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Strengthening PH-Australia Tourism: DOT Hosts ‘Love the Philippines’ Forum in Perth

Photo courtesy: Department of Tourism - Philippines

The Department of Tourism (DOT) hosted the “Love the Philippines” Tourism and Travel Forum in Perth, Australia, coinciding with the 24th World Travel & Tourism Council Global Summit. The event, organized with the Australia Philippines Business Council (APBC), showcased the Philippines' booming tourism sector, with Australia as the fifth-largest source market, having welcomed nearly 200,000 Australians in 2023.


Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco highlighted the sector’s recovery, reporting Php 3.36 trillion in tourism receipts, which contributed 8.6% to the GDP. She emphasized the Philippines' appeal to Australian travelers, noting that 62% of visitors from Australia are repeat tourists, drawn to the country's diverse islands, gastronomy, and culture. Frasco also discussed DOT initiatives, such as boosting connectivity, expanding cruise tourism, enhancing service quality, and promoting sustainable travel experiences.


Philippine Ambassador to Australia, H.E. Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega, praised the strategic partnership between the two countries, strengthened by recent visits of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and new direct flights from Manila to Perth. She noted that Filipino communities in Australia are key in promoting the Philippines' culture and tourism, which align with the country’s focus on environmental sustainability and cultural preservation.


During the forum, APBC President Rafael Toda discussed the council’s efforts in promoting the Philippines, including the upcoming "Explore TV" feature on Northern Philippines, set to air in Australia and over 140 countries. Trevor Cochrane, from Guru Productions, praised the warmth and hospitality of Filipinos as a key differentiator in global travel experiences. Philippine Airlines (PAL) also announced expanded flight services, including daily flights between Brisbane and Manila, marking a significant increase in connectivity.


The forum gave spot light to the growing significance of sustainable and regenerative tourism, with insights from industry leaders such as Dr. Diane Lee of Murdoch University. Secretary Frasco emphasized the need for collaboration among stakeholders to strengthen the Philippines' position as a premier global destination, ensuring that tourism growth aligns with environmental and cultural preservation.



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