The Department of Tourism (DOT) today set a clear vision for a dynamic and investment-driven future for the hospitality sector at the opening of Philippine Hotel Connect 2025, the nation’s leading hotel investment and networking event. Held on Thursday, July 24, at the Manila Marriott Hotel, the summit brought together over 250 top-tier hotel executives, investors, developers, and tourism leaders.
In a powerful address delivered by Undersecretary Shahlimar Hofer Tamano on behalf of Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, the DOT underscored its transformative ambition to establish the Philippines as Asia’s tourism powerhouse. This vision is anchored on robust infrastructure development, investor-friendly policies, and the globally recognized excellence of Filipino hospitality.
Secretary Frasco highlighted the significant growth of the tourism sector, stating, “In 2024, total tourism expenditure from both international and domestic travel reached ₱3.86 trillion. Visitors are staying longer, spending more, and returning more often. Domestic tourism, valued at over 66 billion US dollars, is now the largest in Southeast Asia. International travelers are contributing stronger per capita spend, with broader distribution of benefits across our regions. Tourism is no longer peripheral, but central to our national growth story.”
The DOT chief emphasized the immense opportunities awaiting the hotel industry. “By 2028, demand for hotel rooms will exceed 456,000 keys. Today, we are at just over 335,000. This is your moment, to invest where growth is happening, to build where opportunity is rising, and to shape the next chapter of Philippine tourism together,” she urged the attendees.
Secretary Frasco also extended her gratitude to the Philippine Hotel Owners Association (PHOA) for their steadfast support in safeguarding the tourism sector’s reputation. She specifically acknowledged PHOA’s role in swiftly addressing an inaccurate report on tourist safety that had gained international attention. “When an inaccurate report on tourist safety made international headlines, the Department of Tourism responded swiftly and factually, working closely with partners across government and industry to correct the narrative. While HelloSafe has since issued an apology and retracted the article, the damage had already been done. We thank the Philippine Hotel Owners Association for standing with us in defense of the truth — affirming that while no destination is without challenges, sweeping generalizations do not reflect the lived realities of our communities or the quality of experiences we deliver,” she stated.
She further expressed deep appreciation to PHOA President Mr. Arthur Lopez and Executive Director Benito Bengzon, Jr., reiterating, “The success of Philippine tourism will never be the work of government alone. It will always be a partnership, and that is why I stand here not only to report, but to express my deepest appreciation and my firm commitment to you.”
In his welcome remarks, PHOA President Arthur Lopez reciprocated the sentiment, expressing gratitude to the DOT for its continuous support and collaboration. “I extend my deepest appreciation to DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco for her inspiring leadership and vision for the tourism sector. Your unwavering support has motivated us to host this event for the second consecutive year,” said Lopez.
Distinguished tourism officials present at the event included Undersecretaries Ferdinand Jumapao and Verna Buensuceso; Assistant Secretaries Czarina Zara-Loyola, Christine Joy Cari, and Sharlene Zabala-Batin; and Directors Azucena Pallugna and Alven Talisic of the DOT, alongside Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) Chief Operating Officer Mark T. Lapid.
The opening forum featured Undersecretary Tamano and COO Lapid, joined on stage by Philippine Hotel Connect 2025 Chairperson Francis Gotianun, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Alejandro Tengco, and PHOA President Arthur Lopez.
