Tourism officials gather in Boracay for ASEAN planning meet

Senior tourism officials from Southeast Asia convened in Boracay on Monday for the 62nd Meeting of the ASEAN National Tourism Organizations (NTOs), hosted by the Philippines through the Department of Tourism (DOT).

The meeting, co-chaired by the Philippines and Singapore, reviewed progress on the ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan (ATSP) 2016–2025 and began initial work on the post-2025 framework. Discussions also covered regional tourism outlooks, committee updates, ministerial preparations, and enhanced partnerships with dialogue partners and subregional bodies.

Held at the Boracay Newcoast Convention Center, the 62nd NTOs meeting is part of a week-long series of tourism-related events, which includes the 47th ASEAN Plus Three NTOs Meeting, the 33rd ASEAN–India Tourism Working Group Meeting, and a policy workshop for the next ASEAN tourism plan.

DOT Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso, who chaired the meeting on behalf of the Philippines, underscored the importance of regional coordination in weathering global challenges.

“As we navigate the headwinds and optimize the tailwinds affecting the tourism industry, your commitment and dedication are essential in shaping the future of tourism,” Buensuceso said in her remarks. She added that holding the meeting in August, which is celebrated as ASEAN Month, reflects the region’s shared vision for sustainable and inclusive development.

The meetings seek to align ASEAN’s long-term tourism strategy with current trends in connectivity, sustainability, resilience, and community development, in line with the region’s goal of positioning Southeast Asia as a single tourism destination.

ASEAN tourism leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to the group’s broader goals under the ASEAN Charter, emphasizing “one mission, one identity, and one caring and sharing community.”

Among the Philippine officials present were DOT Undersecretary Maria Rica Bueno; Assistant Secretaries Judilyn Quiachon and Sharlene Zabala-Batin; and Directors Paulo Tugbang, Arlene Alipio, Virgilio Maguigad, and OIC-Director Alex Macatuno.

The 62nd NTOs meeting comes as ASEAN works to strengthen intra-regional tourism flows and increase the sector’s resilience against global uncertainties such as economic headwinds, geopolitical tensions, and climate-related risks.