THE DEPARTMENT of Tourism (DOT) has expressed strong support for the creation of a unified ASEAN visa, saying it could help position the region as a single, powerhouse tourism destination.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco made the statement during the SKIFT Asia Forum 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand last Thursday, where she served as one of the key speakers.
The proposal, inspired by the European Schengen visa and the Gulf Cooperation Council’s joint visa, is gaining traction among member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
“The ASEAN tagline is ‘A destination for every dream.’ And the ASEAN visa certainly is part of that dream,” Frasco said, as quoted in a DOT news release Sunday.
“To be able to unify the ASEAN as a destination… is one that is aspirational for us in the Philippines.”
She bared that there’s “similar interest” from other Southeast Asian nations about the unified visa system.
“We are very hopeful that the subject matter will again come up as the Philippines hosts the ASEAN in 2026,” she said.
The Tourism chief underscored the potential of enhanced regional cooperation despite existing competition among ASEAN countries.
“Competition is always very healthy, but collaboration is healthier in a sense that ASEAN coming together to work as a force for good for the world would really benefit all of our countries,” she said.
She cited the Philippines’ partnership with Thailand as an example, pointing to the implementation of their “Two Countries, One Destination” campaign.
Frasco also highlighted the Philippines’ cultural and culinary diversity as key selling points to ASEAN tourists.
“What we bring to the table… is a story—a story of a proud people that is the result of generations of influence,” she said. “You arrive in the Philippines as a guest, but you leave as family.”
Amid declining arrivals from China, Frasco said the Department of Tourism is expanding efforts to attract visitors from new and growing markets such as India, the Middle East, and the Gulf states.
To cater to Muslim travelers, Frasco said the DOT has recognized more Halal-certified accommodations and restaurants, and launched the Muslim-friendly Marhaba Cove in Boracay island.
She also reported growing arrivals from Australia, South Korea, Japan, and the U.S., attributing the trend to improved connectivity and diversified tourism offerings such as diving, golf, and adventure travel.
“We are able to cater to any type of traveler,” Frasco said. “With the number of islands that we have and the readiness of these destinations, we are excited to welcome people of all nationalities.” (Darryl John Esguerra)
20
