MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Tourism (DOT) has again called on stakeholders to rally behind the country’s tourism industry as misinformation continues to disrupt efforts to attract more travelers.
“Tourism has long been underestimated, often undervalued and every now and again, maligned and targeted,” Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco said.
Despite such attacks, tourism managed to “endure as the livelihood of millions,” she added. “It is the driver bringing visitors safely to their destinations, the farmers supplying our hotels, the artist whose craft tells our story, the tour guide who brings history to life and the frontline staff who welcome all with the unmistakable warmth of the Filipino heart.
“That is why, when misinformation and false narratives seek to diminish the value of tourism, we cannot remain silent. We must speak up with one voice for an industry that has lifted our people time and again. To fight for tourism is to fight for our communities, our culture and our nation’s right,” she said further.
Frasco made the remarks at the inaugural Philippine Tourism Awards held at the Okada Manila yesterday, which honored the country’s leading tourism stakeholders.
“This inaugural Philippine Tourism Awards is not only a recognition of excellence, but also a call to commitment. A commitment to unify in a time of deep division, a commitment to excellence in the face of fierce competition and a commitment to sustainability so that our environment and heritage endure for generations to come,” she added.
Previously, Frasco lambasted what she called the inaccurate tagging by insurance website HelloSafe.ca as the “least safe country in the world in 2025,” saying the survey was “built on questionable data, lacking in transparency and entirely disconnected from realities on the ground” and has tarnished the country’s reputation as a tourist destination.
Also, she defended the DOT over accusations of being “underperforming” by Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre, pointing out the agency was doing its job despite being “underfunded.”