Santiago: The Philippines and Chile have signed a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) to foster collaboration in the tourism sector, anticipating increased interaction as they approach the formalization of a bilateral free trade agreement.
According to Philippines News Agency, Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro formalized the agreement on behalf of Manila during a meeting with Chilean Foreign Minister Francisco P©rez Mackenna in Santiago on August 13. The MOU aims to enhance cooperation between the countries' tourism authorities and bolster people-to-people connections.
The agreement outlines initiatives to boost two-way tourism, including sharing information on product and market development in areas such as dive tourism, cultural tourism, nature-based tourism, food and gastronomy, education, and sports tourism. Additionally, it seeks to promote tourism investments and infrastructure development in both nations.
Secretary Lazaro reaffirmed the Philippines' commitment to strengthening ties with Chile, celebrating 80 years of diplomatic relations this year. The diplomatic relationship between the two countries was established on July 4, 1946.
In discussions with Minister P©rez, Lazaro highlighted the recently concluded negotiations for the Philippines-Chile Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The agreement is set to enhance trade and investment opportunities and is expected to come into effect next year.
Beyond trade, the meeting addressed various topics, including maritime and consular cooperation, and exchanged views on regional and international issues. Lazaro also met with Chile President Jos© Antonio Kast Rist to convey President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s greetings and invite him to visit the Philippines.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) noted that Chile, though a small market, is showing steady recovery as a source for Philippine tourism. As of August 14, arrivals from Chile reached 1,451, an increase of 7.16 percent, ranking 66th among source markets.
The DOT highlighted that while Chile's share is modest at 0.04 percent, the ongoing recovery offers opportunities to enhance tourism promotion, connectivity, and bilateral cooperation in tourism.
