LONDON, United Kingdom — The Philippines is ready to receive more tourists as the outlook for Philippine tourism remains positive, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s support for the industry as a priority in his administration.
This was the announcement made by Philippines Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco as she addressed tourism ministers and international travel and tourism executives during the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Aligned Advocacy Dinner on Monday (Nov. 7 London time) at the One Great George Street in London.
“Prior to my assumption on June 30th, the projections were that the Philippines will receive 1.7 million tourists by the end of this year. Since we have begun with all the programs and plans of the Marcos administration, we have far surpassed this goal,” Secretary Frasco said.
Based on the DOT’s latest data as of November 7, tourists’ arrivals to the Philippines have now reached 1.9 million.
“Driving our economic recovery is no other than the Filipino people. We have a young and well-trained workforce who are as kind and gentle a people, as they are courageous and fierce,” she added.
Secretary Frasco shared some of the steps being undertaken by the Philippine government and the DOT in order to sustain the positive trajectory seen with the country’s tourist arrivals.
“By way of the President’s issuing of an Executive Order to lift the prohibition on the entry of unvaccinated foreigners, our guests are just now required to show a negative antigen test should they wish to come to the Philippines,” Secretary Frasco said.
The DOT is set to launch overwintering packages developed together with travel agencies that “showcases not only our idyllic islands and charming destinations, but also many thematic adventures for the picking, from luxury trips to family vacations, unique Filipino wellness experiences, to colorful cultural immersions, discovering the underwater world through diving exhibitions, discovering our flavors through food trips,” added Secretary Frasco.
Another initiative of the DOT is the Philippine Experience Culture Heritage and Arts Caravan, which will give tourists will have a chance to go around the Philippines and view how beautiful the country’s destinations are through its festivals, food, products, and warmth of the Filipino people.
“As we approach the end of 2022 and the new year ahead, we look to the future with optimism and hope. Grateful for your friendship, for your continued interest in the Philippines, knowing full well that with the strength of spirit of the Filipino people, there’s so much to look forward to. I invite you all to come to the Philippines and feel the warmth of the Filipino people,” the DOT chief said.
