China, Japan, Korea help boost tourism in ASEAN member states —DOT exec

MANDAUE CITY - An official from the Department of Tourism on Tuesday highlighted the role of China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea in boosting the tourism industry of ASEAN member states. 

In her remarks during the 48th Meeting of ASEAN Plus Three National Tourism Organizations (NTOs), Tourism Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso said the partnership between and among ASEAN, China, Japan and the Republic of Korea was not just a collaboration but a "vital alliance that highlights the profound role of tourism as a catalyst for unity and mutual prosperity."

''Together, our nations have woven a rich tapestry of experiences that not only enhanced travel but significantly deepened the bonds among our peoples. Over the past years, visitor arrivals from China, Japan and the Republic of Korea have contributed significantly to the growth of tourism in our ASEAN member states,'' Buensuceso said. 

''Today, while we reflect on our past achievements, we are also called to envision a future where our tourism sectors are not only competitive but also resilient and inclusive,'' Buensuceso added. 

She mentioned that in 2024, there were more than 20 million visitors from China, over three million from Japan, and more than nine million from the Republic of Korea who travelled to ASEAN countries. 

The DOT official said these figures even increased in 2025.

Buensuceso said tourism is a vital bridge that connects diverse cultures and stimulates economic growth among countries. 

Under the theme ‘Navigating Our Tourism Future, Together,’ the event gathers senior tourism officials from ASEAN member states as well as dialogue partners from China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea.

The event seeks to strengthen regional cooperation and advance recovery and growth in the tourism sector through the ASEAN Tourism Sectoral Plan (ATSP) Post–2025 as well as to enhance ASEAN Plus Three tourism cooperation. 

For his part, Hironobu Nara, deputy commissioner of Japan Tourism Agency, vowed that ''Japan would continue to work with ASEAN countries in promoting tourism.''

Economic forum

Meanwhile, in Bohol, ASEAN delegates advanced discussions about economic priorities, cooperation agenda, and work programs for the year ahead.

The center of the meetings was the First ASEAN Senior Economic Officials’ Meeting for the 57th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting (SEOM 1/57). 

This provided a platform for ASEAN Senior Economic Officials to engage on the Philippines’ Priority Economic Deliverables (PEDs), consider feedback from ASEAN member states, and align these priorities with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and global developments.

The SEOM 1/57 also provided a platform to take stock of regional economic priorities that will define ASEAN’s work in 2026.

The senior economic officials also discussed the negotiations for the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), sustainability initiatives under the ASEAN Economic Community, and ASEAN’s responses to evolving geoeconomic conditions. 

The 18th Meeting of the Committee of the Whole for the ASEAN Economic Community (CoW) also took place, which underscored the importance of aligning economic initiatives with political-security and socio-cultural efforts as ASEAN transitions to its post-2025 agenda. —VAL, GMA Integrated News