Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco called on the entire tourism sector and the Filipino public to actively embrace sustainable and green tourism as the foundation for the industry’s long-term resilience and growth.
The Secretary delivered the keynote address at the 10th National Association of Independent Travel Agencies (NAITAS) Travel Expo (NTEX) 2025 on Saturday, December 6, at SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.
Secretary Frasco stressed that the increasing frequency of severe weather systems makes sustainable practices non-negotiable for the future of Philippine tourism.
“Encouraging our tourists to engage responsibly with travel is more important now than ever, especially as we approach this age of severe weather systems. And so, sustainability is and must be the only way forward,” Secretary Frasco stated.
The Tourism Chief highlighted the recent impact of climate-related weather events, which have already affected over 40,000 tourism workers, underscoring the urgency of adopting sustainability as a way of life and a crucial measure for the industry’s stability.
“No matter the climate, no matter the challenges that our nation faces, tourism provides jobs, supports livelihood, and most importantly, it provides hope,” she added, emphasizing tourism’s vital role in national recovery and providing hope to communities.
The two-day NTEX 2025, operating under the theme “ECO Pasko: Celebrating Green Tourism,” features:
Exhibits showcasing sustainable tourism practices.
Presentations of new, environmentally conscious travel products.
A business-to-business networking program aimed at boosting inbound travel and strengthening ties with international partners.
The event also marked the launch of the NAITAS “Promote the Philippines” campaign. This initiative invites international buyers and partners to collaborate closely with Philippine operators to highlight destinations that deeply value culture, community, and environmental care.
Secretary Frasco led the ceremonial ribbon cutting alongside key figures, including Lorens Ziller, Executive Director of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines; Susan Santos de Cardenas, President of the International Alliance of Regenerative Tourism; and Florence Rivera, NAITAS President.
The Secretary was also joined by DOT Undersecretaries Maria Rica Bueno and Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar, Assistant Secretary Sharlene Batin, Regional Director Lyle Fernando Uy, and Philippine Commission on Sports SCUBA Diving (PCSSD) Deputy Executive Director Glorience Glen Do.
