BY TRIXEE ROSEL
The Philippines has been re-elected as Vice President of the United Nations (UN) Tourism General Assembly and Chair of the Commission for East Asia and the Pacific for the 2025 to 2027 term, the Department of Tourism (DOT) disclosed on Wednesday, April 16.
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco said the country’s renewed mandate during the 56th Meeting of the UN Tourism Commission for East Asia and the Pacific (CAP ) in Indonesia, where the Philippines received unanimous support from member states.
“We are deeply honored by this renewed trust, which reflects the Philippines’ growing influence in advancing sustainable, inclusive, and resilient tourism across the region,” Frasco said.
She emphasized the country’s commitment to a tourism agenda that prioritizes stakeholder welfare, employment generation, and cultural heritage preservation.
UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili commended the Philippines for its continued leadership and strong partnership in shaping global tourism strategies focused on sustainability and community empowerment.
The DOT noted that the Philippines' leadership in both global and regional platforms would further strengthen tourism recovery, foster innovation, and build partnerships that directly benefit Filipino workers and communities.
Frasco’s participation also highlights the Philippines' increasing visibility in international tourism discussions, aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s efforts to position tourism as a key driver of economic growth and global collaboration.
As vice president and regional chair, the Philippines is poised to advocate for climate-resilient and inclusive tourism strategies under the National Tourism Development Plan, contributing to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The UN Tourism General Assembly and the Commission for East Asia and the Pacific serve as key platforms to ensure the priorities of island and developing nations are effectively represented in global tourism policymaking.
