Manila: Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco on Tuesday promised to double efforts and create more innovative programs to boost Philippine tourism following her retention by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. Frasco is among the Cabinet secretaries whose courtesy resignations were rejected by the Chief Executive.
According to Philippines News Agency, Frasco expressed her privilege to work under President Marcos' leadership, contributing to the administration's goals of revitalizing the tourism industry, creating jobs, and promoting the Philippines as a top destination. She emphasized her commitment to pushing for innovative programs that will benefit the industry and provide livelihood opportunities for Filipinos reliant on tourism. The Department of Tourism (DOT) intends to promote all destinations equally to ensure no place is overlooked.
Frasco's courtesy resignation was submitted on May 22 after Marcos announced a recalibration of his Cabinet. Various organizations quickly expressed their support for Frasco, including the Pacific Asia Travel Association, Philippine Tour Operators Association, and National Association of Independent Travel Agencies. The Philippine Hotel Owners Association (PHOA) and DOT employees also rallied behind her.
In a letter to Frasco, PHOA acknowledged her support for the industry's projects. PHOA president Arthur Lopez highlighted the DOT's significant milestones under Frasco, which strengthened the country's position as a premier global destination. He thanked her for partnering in organizing the Philippine Tourism and Hotel Investment Summit 2024, which led to the creation of the Philippine Hotel Industry Strategic Action Plan (PHISAP) 2023-2028.
The PHISAP roadmap aims to meet the demand of over 456,000 room keys, focusing on six strategic pillars: target, time, tourist route, trust, technology, and talent. Lopez also expressed gratitude for the collaboration between PHOA and DOT in updating the National Accommodation Standards, known as the Star Rating, to ensure global competitiveness.
