Philippines praises the success of Malaysia’s tourism governance
BANGKOK: The Philippines praised Malaysia as a successful tourism governance model, and for its efforts in reviving the tourism sector in the post-pandemic period.
Philippine Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said this to her Malaysian counterpart Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri during a bilateral meeting outside the 11th Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Tourism Ministers’ Meeting and related meetings in Bangkok, on Friday.
“Your country has become a model of successful tourism governance,” Frasco said, adding that her side is interested in continuing friendly tourism exchanges between the two countries.
Since the Philippines reopened its doors to international tourists last February, she said more than 17,000 Malaysians had visited the Philippines until August 14.
Malaysia is among the 16 important international markets for the Philippines over the past five years.
Among ASEAN member countries, Malaysians ranked second highest in the number of those who visited the Philippines in 2019.
Frasco said the Philippines also intends to renew the memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering bilateral cooperation in Travel Facilities; Research and development; Education and Training; Tourism Investment; and Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE).
“We have the desire to continue this partnership between the Philippines and Malaysia.
“Both of our countries have shared heritage, values, valuing family institutions and culture. We see this as one of Malaysia’s core strengths.
“We expect that as we continue our partnership, the exchange of best practices on culture and heritage will be an important part of our agreement,” she said
.
The MoU was first signed in 2001.
Meanwhile, Nancy said the Philippines is also interested in learning ‘a few things’ from Malaysia including the Halal industry as well as emulating Malaysia’s My Second Home program.
“The Philippines would also like to know more about Malaysia’s success in the Halal program because there is a large proportion of the Muslim population in the Mindanao Region.
The Philippines also aims to meet the needs of Muslim tourists to the country.
“As close neighbors, we have no problem sharing,” Nancy said.
source – BERNAMA
