CEBU CITY — The Philippines called on ASEAN member states to pursue a tourism agenda anchored on care, quality, and cooperation as the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2026 formally concluded in Cebu.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, who served as chair of ATF 2026, said the forum’s conclusion marked a shared responsibility among member-states to carry forward agreements and policy directions shaped during the multi-day gathering.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Frasco said the discussions and engagements during the forum emphasized the need for tourism strategies that go beyond recovery and focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and long-term resilience.
She cited key outcomes of ATF 2026, including the Travel Exchange (TRAVEX), which brought together ASEAN tourism destinations, buyers, and industry partners to promote direct engagement and support livelihoods across the region.
Frasco also highlighted the ASEAN Tourism Conference, noting that discussions focused on embedding sustainability and inclusion into tourism policy and planning, as well as strengthening resilience amid evolving regional and global challenges.
The Philippine Regional Showcase, she said, underscored the importance of local communities in tourism development, with destinations and experiences rooted in regional culture, creativity, and community participation.
At the policy level, Frasco pointed to the 29th ASEAN Tourism Ministers Meeting, along with engagements under the ASEAN Plus Three, ASEAN Plus India, and ASEAN Plus Russia frameworks, as platforms for aligning regional priorities, enhancing cooperation, and advancing tourism connectivity.
She further emphasized the role of the ASEAN Tourism Standards Awards in promoting quality and excellence, saying these standards help protect travelers, safeguard host communities, and strengthen the ASEAN tourism brand.
Frasco thanked the Cebu provincial and city governments, tourism frontliners, volunteers, organizers, and working committees for hosting the forum, as well as ASEAN member-states, dialogue partners, private sector stakeholders, and the media for their support.
The ATF 2026 closing ceremony featured cultural performances highlighting Cebuano festivals, including Sinulog, and concluded with the formal turnover of hosting duties to Singapore, which will host the next ASEAN Tourism Forum.