The Department of Tourism (DoT) said on Thursday that the Philippines is advocating for a “one tourism destination” for sustainability and the establishment of a unified visa for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
“We’re really pushing for regional cooperation for ASEAN as one tourism destination for sustainability in tourism development,” Tourism Secretary Ma. Esperanza Christina G. Frasco told reporters in an interview.
“ASEAN working as one region and one unified tourism destination could really invigorate all of our tourism economies,” she added.
Data from the 2025 Sustainable Travel Survey by travel platform Agoda found that sustainability is among the many top priorities considered by travelers within the region when making travel decisions.
The survey revealed that 86% of Filipinos value sustainability in travelling, while other neighboring countries, similar to Malaysia (80%) and Vietnam (77%), trailed behind.
“The style by which we value tourism shouldn’t be limited to a physical count of holiday makers alone,” Ms. Frasco said. “But more of the valuation of tourism by way of livelihood, by way of economy, and by way of its ability to sustain the local economies of our destination.”
She noted that the country has also expressed its interest in establishing a unified visa to assist boost tourism across the region. “Since our first participation within the ASEAN under this administration, that’s an advocacy that we have now propounded amongst our ASEAN neighbors.”
“The Philippines continues to specific its desire for this. We anticipate that this will really help us by way of driving the numbers to the region,” she added.
2026 ASEAN CHAIRMANSHIP
The Philippines, because the 2026 chair of ASEAN, will host the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) in Cebu from Jan. 26 to 29, together with the ministerial meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers. Among the many expected outcomes from the events is the launch of the ASEAN Tourism Strategic Motion Plan.
“We hope that with that launch, all countries in ASEAN will proceed to firmly commit to the strategic goals which have been identified for us to work together within the years to come back,” Ms. Frasco said.
The tourism chief added that the department is liable for handling hospitality, cultural events, and tours related to the said events.
“Our preparations for which have already begun and are continuing along with our other member government agencies, in addition to our coordination with our local government units and our stakeholders.”
The chairmanship of ASEAN, which rotates annually based on alphabetical order of its member states, was passed from Malaysia to the Philippines in October.
The ASEAN chair is anticipated to steer the ASEAN Summit and related summits, the ASEAN Coordinating Council, the three ASEAN Community Councils, relevant ASEAN Sectoral Ministerial Bodies, and senior officials, and the Committee of Everlasting Representatives – Article 31 of the ASEAN Charter.
The Office of the President has requested a P17.5 billion budget from Congress for hosting duties related to the ASEAN events and summits throughout 2026. — Almira Louise S. Martinez