SECRETARY OF TOURISM CHRISTINA FRASCO LEADS PHILIPPINE DELEGATION TO THE ASEAN TOURISM FORUM 2025 AND THE ASEAN TOURISM MINISTERS’ MEETING

Johor Bahru, 22 January 2025 – Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco led the Philippine delegation to the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2025 and ASEAN Tourism Ministers Meeting, held from 19 to 20 January 2025 in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. The forum, themed “Unity in Motion: Shaping ASEAN Tourism Tomorrow,” aimed to strengthen regional cooperation and promote sustainable tourism across Southeast Asia.

On 18 January 2025, the Philippine Embassy welcomed Secretary Frasco upon her arrival at Senai International Airport. That evening, the ATF officially opened with a ceremony attended by tourism ministers and delegates from ASEAN member states.

The Philippine Embassy joined Secretary Frasco in celebrating Philippine culture and tourism during the Philippines Night Dinner Reception hosted by the DOT on 19 January 2025. In their speeches, Secretary Frasco and Consul General Roussel Reyes expressed their congratulations and gratitude to Malaysia for its successful hosting of the ATF. Consul General Reyes also commended the DOT’s steadfast efforts in positioning the Philippines as a “premier global destination”.

The ATF concluded on 20 January 2025 with a closing ceremony at the Persada Johor International Convention Centre. During the ceremony, Malaysian Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Dato Sri Tiong King Sing formally passed the symbolic gavel to Secretary Frasco.

The Philippines is set to proudly host the ATF 2026 in Cebu, further demonstrating its commitment to advancing regional tourism collaboration and sustainable development.

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