PH, Czech collab to fortify tourism
TOURISM Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and the Philippine Ambassador to the Czech Republic discussed fortifying tourism collaboration and fostering exchange between the Philippines and the Czech Republic to entice them to visit the Philippines especially during winter season.
Ambassador Eduardo Martin Meñez, in a courtesy meeting at the Department of Tourism (DOT) in Makati City proposed the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between the two nations.
Meñez contributed invaluable insights on the Czech tourist market and emphasized in particular the need for enhanced connectivity between the Philippines and the Czech Republic. Currently, there are no direct flights between the Philippines and the Czech Republic.
The Ambassador also highlighted a considerable opportunity for the Philippines to lure Czech tourists, especially during the colder months in Europe.
Welcoming the Ambassador’s insights, Frasco expressed the DOT’s recognition of increased connectivity as being important to the expansion of the country’s tourism portfolio, noting in fact that connectivity is prioritized in the existing agreements with other jurisdictions and in the DOT’s ongoing convergence with various agencies including the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and airlines in expanding flight routes in the country’s international gateways, particularly Clark International Airport (CRK) and Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA).
Frasco also discussed the DOT’s persistent advocacy for more liberalized visa policies that will aid in attracting more inbound visitors.
During their meeting, the Ambassador and Secretary Frasco also discussed the commonalities between the Philippines and the Czech Republic especially on the aspect of religion, the Sto. Niño de Cebu and the Infant Jesus of Prague.
Frasco emphasized the importance of exploring these commonalities, expressing openness to partnerships and further discussions that would foster mutual tourism growth between the two nations.
Also present during the meeting were DOT OIC-Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso, Assistant Secretary Rica Bueno, and Head Executive Assistant (HEA) Glenn Albert Ocampo.
