DOT backs unified Asean visa system
The Department of Tourism (DOT) has expressed support for a proposed unified visa system among member-countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco endorsed the initiative during the Skift Asia Forum held in Bangkok, Thailand, on May 15.
She said the proposed Asean visa, similar to the Schengen visa in Europe and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) visa in the Middle East, supports the region’s push for unified tourism branding and is something she “strongly advocates.”
“The Asean tagline is ‘A Destination for Every Dream’ and the Asean visa certainly is part of that dream. To be able to unify the Asean as a destination in terms of the strength of its natural assets, its unparalleled warmth and hospitality as a people, and as a culture,” she said.
Frasco added the Philippines is “very hopeful” the proposal will be raised again when Manila hosts the Asean Summit in 2026.
She noted ongoing partnerships, including the Philippines’ collaboration with Thailand under the “Two Countries, One Destination” initiative.
More target markets
Frasco also tackled the DOT’s pivot to other potential tourism markets countries in response to a significant decline in Chinese tourist arrivals in recent years due to multiple factors.
“We are targeting markets such as the Middle East and the GCC, as well as India. And of course, to strengthen further our source markets from South Korea, Japan, the United States as well as Europe,” she said.
The DOT has observed growing interest from travelers in the Middle East and GCC, particularly from expatriate communities, Frasco added.
