PHL tourism chief pushes for increased connectivity, interoperability of vax certs, equalization of opportunities, and sustainability in APEC tourism ministers’ meet

BANGKOK, Thailand – Increased connectivity, travel convenience, equal opportunities, and sustainable tourism.

These were the focus points of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco in her presentation at the 11th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Tourism Ministerial Meeting (TMM).

Secretary Frasco led the Philippines’ delegation to the 11th APEC TMM, joining Tourism Minister counterparts and high-ranking officials from APEC Member Economies, including Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, China (virtual participation), Hong Kong, Indonesia (virtual participation), Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, The Russian Federation, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, United States of America, and Viet Nam.

During the discussion that was facilitated by Thailand Minister of Tourism and Sports (MOST) and APEC TMM Chair Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn on the key strategies to accelerate the recovery of travel and tourism in the post-COVID-19 pandemic, Secretary Frasco shared some of the tourism recovery strategies of the Philippine government, which can be magnified and adapted on a larger scale in areas like the APEC region.

Increased connectivity through infrastructure development, increased flights, and information digitalization

To increase connectivity with APEC Member Economies and the rest of the world, Secretary Frasco shed light on the Philippines’ strategies to introduce improvements to infrastructure and transportation to provide an enhanced and affordable experience for visitors.

“Connectivity aims to ensure that our tourist destinations are accessible through improved transportation networks and affordable travel costs. Our approach is geared towards proactive and aggressive infrastructure development that provides quality access to roads, bridges, water systems, and various methods of transportation by land, sea, and air,” explained Secretary Frasco.

The Tourism Secretary also disclosed the country’s plans of partnering with airlines and airports in the reinstatement of flights and the development of new routes to restore affordable and competitive rates for international and domestic travel.

“We shall facilitate partnerships with airlines and airports with the reinstatement of flights and the development of new routes with the end in view improving connectivity across economies within the APEC and across the globe…