Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, representing the Philippines, formally accepted the chairmanship of the ATF 2026 during a ceremonial handover held at the Johor International Convention Centre on Jan 20, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said in a news release Tuesday.
The ATF includes the ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ Meeting, which will convene in the province of Cebu in January 2026.
The symbolic gavel was handed over to Frasco by Malaysian Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing on Monday.
Frasco said “Cebu is a hallmark of unity - evincing what can happen when communities, businesses, and governments come together to create a tourism model that is both profitable and responsible”.
Aside from the ASEAN meetings, a TRAVEX trade show, and various conferences will also be hosted by the Philippines as part of ATF 2026.
At the ATF 2025, Frasco served as vice chair at the 28th ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ Meeting, which was attended by tourism ministers from ASEAN member states Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Timor Leste and Vietnam, as well as representatives from Russia, Japan, India and South Korea.
“The ATSP envisions a tourism landscape that not only stimulates economic progress but does so in a manner that is equitable and sustainable,” she said.
Frasco said the Philippines is also committed to working with the bloc to build a sustainable tourism industry in the region.
During the 43rd ASEAN Summit in Jakarta in 2023, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. accepted the regional bloc’s request to be the ASEAN chair in 2026, a year earlier than scheduled.
The ASEAN chair is responsible not just for the leaders-level summits but all the other gatherings for the bloc.
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