strong image of management and accountability, was graciously introduced to Secretary Frasco by Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, the Malaysian Minister of Tourism, Arts and Tradition. This gesture not solely signifies the Philippines’ dedication to internet hosting this prestigious discussion board but additionally highlights its readiness to play a significant function in fostering collaboration and selling tourism throughout the ASEAN group.
The upcoming ASEAN Tourism Discussion board (ATF) is gearing as much as characteristic the much-anticipated ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ Assembly, scheduled to happen within the picturesque province of Cebu in January 2026. This vital occasion will collect tourism leaders from throughout the ASEAN area to debate methods for enhancing tourism collaboration and progress.
In preparation for this prestigious gathering, a sequence of preparatory conferences are set to unfold in two key places: Manila, the colourful capital of the Philippines, and Boracay, famend for its gorgeous seashores and vacationer enchantment. These preparatory classes will play a vital function in shaping the agenda and guaranteeing that the primary assembly in Cebu efficiently addresses the urgent points and alternatives inside ASEAN tourism.
“Because the Philippines takes on the Chairmanship of ASEAN 2026, I invite you to affix us within the Philippines for the twenty ninth ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ Assembly in Cebu on January 2026. It is going to be a possibility not simply to debate insurance policies, however to witness firsthand the immense potential for sustainable tourism progress within the area,” Secretary Frasco mentioned.
She highlighted the heat and hospitality of the Filipino individuals, together with the wealthy tradition and gorgeous pure magnificence that Cebu has to supply.
Secretary Frasco emphasised that “Cebu is a trademark of unity — evincing what can occur when communities, companies, and governments come collectively to create a tourism mannequin that’s each worthwhile and accountable”.
“The Philippines, with its spirit of hospitality and deep sense of group, stands able to open its pristine shores to all of you, the place we’ll write a brand new chapter of the ASEAN story: a legacy of unity, sustainability, and prosperity for all,” she added.
Along with the ASEAN conferences, the Philippines shall be internet hosting a vibrant TRAVEX commerce present together with a sequence of insightful conferences as a part of the upcoming ATF 2026. This prestigious occasion marks a major second for the nation, following its profitable group of the thirty sixth UN Tourism Joint Fee Assembly that introduced collectively stakeholders from the Asia Pacific and South Asia.
Furthermore, the Philippines not too long ago made a mark by internet hosting the inaugural UN Tourism Regional Discussion board on Gastronomy Tourism, showcasing its wealthy culinary heritage and dedication to selling sustainable tourism.
Philippines as Vice Chair
Together with her lively participation within the ASEAN Tourism Discussion board 2025, Secretary Frasco took on the function of vice chair throughout the twenty eighth ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ Assembly. This important gathering introduced collectively tourism ministers from numerous ASEAN member states, together with Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Timor Leste, and Vietnam. The assembly additionally welcomed representatives from extra nations akin to Russia, Japan, India, and South Korea, making a wealthy tapestry of insights and collaboration.
Because the appointed lead nation coordinator for the event of the ASEAN Tourism Sectoral Plan (ATSP) Submit-2025, Secretary Frasco took the chance to current essential updates and strategic suggestions to her fellow ministers. Her focus was on fostering a resilient tourism sector that not solely promotes financial progress but additionally ensures that this progress is equitable and sustainable for all concerned. By way of her advocacy and management, she aimed to encourage collective motion towards a thriving tourism panorama that advantages each member state throughout the ASEAN framework.
“The ATSP envisions a tourism panorama that not solely stimulates financial progress however does so in a fashion that’s equitable and sustainable. Our focus extends past amount to high quality – prioritizing comfort and security in tourism, selling longer stays and elevated spending, all whereas safeguarding our pure sources and honoring our heritage and tradition,” mentioned Secretary Frasco.
She additionally emphasised the Philippines’ dedication to work with its ASEAN neighbors to construct a sustainable tourism business, “the place tourism shouldn’t be solely about counting guests however measuring their spending, contributions, and affect upon our communities, pushed by the primordial precept of preserving the distinctive cultures and ecosystems that make the ASEAN a very particular place to go to.”
The Tourism Chief of the Philippines additionally known as ASEAN a “household.” “United by a shared imaginative and prescient for the mutual prosperity of our nations, we perpetuate the notion that tourism is a pressure for good: reworking lives, sustaining livelihoods, forging friendships, creating reminiscences etched within the hearts of all who encounter our streets and shores.”
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