CEBU CITY, Cebu (PIA) — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on June 28 thanked the international tourism organization for giving Philippine tourism exposure on the global stage.
Pres. Marcos expressed his gratitude in his opening speech at a gathering in Lapu-Lapu City for the 36th Joint Meeting of the UN Tourism Commission for East Asia and the Pacific and the UN Tourism Commission for South Asia.
Hundreds of tourism stakeholders, tourism officers, delegates, and local government officials attended the joint meeting.
He said the event will further strengthen the government’s efforts to develop the nation’s tourism industry and position the country as one of the world’s top tourist destinations.
“I also extend my gratitude to the UN Tourism Commission for EAPac and the UN Tourism Commission for South Asia for having entrusted the Philippines with the responsibility of hosting this very significant gathering,” Pres. Marcos said.
“Apart from having the chance to shape the course of the future of tourism in our region, I consider this event a tremendous chance for exposure for the Philippines and a very welcome boost to our efforts to show that we are one of the world’s leading tourist destinations,” he added.
PH as top tourism destination
The President also highlighted the country’s growing tourism sector and its impact on the Philippine economy.
“In 2023, the share of Tourism Direct Gross Value added to the Philippine economy amounted to 8.6 percent of our GDP, or P2.09 trillion, which roughly amounts to US$35 billion. In 2023, we welcomed 5.45 million international tourists into the country, exceeding our target of 4.8 million for the year,” Pres. Marcos noted.
International tourist arrivals in the country have already reached 2.9 million from January to March of this year, which the President said is a reflection of the sector’s continued development and recovery.
He also urged the delegates to unite and advocate for a greener future for global tourism.
“I call on all the delegates, stakeholders, and partners to contribute eagerly to the success of this gathering. Let us celebrate our own cultural diversity and wonders as we build a brighter, better, and greener future for tourism here in Asia, the Pacific, and the world,” he added.
Global platform
The meeting held on June 28 was attended by officials of the UN Tourism Commission and tourism stakeholders who collaborated and exchanged sustainable tourism practices.
The event also discussed relevant tourism issues with the goal of advancing tourism diversity and fostering a better tourism experience for international tourists and visitors.
It also served as a venue to discuss the preparations for the upcoming 2024 World Tourism Day.
The delegates from the United Nations Tourism Organizations (UNTO) were also treated to simultaneous island tours of different tourism wonders in the province of Cebu.
The tours offered valuable insights about the rich history and culture not just of the host province but of the entire country.
Roy Zhang, one of the delegates of the First UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism Asia and the Pacific, said he plans to revisit the country to get a better glimpse of the tourism experience in the Philippines.
“What impressed me the most is the hospitality of the people there. It’s like when we travel and go on the road, everybody is waving the Philippine national flag and welcoming us. I think that’s the biggest thing that impressed not only me but also my other colleagues and most of the delegates. Yes, it is a very beautiful place, and I think I will come back here again,” Zhang said. (RGC/PIA Cebu)
