Department of Tourism Fortifies Ties with PIATA & PTAA for Sector Growth

Department of Tourism Strengthens Ties with PIATA and PTAA to Boost Public-Private Partnerships and Drive Sector Growth in the Philippines The Department of Tourism (DoT) has reiterated its dedication to promoting more cooperation in the tourism sector by strengthening its ties with two of its most popular tourism organizations in the Philippines, which are the Philippine IATA Agents Travel Association (PIATA) and the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA). During a recent general gathering after the year’s end with PIATA, DoT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco emphasized the importance of public-private cooperation for sustainable growth in the tourism industry of the Philippines. The ongoing collaboration between the DoT and private sector organizations such as PIATA and PTAA is one of the essential factors in making sure the Philippine tourism sector is always performing at its best, in spite of the global challenges such as changes in the global economy and natural disasters. Through better collaboration, the government is making sure it maximizes the potential benefits offered by all sides. PIATA’s Vital Role in Advancing Tourism Services and Cooperation PIATA has long been a key partner of the DoT in facilitating travel-related services across the country. The association plays a pivotal role in ticket issuance, tour packages, accommodation arrangements, and promotions for domestic and international destinations. Through its network, PIATA significantly contributes to the sustainability and competitiveness of the Philippine tourism industry. Secretary Frasco acknowledged PIATA’s contributions to the Philippine tourism ecosystem, noting the importance of addressing fiscal and operational concerns that affect travel agents, tour operators, and other stakeholders. By maintaining open lines of communication with PIATA member-companies, the DoT is working to ensure that tourism services in the country remain sustainable and adaptable to market demands. The growth of tourism cooperation between the DoT and PIATA represents a model for effective collaboration between the public and private sectors. By addressing key challenges together, both sides are helping the Philippines maintain its position as a competitive destination in Southeast Asia. PTAA’s Continued Partnership in Advancing Tourism Policy and Services In a separate event, Secretary Frasco also reaffirmed the DoT’s commitment to a close partnership with the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) during the 1st General Membership Meeting and Induction of Newly Elected Officers and Trustees at the Manila Hotel. PTAA has been an unwavering ally of the DoT in promoting tourism growth, and Secretary Frasco emphasized the importance of sustained government-private sector partnerships in navigating the tourism challenges facing the country. Secretary Frasco acknowledged that the collaboration between the DoT and PTAA has been critical to advancing the Philippine tourism sector, citing PTAA’s continued efforts to support the tourism industry through its services and programs. “It is such a blessing to lead an industry where the private sector is so unceasing in championing this industry,” she noted, underscoring the importance of mutual support in achieving the long-term tourism goals of the Philippines. Addressing Tax and Regulatory Concerns to Strengthen Tourism Cooperation One of the major points of discussion at the PTAA meeting was the tax-related concerns facing tour operators and travel agencies. Secretary Frasco revealed that the DoT is actively working with the Department of Finance to address these issues through Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 5-2024. The goal is to create a regulatory environment that fosters business growth while ensuring that travel agencies can continue to operate competitively. This effort is an important part of the ongoing tourism cooperation between the DoT and private-sector stakeholders. By addressing fiscal issues and policy concerns, the government and private sector can work together to enhance the overall business climate for tourism operators, ensuring that the Philippines remains a top destination for both leisure and business travelers. Collective Efforts to Support Affected Tourism Communities Secretary Frasco also praised the joint efforts of the DoT and the PTAA Foundation in extending assistance to tourism stakeholders and communities impacted by calamities. These continued efforts highlight the importance of tourism cooperation not just in business development but also in community resilience. As natural disasters and other external factors continue to affect the tourism industry, the collaborative approach between the government and private sector helps to ensure that the Philippine tourism sector can recover quickly and sustainably. Through these efforts, the DoT and private sector associations like PTAA and PIATA are working to future-proof the tourism industry by providing resources, support, and disaster relief. This partnership ensures that tourism remains a resilient and dynamic pillar of the Philippine economy, contributing to the overall growth of the nation. 2026: A Year of Continued Collaboration and Tourism Growth With the oath-taking of newly elected officers and trustees at PTAA, 2026 marks a fresh chapter in Philippine tourism collaboration. Secretary Frasco’s commitment to public-private partnerships signals a strong future for tourism in the Philippines, with continued collaboration between the DoT and PIATA, PTAA, and other key industry players. These partnerships will be essential in tackling the challenges ahead, including economic recovery, tourism diversification, and global competitiveness. A Unified Effort to Drive Philippine Tourism Forward The recent emphasis on tourism collaboration between the DoT, PIATA, and PTAA is proof of the huge potential for collaboration between the public and private sectors for the long-term growth of the tourism industry in the country. While the public and private sectors are working together for the collaboration between the tourism industries of different countries, the country is poised to remain one of the leading countries for tourism globally. The common goal of the public and private sectors is to make tourism a leading factor for growth for many years to come.