The Department of Tourism said it is strengthening ties with government agencies, private sector groups, and international partners to boost visitor experiences, promote sustainable travel and develop key destinations nationwide.
Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay said recent meetings with local officials and tourism stakeholders aim to make destinations like Bohol and Subic more competitive.
The agency plans to achieve this through improved connectivity, curated itineraries, and seamless travel services.
The department is exploring cooperation on product development and destination branding with Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority tourism committee chairman Raul Marcelo.
The initiative encourages localities to establish unique identities for adventure, cultural, family, and slow travel markets.
To expand its reach, the agency is working with the Commission on Filipinos Overseas to connect overseas Filipinos with cultural programs.
It is also teaming up with the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict to support community-based tourism, promoting peace and livelihoods in former conflict areas.
The DOT met with the Department of Trade and Industry to align procurement, budgeting, and strategic planning reforms.
Tourism officials also held discussions with private sector leaders, including the Tourism Congress of the Philippines, the Pacific Asia Travel Association Philippines Chapter, and the Philippine IATA Agents Travel Association, to shape policy and strengthen global competitiveness.
On sustainability, the department supports the Slow Food movement in Negros Occidental. The agency is preparing a bid to host the Slow Food International Expo in partnership with Slow Food International, eyeing Negros Occidental as the host destination to showcase Filipino gastronomy and farm-to-table systems.
The Philippines is also expanding tourism cooperation with Canada. Recent meetings with Canadian Ambassador David Hartman and Small Business Minister Rechie Valdez focused on boosting travel flows, cultural exchange, trade, agriculture, and innovation.
Canada remains a key source market for the Philippines, ranking 5th in 2025, with officials expressing optimism for higher visitor arrivals as bilateral ties deepen.
