Phl pushes Asean into a suitable destination for tourism “, integrated visa
The Department of Tourism (DOT) said on Thursday that the Philippines is promoting a “single tourism destination” through sustainability and the establishment of a unified visa for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASE).
“We are really pushing for regional cooperation in ASEAN as a single tourism destination in promoting the development of tourism,” Tourism Secretary Ma. Esperanza Christina G. Frasco told reporters in an interview.
“ASEAN works as one region and one unified tourism destination can really strengthen the whole mystery of tourism,” he added.
Data from the 2025 Sustainable Travel Survey by Agoda travel agency found that sustainability is among the most important factors considered by travelers in the region when making travel decisions.
The survey revealed that 86% of Filipinos value sustainability in travel, while other neighboring countries, such as Malaysia (80%) and Vietnam (77%), trail behind.
“The way we like tourism is not limited to the physical count of tourists only,” said Mrs. Frasco. “But in addition to the selection of tourism in terms of livelihood, in terms of economic principles, and in its ability to support the local economy of the destination.”
He also said that the country has expressed its interest in establishing a unified visa to help increase tourism in the entire region. “Since our first participation in ASEAN under this initiative, that is an acknowledgment that we have to talk among our Asean neighbors.”
“The Philippines continues to express its desire for this. We expect that this can really help us in terms of driving numbers in the region,” he added.
2026 Seat of Asean
The Philippines, as the 2026 chair of ASEAN, will host the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) in Cebu from Jan. 26 to 29, and the Asean Tourism Ministers’ meeting. Among the expected results from the events is the launch of the ASEAN Tourism Strategic Action Plan.
“We hope that with this launch, all ASEAN countries will continue to firmly commit to the goals set to work together in the years to come,” said Ms. Frasco.
The tourism official added that the Department is responsible for managing hospitality, cultural events, and tours related to the said events.
“Our preparations have already started and are continuing with our member government organizations, as well as our communication with local government units and our stakeholders.”
The Asean seat, which rotates annually according to the alphabetical order of its members, was transferred from Malaysia to the Philippines in October.
The chairman of ASEAN is expected to lead the ASEAN summit and its related councils, the ASEAN Coordination Council, high-ranking public officials, and the High Committee, and Article 31 of the ASEAN Charter.
The Office of the President requested a building budget of P17,5 from Congress for hosting activities related to Asean events and borders throughout 2026 throughout the Assembly. – Almira Louise S. Martinez
