Manila: The Philippines is actively pursuing enhanced air connectivity with Bahrain, focusing on establishing direct flights to Cebu, as announced by the Department of Tourism (DOT) on Monday. This strategic move aims to strengthen tourism ties and promote mutual growth between the two nations. According to Philippines News Agency, DOT Secretary Christina Frasco recently visited Bahrain, where she met with Bahraini Minister of Tourism Fatima bint Jaffar Al Sairafi. The discussions centered on potentially broadening the current Bahrain-Manila flight route to include Cebu, alongside other collaborative efforts in the tourism sector. The talks included joint island promotions, the exchange of tourism professionals, and mutual growth in meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE), as well as tourism investments. Frasco suggested the drafting of an updated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance tourism development cooperation, building upon a previous agreement signed in 2003. Al Sairafi expr essed enthusiasm for the proposal, noting that such an agreement would be a significant step forward in strengthening Philippine-Bahrain relations. "I'm so happy that you are here in the Kingdom of Bahrain so that we could start discussing ways that we can collaborate," she remarked. The meeting between the tourism leaders coincided with Frasco's participation in the 9th UN Tourism World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism, held at Exhibition World Bahrain from November 18 to 19. During the forum, Frasco emphasized the Philippines' comprehensive policy framework and innovative initiatives aimed at leveraging gastronomy to propel tourism development. In a high-level session titled "Shaping Policies for Advancing Gastronomy Tourism," Frasco shared insights alongside Al Sairafi and Sultan AlMusallam, Saudi Arabia's Deputy Minister of International Affairs, with the discussion moderated by UN Tourism Director of Market Intelligence, Policies, and Competitiveness Sandra Carvao.