Philippines, Italy 'in talks' for mutual tourism promotion

MANILA, Philippines — The tourism agencies of Italy and the Philippines are in talks to forge a partnership to promote their respective beautiful and leisure spots to local and foreign tourists.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco paid a courtesy visit to newly installed Italian tourism minister Daniela Garnero Santaché in Rome, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said in its statement yesterday. 

During the meeting, the DOT laid down its willingness to enter into a memorandum of understanding to allow the governments of the Philippines and Italy to work together to promote their respective tourism industries, which Frasco said Santaché accepted.

For instance, the Philippines and Italy would work on promoting their respective dive spots to potential tourists, as well as reinstate direct flights between Manila and Rome.

Also, the DOT proposed to establish a training program for tourism workers in the Italian language.

The Philippines welcomed 8,920 Italian tourists as of Nov. 8, nine months after the country reopened its borders to tourists who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Italy ranked 21st in the list of tourists from 182 countries and territories.

Frasco also met with Italian executives in aviation, media, travel and tours and diving.

She informed the officers of these sectors that the government continues to make travel to the Philippines “more convenient for international tourists through infrastructure improvements such as the enhancement of international airports and continued negotiations with airlines to reinstate discontinued routes.”