ATF 2026 launches the ASEAN Tourism Sectoral Plan 2026-2030

CEBU CITY – Department of Tourism secretary, Cristina Garcia-Frasco led the launching of the ASEAN Tourism Sectoral Plan (ATSP) 2026-2030, at today’s ASEAN Tourism Conference, January 29 at NUSTAR, Kawit Island, Cebu City, as the ATF 2026 nearing its conclusion.

“The conference is held in Cebu, a city known for its regional and international exchange, symbolizing the balance between openness and responsibility in tourism that plays a significant role in the Philippine economy, connecting regions, supporting employment, and linking social enterprises to global markets.  The conference aims to advance the ASEAN Tourism Sectoral Plan 2026-2030, focusing on resilience, workforce development, seamless travel, digital transformation, product and market diversification, and sustainability,” DOT secretary Farsco said, in her keynote message.

Frasco highlights the historical significance of Cebu, where the ministerial understanding on ASEAN cooperation in tourism was signed in 1998.  The Philippines, as the chair of the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026, aims to advance regional collaboration and deliver tangible benefits to communities.

The ASEAN Tourism Conference provides a platform for dialogue, partnership, and cooperation among governments, industry, and stakeholders, addressing shared challenges and opportunities.  Malaysia's leadership as the chair of the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2025 is appreciated for sustaining momentum and advancing practical cooperation within the tourism sector, Frasco added.

Frasco introduced the ASEAN Tourism Sectoral Plan 2026-2030 which focus on resilience, workforce development, seamless travel, digital transformation, product and market diversification, and sustainability.   The Philippines, as the lead country coordinator, has worked closely with ASEAN member states, dialog partners, the ASEAN Secretariat, and the ADB to sustain momentum and support implementation, she said.

“The plan aims to translate commitments into measurable outcomes, emphasizing the importance of partnerships and technical expertise. The role of local associations, especially from Cebu, is essential in regional strategies, ensuring strong local systems, upheld standards, developed skills, enabled connectivity, and advanced sustainability, Frasco added.

Scott Morris, Asian Development Bank (ADB) Vice President for East and Southeast Asia and the Pacific highlighted ADBs support and commitment to tourism as it has been participating in the first ministerial of the year.

“Since early 2000’s ADB has mobilized over $4 billion in tourism-related financing across the region and ADB's investments have supported destination infrastructure, product development, skills upgrading, and private sector growth.  ADB has about $3 billion pipeline in new tourism and tourism-enabling investments across ASEAN through 2030,” Morris bared.

Morris underscored tourism's resilience and dynamic role in Southeast Asia's growth noting it supports one in every 10 jobs and the rebound in international travel and the structural transformation of the tourism sector in ASEAN countries are exponential.

ADB's investments and strategic initiatives and support to the ATSP 2026-2030 are its commitment to tourism as drivers of inclusive growth, job creation, and regional integration is reiterated, Morris added that ADB supports ASEAN member states in preparing a regional tourism policy framework is highlighted.

“ADB's vision for the future of ASEAN tourism by 2045 aims to be a global leader in quality and high-value tourism and the plan provides a coordinated regional framework to guide the next phase of tourism development,” Morris concluded.

After the launching of the ATSP 2026-2030, the first session on ASEAN Tourism Recovery Coordination convened with Ministers from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Malaysia to discuss delivering the 2026‑2030 ASEAN Tourism Sectoral Plan.

 

ASEAN-Russian Federation Tourism dialog to advance cooperation in tourism sector

CEBU CITY -- The Philippines, through the Department of Tourism (DOT) convened senior tourism officials from ASEAN Member States and the Russian Federation as one of ASEAN’s dialogue partners during the 16th Meeting of ASEAN - Russian Federation Tourism Consultation in Cebu City on January 27, 2026.

DOT Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso, Head of the Philippine National Tourism Organization said that the meeting aims to address challenges and facilitate Russian tourist arrivals in the region, while advancing cooperation in the tourism sector.

“Tourism remains a vital tool for economic development, driving job creation, supporting local businesses and empowering communities,” Buencuseso said in her opening message at the consultation.

Buencuseso shared that the meeting between ASEAN and Russia is focused on strengthening their strategic partnership, particularly in trade, energy, and nuclear cooperation.  This key cooperation includes trade and energy, nuclear energy partnerships and economic ties.

On trade and energy cooperation, Russia and ASEAN have seen significant growth in trade, with a 5.8 percent increase in 2024, reaching $23.2B. Energy cooperation is a key area, with Russia exploring nuclear energy partnerships with several ASEAN member states, including Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

Nuclear energy partnerships, Russia's state-owned nuclear corporation, Rosatom, has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with ASEAN Centre for Energy to cooperate on nuclear energy, including small modular reactors (SMRs) and floating nuclear power plants (NPPs) including Vietnam, to construct nuclear power plants and research centers.

ASEAN is Russia's 9th largest trade partner, with Russia investing in various sectors, including agriculture, energy, and infrastructure strengthened economic and the ASEAN-Russia Comprehensive Plan of Action (2021-2025) guides their cooperation, focusing on political-security, economic, and socio-cultural areas.

According to Buencuseso, these meetings enhance economic cooperation, promote trade, and strengthen regional connectivity. Russia and ASEAN aim to boost trade, with a target of $30 billion in annual trade turnover. Key areas of cooperation include energy, agriculture, and logistics.

ASEAN and EAEU are exploring a free trade agreement, with Vietnam already having an FTA with EAEU; ASEAN and Russia held a seminar on digital transformation, focusing on sharing experiences and best practices in digitalization

On Energy Cooperation, Russia is exploring energy infrastructure projects with ASEAN countries, including nuclear development partnerships with Indonesia, Myanmar, and Vietnam and infrastructure development with Russia and Thailand collaborating on projects including integrated territorial development and smart cities.

Some notable bilateral agreements include Russia-Vietnam MoU to resume construction of the Ninh Thuận nuclear power plant; Russia-Indonesia feasibility study on NPP construction, and discussions on SMR technology; Russia-Malaysia interest in Rosatom's nuclear technology and floating NPPs and the Russia-Thailand $1 billion investment potential, focusing on energy, infrastructure, and technology.

 

 

 

 

 

ASEAN SUMMIT 2026 kicks off in Cebu, Philippines

CEBU CITY – The ASEAN SUMMIT 2026 is currently underway at NUSTAR Resort in Cebu, Philippines, with various events and meetings taking place from January 25 to 30, 2026 starting off with the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat (AMM) on January 25-29 with discussions focusing on the Philippines' priorities as ASEAN chair, under the theme "Navigating Our Future, Together" and the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) has begun, January 26-30, featuring policy meetings, activities, and discussions aimed at shaping the region's tourism industry.

The ASEAN SUMMIT 2026 brought together leaders from the 11 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) namely; Brunei - Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Cambodia - Prime Minister Hun Manet, Indonesia - President Prabowo Subianto, Laos - Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Malaysia - Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Myanmar - Pro Tem President Min Aung Hlaing, Philippines - President Bongbong Marcos (host country), Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Thailand - Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Timor-Leste - Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão (joined ASEAN on October 26, 2025), and Vietnam - Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính.

Dialog partners and observers like Australia, Canada, China, European Union, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and the United States are also here to participate in the discussions, meetings and other events. The summit will focus on regional cooperation, economic growth, security, and cultural exchange.

“We are reminded that the future of tourism in our region will not be shaped by any one country alone. It will be shaped by how well we align our strategies, our standards, our innovations, and most importantly, our resolve to ensure that tourism remains a force for good,” Department of Tourism (DOT) Undersecretary and Head of the Philippine National Tourism Organizations (NTO), Verna Buensuceso said in her opening message on behalf of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.

Speaking before heads of national tourism organizations during the 63rd ASEAN National Tourism Organizations (NTOs) Meeting in Cebu City Monday, January 26, Buensuceso emphasized that the regional meetings over the week must deliver tangible policies and benefits for tourism stakeholders and the need for ASEAN Member States to move forward not as competing destinations but as a unified region.

She added that 63rd NTOs meeting is officially part of the week-long series of high-level meetings, consultations, working group sessions, and discussions central to ASEAN tourism cooperation, guided by this year’s theme, “Navigating our Future, Together.”

“As we exchange best practices and strengthen cooperation, may our discussions lead to outcomes that are concrete and forward-looking. Outcomes that support sustainability without sacrificing growth, that accelerate digital transformation while protecting trust and safety, and that keep communities at the heart of the tourism economy so that the benefits of travel are felt not only in arrivals but in myriad opportunities,” Buensuceso said.

In the coming days, key officials across Southeast Asia and the world also convene for more decisive and high-level meetings, including the 48th ASEAN Plus Three NTOs Meeting; 16th Meeting of ASEAN Plus Three NTOs; ASEAN-Australia Inaugural Dialogue for Tourism; 34th ASEAN–India Tourism Working Group Meeting; ASEAN Tourism Forum; ASEAN Tourism Conference; 29th Meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers; 25th Meeting of ASEAN, China, Japan, and Republic of Korea Tourism Ministers (25th M-ATM+3); 13th Meeting of ASEAN – India Tourism Ministers (13th M-ATM Plus India); and the Fifth Meeting of ASEAN - Russian Federation Tourism Ministers, among others.

Buensuceso also welcomed Timor-Leste as the 11th Member State of ASEAN. “Your presence enriches our regional community and reminds us that ASEAN’s strength has always come from widening the circle, grounded in trust, friendship, and a shared commitment to progress.”

The ASEAN TOURISM FORUM 2026 is slated to formally start in a ceremony on Wednesday January 28 at the Nustar Convention Center, while the main ASEAN Leaders’ Summit will be held in Cebu on May 8 to 9, 2026, and in Pasay City on November 10 to 12, 2026.

Other activities included in the Summit are the ASEAN Travel Exchange (TRAVEX) to be hosted by the Mactan Expo, the Liberty Shrine in Lapulapu City and the IC3 Convention Center in Cebu City and also cultural events showcasing Cebuano heritage and Philippine tourism are also part of the program.

The Summit is expected to boost Cebu's economy, with increased hotel occupancy, transportation, and retail sales. Local businesses are expected to benefit from the influx of delegates and visitors.

Over 5,000 security personnel have been deployed to ensure the safety of delegates and visitors and a gun ban is in effect across Central Visayas from January 17 to February 1, 2026. (Photos: ASEAN Summit/PCO/PIA7)

 

 

Cebu prepares for ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026

 CEBU CITY – More than 1,000 delegates, including some 500 senior ASEAN officials such as tourism ministers and representatives of national tourism organizations, as well as travel exhibitors, international buyers, and members of the media are expected to attend the ASEAN Tourism Forum set on January 26 to 30 in Mactan Island, Cebu, Philippines.

Cebu governor Pamela Baricuatro and Cebu City mayor Nestor Archival jointly held a meeting, January 6 at the Capitol Gallery to coordinate and synchronize all preparations for Cebu’s hosting of the ATF with discussions focused on streamlining logistics and enhancing inter-agency collaboration for the seamless conduct of the event.

Included in the preparation agenda is the safety and security protocols of the visiting dignitaries, including foreign ministers and their spouses during both official functions and personal engagements, in accordance with diplomatic standards.

Baricuatro directed Dr. Joshua Brillantes, regional director of the Department of Health DOH-7) to work closely with the provincial government in forming medical teams that will provide on-call medical assistance to delegates throughout the forum.

“There is a need to complete all preparations ahead of the forum because Cebu is also busy with the preparations for the Sinulog festivities. Both mayor Archival and I are committed to make the ASEAN Tourism Forum event a successful one that can strengthen Cebu’s international pride as an investment and tourism hub not only in the country but throughout the ASEAN region,” Baricuatro said.

The ASEAN Tourism Forum is ASEAN’s premier annual gathering of tourism ministers, government officials, and industry stakeholders from its 11 member states—Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Timor-Leste.

The ATF aims to promote Southeast Asia as a single tourism destination, strengthen regional cooperation, and shape future tourism strategies through ministerial meetings, TRAVEX business exchanges, and discussions on sustainability and digital transformation.

Department of Tourism (DOT-7) OIC-regional director, Geleena Asis Dimpas presented the schedule of high-level meetings, including the ASEAN Tourism Conference, where regional and international experts will converge to discuss tourism trends, challenges, and opportunities.

Dimpas said that beyond official meetings, delegates are offered curated tours showcasing Cebu and nearby destinations, including a heritage tour of Cebu City; island hopping in Lapu-Lapu City; leisure and golf activities in northern Cebu; heritage sites in southern Cebu; the Bojo River experience in Aloguinsan; the sardine run in Moalboal; Kawasan Falls in Badian, and a culinary and leisure tour in Bohol.

The regional directors of various national government agencies that form part of the organizing committees-- Department of Tourism (DOT), Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Armed Forces of the Philippines, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and others attended the coordination meeting to ensure the efficient flow of all ATF-related activities. (Photos: Capitol PIO/FB)