The Philippines’ Department of Tourism (DoT) and the Japanese Government’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism (MLITT) have signed a landmark agreement that will expand opportunities for tourism development between the two countries.
This is the first standalone cooperation agreement between the two nations, which will see both countries strengthen and further develop Philippines-Japan ties in the field of tourism.
Under the agreement, both countries will increase tourist arrivals for both countries from world tourist-generating markets; encourage more tourists to visit various tourist destinations and attractions, including rural areas in each other’s country; encourage mutual visits and traffic of high-value-added travellers to increase tourism consumption; as well as encourage healthy growth of tourism industry of the Philippines and Japan especially on the aspects of education, culture, gastronomy, sustainable tourism, and adventure.
Additionally, both countries will engage in the exchange of information on matters related to the industry; education and training; ensure means of mutual traffic through the enhancement of air and sea connectivity, and joint promotional programmes, as well as enhance transport connectivity to sustain people-to-people exchange and the influx of travellers, and ensure tourist safety.
The Philippines and Japan also agreed to cooperate in terms of ensuring safety among tourists while they are staying in their respective countries.
A joint working group composed of senior officials from the DoT and MLITT will be convened for the proper implementation of the cooperation which will run for five years and is subject for renewal.
