Marcos sees sustained PPP to boost PH tourism

FILE PHOTO: As the sun rises, a surfer walks across the shallow tidal flats of General Luna town on Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte province, toward a boat that will bring her and other tourists to a popular surf break. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is eyeing continued public-private partnerships (PPPs) to bolster the country’s tourism sector (File photo by ERWIN MASCARIÑAS / Inquirer Mindanao)

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is eyeing continued public-private partnerships (PPPs) to bolster the country’s tourism sector.

The Palace said in a statement Tuesday that the President recognized the private sector’s help in making the Philippines’ tourist destinations stand out in a speech delivered by Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco at a Tourism Summit.

“To the exemplary industry leaders, content creators, and key players who are making an impact in the tourism community: You are serving your country well with your exceptional work. You are also showing us what it takes, what it requires, to give the Philippines [an] edge over other destinations,” Marcos said.

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“Ladies and gentlemen, let us continue this partnership between the government and the private sector, working together to support our MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises), including those catering to the needs of the tourism industry,” he added.

Marcos likewise urged the private sector to make sure Filipinos reap the rewards of a successful tourism industry.

“For, at the end of the day, we are not just entrepreneurs – we are all promoted advocates and protectors of our beautiful country. Only by being so can we make the Philippines a truly sustainable, inclusive, and resilient global tourism hub,” he said.