DFA Discusses NTDP 2023-2028 to Help Promote Philippines as a Tourism Powerhouse in Asia Virtual briefing for Foreign Service Posts on Tourism Promotion

Photo credit: DFA-Office of International Economic Relations (OIER)

MANILA 25 February 2025 – The DFA-Office of International Economic Relations (OIER) recently conducted its webinar to brief the Philippine Foreign Service Posts (FSPs) on how they can promote Philippine tourism around the world by helping implement the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023-2028.

“It is my pleasure to welcome you all to this important discussion on the NTDP 2023-2028, which represents a significant milestone in our journey towards transforming the Philippines into a tourism powerhouse in Asia,” says OIER Assistant Secretary Paul Vincent Uy in his opening remarks.

Assistant Secretary Uy quoted Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, who said that, “under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., we have been called upon to transform the Philippines.” He stated the need to create a tourism industry that is sustainable, resilient, and globally competitive. As such, the NTDP 2023-2028 serves as a blueprint, outlining the strategies and actions needed to help the Government of the Philippines achieve these goals.

The DFA will continue to coordinate with the DOT and other concerned agencies in order to establish a tourism industry anchored on Filipino culture, heritage, and identity. He conveyed the DFA’s commitment to contribute to the government’s efforts to improve the country’s tourism infrastructure and accessibility, enhance the overall tourist experience, promote its diverse tourism portfolio and ensure that its tourism industry remains innovative and inclusive.

Director Warner A. Andrada of the DOT-Office of Tourism Development Planning, Research and Information Management presented the NTDP 2023-2028. 

During his presentation, he underscored that the Plan is a guidebook, which is geared towards making the PH tourism innovative, inclusive and resilient through the application of certain strategies and specific goals to support the Government’s efforts.

DOT Supervising Tourism Operations Officer Ryan R. Carlos presented statistical data and comparative trends in various regions on foreign tourist arrivals and top visitor markets, tourism industry performance, profile of visitors to the Philippines in recent years and data reflecting the economic contributions of tourism in general.

Meanwhile, presenting on behalf of DOT Chief Tourism Operations Officer Alex Macatuno was Ms. Rona Cadorna, who briefed the FSPs on the status of the country’s bilateral agreements; their benefits and challenges experienced. 

The DOT resource speakers highlighted that the performance of the country’s tourism sector in the past recent years was a testament to the effectiveness of the NTDP 2023-2028 and the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders. Together, the DFA and DOT called on everyone to continue working together to maintain this momentum and increase the international visitor arrivals by this year and the coming years.

The webinar was attended by a total of 188 representatives of FSPs and Honorary Consuls for both the AM and PM sessions. Serving as Moderator for the event was OIER-Economic Diplomacy Division Acting Director Marivil V. Valles. END