ASEAN voices support for greater regional connectivityVisitors take to the skies and enjoy the waves from parasailing and jet boating off Gilutongan Island in Cordova, Cebu yesterday. A report released during the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026 in Cebu showed travel and tourism contributing $91.8 billion to the Philippine economy. CEBU CITY, Philippines — The 11 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have voiced strong support for greater connectivity, especially in flights between various destinations in the region, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT). “We’re very encouraged because of very strong support for regional connectivity,” Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said on the sidelines of the closing ceremony of the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026 on Friday. In a joint statement read by Frasco after 29th Meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers, it was revealed that the region welcomed an estimated 144 million foreign visitors in 2025.

Source: Philippine Star January 31, 2026 16:51 UTC