The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Thursday reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to strengthening the country’s aviation sector, highlighting its crucial role in positioning the Philippines as a globally accessible and leading tourist destination.
Representing Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, DOT Undersecretary Shahlimar Hofer Tamano participated in a high-level panel discussion on the second day of the 2025 Philippine Aviation Summit held at the Marriott Hotel Manila.
The discussion, which gathered government officials and industry leaders from around the world, explored progressive opportunities to support the growth and sustainability of the Philippine aviation industry. Key areas of focus included developing a comprehensive aviation master plan, strengthening public-private partnerships (PPPs), and seeking visionary investors and entrepreneurs to drive market innovation.
Speaking on behalf of the Tourism Chief, Undersecretary Tamano reiterated the department’s continuous collaboration with allied government agencies and private stakeholders. He also emphasized the current strength of the local travel market.
“The country is number one in terms of domestic tourism in the whole Southeast Asian region. Domestic business is good for our airlines and our airports that are now run by our private partners,” Undersecretary Tamano stated, adding, “We continue to help in infrastructure, not only our airports, but also our roads from airports leading to new people’s destinations.”
Earlier in the Summit, Secretary Frasco delivered her key address, emphasizing the vital role of the coordinated efforts between the tourism and aviation sectors in making the Philippines a safe, inclusive, and accessible destination for the global market.
The two-day Philippine Aviation Summit was organized by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) and the Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA).
