Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco emphasized the crucial role of strong partnerships and community-focused efforts in accelerating tourism development during the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA)’s year-end celebration held on Monday, December 1, at the New World Makati Hotel.
In her keynote address, Secretary Frasco lauded PHILTOA—the country’s largest association of tour operators, travel agencies, airlines, hotels, and allied industries—for its unwavering support of the DOT’s flagship programs, capacity-building initiatives, and shared advocacies.
The Tourism Chief highlighted the agency’s commitment to prioritizing the private sector and local communities, which serve as the foundation of the industry.
“Our work has always been rooted in the communities that we serve. That is why we have made the effort to listen to the private sector. We have acted as urgently as we can because we understand that every delay, every gap, affects your businesses, your employees, and the communities that rely on tourism,” Secretary Frasco stated.
Secretary Frasco underscored tourism’s significant impact on the national economy and culture. “Tourism drives jobs, economic growth, domestic travel, cultural preservation, and national pride. We are working tirelessly to sustain these gains, but we need the continued partnership of organizations such as PHILTOA to amplify our progress and protect the people at the heart of this industry,” she added.
With a membership exceeding 500 travel and tour advocates, PHILTOA has been a committed partner in the DOT’s push for inclusive tourism, particularly through actively promoting emerging and lesser-known destinations across the Philippines.
The event was attended by PHILTOA board trustees, including incoming President Maria Lourdes Japson, First Vice President Mary Ann Ong, Second Vice President Harold Atondo, Secretary General Nihma Karay, Treasurer Erlinda Tan, Auditor Arjun Shroff, and Public Relations Officer Philip William Olimpiada. Representing the DOT were Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso and Assistant Secretary Ronald Conopio.
