The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines and the Department of Tourism (DOT) are optimistic about attracting more foreign visitors to the country after their successful participation in the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) held from February 2nd to 5th, 2023 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The event is the largest annual tourism gathering in the ASEAN region and draws key tourism stakeholders, including policy makers, industry leaders, and tourism-related service providers.
This year, the Philippine delegation was represented by 16 local exhibitors from the airline industry, tour operators, and accommodations. They were able to network and engage with 115 international buyers at the ATF Travel Exchange (TRAVEX). The Philippine pavilion highlighted the country’s rich cultural heritage and award-winning destinations like Boracay, Cebu, and Palawan. It also featured Kaulayaw Coffee sampling and a dynamic cultural martial arts performance from the Lapu-Lapu Arnis de Abanico.
TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles expressed her admiration for the Philippines’ performance in the event, stating that “the participation and performance of the Philippines depicted the excellence and heart of the Filipino brand which truly brought the best of the country to the ASEAN region.” Foreign delegates also had a taste of Philippine cuisine and culture through a hosted luncheon that featured a Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) cultural performance and a musical medley by Filipino world-class talents.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco welcomed the guests to the event and invited them to explore the country’s various tourism products. “There’s our food, our living cultural traditions, and many many components that give you a window into the soul of the Filipino,” she said. The Philippines also received recognition at the ASEAN Tourism Standards Awards, which celebrated outstanding tourism businesses and destinations in the region that have complied with the international association’s tourism standards.
In the 2023 edition of the awards, Inandako’s Bed and Breakfast, Gina’s Homes, Sid Homestay, Hide Away House, and Maryhilz Homestay were named ASEAN Homestay Awardees. Cordillera Convention Hall, William Tan Enterprises Inc. (Caltex Irawan), DEU 818 Corporation (High Ridge Restaurant), and Shell OGI at Northwalk 2, City Environment and Management Office (Botanical Garden and Wright Public Toilets) received the ASEAN Public Toilet Award. Palaui Environmental Protectors Association (PEPA) was recognized with the ASEAN community-based tourism citation, while the Clinic at the Hilton Clark and Quan Spa at the Clark Marriott Hilton were named winners of the ASEAN Spa Services.
TPB expressed interest in participating in the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2024, which will be hosted by Laos. The Philippines is looking forward to showcasing more of its best offerings and attracting even more foreign visitors to its shores.
