The Philippine Department of Tourism Secretary Mr. Joseph Durano recently had an official trip to Madrid and met with the Secretary-General Mr. Francesco Frangialli on his first visit to the…
The Philippine Department of Tourism Secretary Mr. Joseph Durano recently had an official trip to Madrid and met with the Secretary-General Mr. Francesco Frangialli on his first visit to the UNWTO Headquarters.
Secretary-General Frangialli commented on the excellent relationship of the two parties, recalling the 1980 General Assembly in Manila, where UNWTO signed the “Manila Declaration on World Tourism”. The Declaration adopted four major points on tourism and the document was the most significant landmark in the history of world tourism.
The Secretary-General and Secretary Durano also discussed subjects of mutual interests on tourism policy issues. Secretary Durano articulated his appreciation on UNWTO’s collaboration particularly on the Market Evaluation Seminar held last year and the planned Indicators Workshop. In addition, Durano submitted the proposal of the Philippine Government to host the 5th International Forum for Parliamentarians and Local Authorities in 2007.
Frangialli was very pleased to note the recent tourism developments in the Philippines. As of April 2006 Philippine tourism arrivals achieved a 13.3% growth. The Secretary-General also expressed his support with the reorientation of the marketing policy of Philippine Tourism which is currently tapping into the regional markets such as Japan, Korea and China.
In line with his official visit in Madrid, Secretary Durano informed the Secretary-General his discussion with the Spanish Government regarding tourism promotion on both sides by making the Philippines an entry-point in Asia for Spanish tourists and vice-versa. The meeting concluded with Secretary Durano requesting UNWTO for assistance in the near future in formulating Quality Standards which will be applicable to resorts and hotels.
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