Following an economic slump caused by pandemic lockdowns and restrictions, more and more countries, including the Philippines, have reopened their borders, resulting in the tourism industry's recovery path to become more optimistic. As early as May 2023, the country surpassed 2 million tourist visitor arrivals, which is already higher than the 2022 target of 1.7 million foreign visitors. As the Philippines positions itself as a competitive tourist destination, the rising demand for travel highlights the importance of crafting mechanisms to create a favorable environment for various stakeholders in the industry.

With the government's goal of transforming the Philippine tourism industry into a regional powerhouse, the Department of Tourism (DOT) crafted the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) covering 2023 to 2028, which will serve as the administration's industry blueprint and development framework. Notwithstanding the significant developments in the sector, intensified efforts are imperative to improve the country's standing in terms of travel and tourism competitiveness vis-à-vis its Southeast Asian peers. In 2021, the Philippines ranked 75th out of 117 economies in the Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) of the World Economic Forum (WEF), dropping two places from its 2019 ranking.

In this context, the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) invites its members and partners to a luncheon meeting with our keynote speaker, DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, as she unveils the priorities of the Agency for its continued promotion of the Philippines as a tourist destination. Likewise, this luncheon also intends to present the initiatives of the DOT in improving international and domestic connectivity and achieving sustainable travel and tourism. This event will also provide a hybrid platform for the European-Philippine business community to discuss potential areas for cooperation with the government.

Important reminders:

• Food and drinks are available for attendees joining physically.
• In compliance with health and safety protocols, slots for physical attendance will be limited to fully vaccinated onsite participants only. Attendees will be required to present proof of vaccination (such as a Vax Certificate or Vaccination Card), and an accomplished health declaration form in order to enter the venue.

Kindly note that registration for physical attendance will close on 19 September at 12:00pm or when slots are filled.