More than 10,000 foreign delegates and visitors are expected to come to the Philippines for its hosting of the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Meetings, which the Department of Tourism (DOT) sees as an opportunity to boost the country’s tourism figures.
Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay said the expected influx would be reflected in the final visitor figures following the high-level meetings in Pasay City.
“For the (ASEAN’s) impact (on tourism), certainly it will show up in numbers. Like I said, about the 10,000, lalabas ‘yon sa (that will come out in the) final figures, which will help us,” Angara-Mathay said during a press conference in Makati City on Wednesday.
She said preparations for the summit were in place, with the DOT handling the social events, hospitality and tourism-related activities for visiting leaders and delegates.
“Our job is to focus on the social events, hospitality, and tourism. I’m in charge of all the social events related to the opening, the closing ceremony, and the gala dinner, plus other things like site enhancement. So, what I can say is we’re very ready,” she said.
The meetings are expected to gather world leaders, including United States President Donald Trump.
As part of the country’s hosting preparations, the government will serve Filipino dishes representing different regions of the archipelago, including offerings from restaurants that have recently received Michelin citations.
An exhibit featuring works by some of the country’s renowned artists will also be mounted. The collection will include pieces by Vicente Manansala, Arturo Luz, Juan Luna and Félix Resurreccion Hidalgo.
The DOT will also oversee the reception of foreign leaders at the airport, with performances prepared by Ballet Philippines and the National Symphony Orchestra.
Angara-Mathay said the orchestra would perform Filipino classical standards alongside contemporary pieces to welcome the visiting officials.
The tourism department serves as vice-chair for operations of the ASEAN National Organizing Council (NOC). It has trained around 300 liaison officers, information officers and ushers who will serve as frontline representatives during the country’s hosting.
Beyond the summit activities, the DOT is also prepared to organize or facilitate curated trips for foreign delegates who wish to explore Philippine destinations after the meetings.
The department is likewise using Filipino music and entertainment to promote the country’s ASEAN hosting and encourage tourism.
Earlier, the DOT and girl group BINI released the music video for “Sama-Sama Tayo,” which pays tribute to the Philippines’ hosting of the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Cebu last May.
The department said the project seeks to use the reach of Filipino artists to encourage foreign visitors and members of the Filipino diaspora to discover destinations across the country.
“As we host ASEAN, we hope to harness BINI’s influence to bring the message of the Philippine Chairship beyond the leaders’ table and into the hearts of a wider community of people connected by a shared purpose,” Angara-Mathay said.
BINI’s release followed the launch of SB19’s “Together in Motion,” the official song of the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.
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