Philippines Hosts ASEAN Event
Each year, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations organises a major Tourism Forum. According to the event’s rotation, Myanmar was to host the event in 2026 but the country withdrew from that duty and thus a new host had to be found.
During the closing ceremony of the ASEAN Tourism Forum in Malaysia, the Philippines formally accepted to host the 2026 edition of the event. At the Johor International Convention Center, Philippines Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco formally accepted that hosting duty from this year’s host, Malaysia’s Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Dato Sri Tiong King Sing.
The Philippines takes on the Chairmanship of ASEAN 2026, and will host the 29th ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ Meeting in Cebu on January 2026. It will be an opportunity not just to discuss policies, but to witness firsthand the immense potential for sustainable tourism growth in the region.
As the host of the tourism forum, the Philippines will also organise preparatory events in Manila and Boracay, different ASEAN meetings and the TRAVEX trade show. The Philippines stands ready to open its pristine shores to all, where a new chapter of the ASEAN story will be written: a legacy of unity, sustainability, and prosperity for all.
During the Tourism Ministers’ Meeting, the Philippines spoke about the ASEAN Tourism Sectoral Plan as the lead country coordinator. That plan promotes a sustainable and resilient region through stronger cooperation. ASEAN member states Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Timor Leste and Vietnam were present during the meeting, as were representatives from Russia, Japan, India and South Korea.
The ATSP envisions a tourism landscape that not only stimulates economic progress but does so in a manner that is equitable and sustainable. The focus extends beyond quantity to quality – prioritising convenience and safety in tourism, promoting longer stays and increased spending, all while safeguarding natural resources and honouring heritage and culture. United by a shared vision for the mutual prosperity of nations, the notion that tourism is a force for good is perpetuated: transforming lives, sustaining livelihoods, forging friendships, creating memories etched in the hearts of all who come upon streets and shores.