Philippines to Host ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026

Johor Bahru, Malaysia – In a significant milestone for Philippine tourism, The Philippines represented by Secretary of Tourism Christina Garcia Frasco formally accepted the chairmanship of the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2026 during a ceremonial handover held at the Johor International Convention Center on January 20, 2025. The symbolic gavel was handed  over  to Secretary Frasco by  Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Malaysian Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture  marking The  Philippines' commitment to host this prestigious event.  

The ATF is set to include the highly anticipated ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ Meeting,  which will convene in the  province of Cebu in January 2026. 

Frasco returns to Sulu, leads groundbreaking of Tourist Rest Area

A promise fulfilled, Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco led the groundbreaking of a Tourist Rest Area (TRA) in Patikul, Province of Sulu on Wednesday (Sept. 18).

“I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to return, to fulfill a promise, the promise that under the Administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.—under the vision of a Bagong Pilipinas—no one will be left behind in the development of our country,” the Tourism Chief said.

DOT Chief proposes 24/7 tourist courts in the Philippines

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco has proposed the establishment of a new flagship project, the 24/7 tourist courts, to aid in the swift resolution of cases where tourists are involved.

According to the secretary, she proposed the matter during the recent sectoral meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. in Malacañang, where the President agreed that the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Department of Justice (DOJ), will work alongside the DOT to investigate and prosecute crimes related to tourists.