SUSTAINABLE TOURISM. United Nations Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili at the opening of the 36th Joint Commission Meeting of the Commission for East Asia and the Pacific and the Commission for South Asia at Sheraton Mactan in Cebu on Friday (June 28, 2024). He said both public and private tourism stakeholders can count on the UN Tourism’s support to structure a plan that includes enticing investors to the Philippines. (PNA photo by Joan Bondoc)
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu – The United Nations (UN) Tourism is committed to supporting the Philippines in its efforts to develop a sustainable industry.
UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili made the commitment during the 36th Joint Commission Meeting of the Commission for East Asia and the Pacific and the Commission for South Asia (CAP-CSA) here as he praised the potential of the country's diverse tourism offerings.
The UN official said the Philippines possesses the characteristics of what a tourist looks for when deciding what country to visit.
“The main two components are peace, which you have, and love, which you have. So, this, and stability of course would guarantee investments, would guarantee more international visitors and we have to use all these assets to attract and to have more international presence and more international projects in this beautiful country,” he said.
“We will continue supporting the Philippines during next years to develop and make sustainable tourism much stronger here in this beautiful country."
He said both public and private tourism stakeholders can count on the UN Tourism’s support to structure a plan that includes enticing investors.
“Count on our full support, we have very concrete plans. I mentioned investments, we have to organize international big events dedicated to attract investments in the Philippines,” he said.
“We will see and follow your guidance, you know much better than me than we know what are the needs of your country,” he added.
Meanwhile, he described President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s attendance at the joint meeting’s opening as a “clear demonstration” of the importance his administration places on tourism.
Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco earlier said the Philippines is focused on attracting more investments and generating more visitor receipts to stimulate economic growth and provide livelihood and employment.
“Under the leadership of President Marcos, the vision is to transform the Philippines into a tourism powerhouse in Asia. This was articulated as a strategic goal from the very beginning to showcase the country's natural beauty, its cultural richness, and economic potential to the world,” she said.
The joint UN Tourism CAP-CSA meeting was held two days following Cebu’s successful hosting of the first UN Regional Gastronomy Forum for Asia and the Pacific that gathered over 600 local and foreign delegates from 43 countries. (PNA)
