PH aims to become a global tourism powerhouse

CEBU CITY – The Philippines aims to become a global tourism powerhouse, emphasizing collaboration and sustainable development, highlighting the country’s resilience and growth despite past challenges.

Department of Tourism (DOT) secretary, Christina Garcia-Frasco said this in her keynote message at the opening of the 10^th International Travel Festival (ITF) 2025, March 14 at the Grand Ballroom of the Waterfront Hotel Cebu. The Cebu ITF 2025 runs from March 14-16, 2025.

Frasco bared that in 2024, the Philippines saw 5.9 million international arrivals, generating P760B, a 126 percent recovery from the pandemic. Tourists stayed an average of 11 nights, with per capita spending at $2,073 USD. Cebu, a key destination, saw five million overnight arrivals, a 25 percent increase.

“The Marcos administration's investments in tourism infrastructure and sustainable practices have boosted the industry, employing 16.4 million Filipinos directly and indirectly. We continue to work with industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and travel enthusiasts to shape a resilient and competitive tourism sector,” Frasco said.

She expressed joy in joining ITF 2025 celebrations and mentions the resilience of the Filipino people in overcoming challenges and the importance of tourism as a vital economic force for the country, despite past calamities. She further acknowledged the dedication and commitment of tourism stakeholders in maintaining the industry's thriving destinations.

Frasco lauded the organizers of the ITF in Cebu for promoting the Philippines as a top tourism destination and credits the tourism stakeholders for the construction of tourist infrastructure funded by travel taxes.

“The economic impact of tourism in 2024 with 5.9 million international arrivals generated P760B and the Marcos administration's focus on tourism infrastructure resulted an increase in tourist spending and return visits that significantly employed 16.4M Filipinos directly or indirectly from the tourism industry,” Frasco said.

Cebu's Tourism Achievements 

The DOT secretary celebrates Cebu's role in Philippine tourism with overnight tourist arrivals reaching over 5 million, marking a 25 percent growth.   Cebu City welcomed 1.8 million overnight tourists, reflecting a nearly 20 percent increase in 2024.

Cebu's Mactan-Cebu International Airport, recently awarded in the 5-15 million passenger category as the best airport in the Asia-Pacific region brings pride to the country, with Cebu’s diverse tourism offerings, from historical sites to natural attractions, and the warm hospitality of its people.

Frasco also praised Cebu's innovative tourism programs, such as the Suroy-Suroy Sa Sugbo led by Governor Gwen Garcia that became the benchmark of the Philippine Tourism Experience Program.

Frasco lauded the ITF’s role in fostering partnerships and collaborations among tourism stakeholders mentioning the Travel Exchange and Tourism Students Day as platforms for nurturing future industry leaders and thanked the private sector's support in tourism recovery and transformation.

 

“We have outlined plans to present the Philippines as a destination that showcases its culture, heritage, and people to increase the value proposition of Philippine tourism. We are pushing for the Tourism Champions Challenge to strengthen Philippine tourism, emphasizing collaboration among national, local government units, and the private sector.” Frasco added. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

 

Save these dates, March 14-16 for Int’l Travel Festival 2025 in Cebu

CEBU CITY—Save these dates—March 14-16 for the International Travel Festival (ITF) 2025 in Cebu at the Pacific Grand Ballroom Waterfront Cebu City Hotel to celebrate “A Decade of Travel Inspirations" as this year’s theme of ITF 2025.

Tim Tio of MyEventology, in his welcome message during the ITF 2025 Media Launch, February 18 at Harolds Evotel said that this is 10^th year that MyEventology hosts the International Travel Festival (ITF) that aimed at fostering travel dreams and connecting travel enthusiasts, industry leaders, and dreamers.

“We reflect on the initial vision to create a global travel community, emphasizing the expo's evolution into a dynamic hub for travel enthusiasts, industry leaders, and dreamers.  Despite the pandemic's impact on travel, the industry demonstrated resilience and innovation, making the world more accessible,” Tio added.

He attributed the success of ITF to the support of exhibitors, sponsors, partners, and attendees who share a passion for travel and its transformative power and he envisions continued growth with new technologies, sustainable initiatives, and fresh opportunities, encouraging everyone to shape the future of travel and thanking them for their contributions to the journey.

Department of Tourism (DOT-7) assistant regional director, Gelena Asis-Dimpas on the other hand congratulated MyEventology for holding the annual ITF and celebrating its 10-year anniversary, highlighting its evolution from a space for adventure to a community of explorers and a platform for partnerships.

“I recall the energy and excitement of ITF 2024, with the presence of 189 vibrant booths representing destinations from across the Philippines and beyond.  ITF 2024 saw 50,000 visitors, resulting in P250M in on-site sales and P350M in sales leads, indicating the industry's recovery and growth,” Dimpas bared.

Dimpas noted the importance of the stories and connections made at ITF, which go beyond just the destinations visited. The profound impact of ITF on local communities, highlighting how it supports local guides, transport operators, and small-scale entrepreneurs.

She mentioned specific examples, such as a local guide in Cebu who uses tourism income to send her children to school and transport operators who rely on tourist arrivals for their livelihood. ITF is described as a lifeline for countless individuals across the tourism value chain, from ground workers to top executives.

“The multiplier effect of tourism is tremendous with ITF playing a crucial role in connecting travelers with local stakeholders and supporting community growth,” Dimpas added.

What to expect at the ITF 2025?

MyEventology bared that ITF 2025 has registered over 100 exhibitors and nearly 200 booths to bring the best deals, exclusive packages and thrilling experiences from airlines, hotels, resorts, travel agencies, visa specialists, tourism boards, and more - all under one roof!

ITF 2025 unveils again FOUR spectacular programs to elevate the travel experience:

·       March 13: Cebu Travel Exchange (CTX) - Before the main event, top tourism professionals gather at the 6th edition of this business-to-business networking event at the Arctic Room, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel at 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM. This is where partnerships are forged, collaborations take flight and the future of travel is shaped.

·         March 15: Tourism Students Day (TSD) - A high energy showdown featuring Cebu's top universities and colleges in Tourism and Hospitality! Watch students compete in tour guiding, quiz bowls, essay writing, dance performances and more - proving that the future of travel is bright and unstoppable.

·    March 14-16: IT Food City - What's travel without food? All three days, indulge in a gastronomic adventure at the destination food court featuring mouthwatering flavors from around the world! Because experiencing a place isn't complete without tasting its cuisine.

·       ITF 2025: More Than a Festival - It's a Movement! This isn't just an event; it's a celebration of cultures, destinations and unforgettable experiences. Whether one is a wanderlust-filled traveler, an industry expert, or a foodie in search of global flavors, ITF 2025 is the place to be. 

“Special mention to the incredible team behind ITF and sustaining it, providing a space for the travel community to connect, collaborate, and dream bigger. May I call on the audience to share the news and spread excitement about ITF 2025 because of the event’s potential to support communities, livelihoods, and dreams,” Dimpas said. (Photos: MBCNewman)