
Marcos meets with Japanese tourism sector
In a meeting with tourism stakeholders, Marcos was given an overview of key interests and opportunities for Philippine tourism in Japan. The stakeholders represent important areas of tourism, including industry associations, travel and tour companies, airlines and airports.
Those part of the meeting were the Japan Tourism Agency (JTA), Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) Kansai / JTB West Japan Area Representative, Japan Philippines Tourism Council (JPTC), Kansai Regional Division, HIS Co., Ltd., Nippon Travel Agency, Hankyu Travel International Co., Ltd., Kansai Airports, Philippine Airlines (PAL), and Cebu Pacific.
According to Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, Marcos highlighted his prioritization of tourism development through the help of infrastructure. She said the President mentioned the development of airports in the metro and in other regions.
''This was received very well by our Japanese stakeholders, especially considering that our data shows that Japanese travelers favor Cebu, Palawan, Boracay, Bohol, and are also very interested in other emerging island destinations across the country,'' she said.
The President also gave his commitment as regards the Philippine government's continued prioritization of connectivity, Frasco said.
Marcos also mentioned the Department of Tourism's Philippine Experience Heritage, Culture, and Arts Caravans.
Meanwhile, Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene Garcia-Albano said Marcos wants to show his appreciation to all those who worked together in producing the Philippine Pavilion at the World Expo Osaka 2025.
She also described relations between the Philippines and Japan as robust, with many sectors being active as a result of an exchange of high-level visits from both countries in recent months and years. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA Integrated News
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