PERTH, AUSTRALIA — The Department of Tourism (DOT) of the Philippines strengthened its efforts to boost tourism between the Philippines and Australia at the “Love the Philippines: Tourism and Travel Forum” held on the sidelines of the 24th World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit in Perth.
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, addressing Filipino community leaders and representatives from the Australia Philippines Business Council (APBC), highlighted the robust recovery of the Philippine tourism sector. Frasco reported that the tourism industry contributed PHP 3.36 trillion to the country’s economy in 2023, accounting for 8.6% of the Philippines’ Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Australia continues to be a significant source of visitors, with nearly 200,000 Australians arriving in the Philippines as of October 7, 2024. The country now ranks as the fifth-largest source of tourism for the Philippines.
“Australians spend nearly 13 nights exploring our islands, indulging in our gastronomy and delicious food. It is no surprise that over 62% of Australian visitors are repeat tourists,” Frasco said. “Once you experience the Philippines, you will always yearn to come back.”
The forum, organized by the DOT-Sydney Office and APBC, focused on initiatives to capture a larger share of the Australian market, including improving connectivity, service quality, and expanding tourism offerings in areas such as cruise tourism, dive tourism, and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE).
Philippine Ambassador to Australia Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega praised the strong bilateral relations between the two countries, emphasizing that direct flights from Manila to Perth by Philippine Airlines have increased the influx of Australian tourists. In 2024, arrivals surged to 233,170 from 112,500 in 2022.
“Filipino communities here in Australia are our best champions in showcasing our culture, our heritage, and the warmth of Filipino hospitality,” De La Vega said. “Our tourism industry proudly flies under the banner of ‘Love The Philippines,’ and it appeals to both the emotion and experience of travelers.”
The APBC, through its partnership with Philippine Airlines and Rajah Tours, is also promoting the Philippines on Australia’s Nine Network and in over 140 countries globally, featuring destinations such as Manila, Baguio, and Pampanga.
Philippine Airlines announced exciting updates, including daily flights between Brisbane and Manila starting on October 27, 2024, expanding the total weekly flights between Australia and the Philippines to 22, marking a 22% increase from pre-pandemic operations.
The forum concluded with a call from Secretary Frasco for united efforts to promote the Philippines as a premier global destination. “It is through the unwavering partnership and united effort of all of us here today that we can elevate the Philippines to its rightful place on the world stage,” she said.
