Collaboration key to tourism growth

FILE: DOT Secretary Wanda Teo (PNA Photo)

MANILA — Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo on Friday stressed anew the importance of regional cooperation to ensure sustainable tourism growth during a recent global forum in Tokyo, Japan.

In a forum at the Tour Expo Japan 2017 held in Tokyo, Teo said although the Philippines had a lot of destinations to offer, the country needed to ensure its protection through the help of neighboring countries.

“With the Philippines’ diversely-rich natural environment, Filipinos offer ultimate fun experience to our guests. But, without collaborated measures on environmental protection, we cannot ensure sustainable growth of the tourism industry nor reap its economic benefits,” Teo said in her speech.

“This growth is something we hope for but collaboration among our nations will be the key to continued growth, development and sustainability of tourism in Asia,” she added.

Teo, in a meeting with Japanese tourism executives, also congratulated the organizers of the Tour Expo Japan which was participated in by 140 countries this year.

The DOT chief is currently in Japan to lead a 33-member delegation comprised of 15 Filipino travel and tour operators, including Philippine Air Lines and Cebu Pacific and hoteliers, as well as 18 officials of the DOT and the Tourism Promotions Board.

The delegation also includes DOT Undersecretary Benito Bengzon, Jr., Assistant Secretary Ma. Lourdes Japson and Tourism Attache to Japan Verna C. Buensuceso.

The delegation has so far held bilateral tourism talks with officials of Japan’s Ministry of Land,

Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism headed by Minister Keiichi Ishii.

They will also hold business meetings with English as Second Language (ESL) groups: Association for English Studies in the Philippines (PSAA) headed by Mr. Minemura, Atsushi; DMM.Com is the biggest Online English company representative Yamamoto Asami.

At the Expo site, the Philippines’ 198-square meter booth highlights the “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” brand, showcasing the 7,100-island nation as a premium resort destination.

The booth features seminars about Philippine destinations and products, business to business meetings, More Fun performances by award-winning Filipino talents at the booth stage,

Virtual Reality experience of Philippine destinations, and a sampling of the Philippine Hilot at the Wellness corner.

There will also be Filipino cocktail mixes and fruit shakes at the Mabuhay Bar, a roving ice cream cart serving Filipino ice cream flavors and an interactive fun photo wall, among other activities. (PNA)