PHOTO RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600
www.philembassy.org.au    *Tel. No. 02-6273-2535*

05 March 2025, MANILA - Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco welcomed Philippine Ambassador to Australia Antonio Alberto Morales, for a courtesy visit at the DOT Office on 17 February 2025. The visit underscored the continued strengthening of tourism cooperation between the Philippines and Australia under the Strategic Partnership established in 2023.

As one of the Philippines' top source markets for international visitors, Australia remains a vital partner in the country’s tourism development. In 2024, Australia ranked as the fifth-highest tourism source market for the Philippines, contributing 299,286 arrivals. As of February 16, 2025, a total of 51,069 Australian visitors to the Philippines have already been recorded. The robust growth in Australian tourist arrivals reflects the increasing appeal of the Philippines as a premier travel destination.

During the meeting, Secretary Frasco and Ambassador Morales discussed key initiatives aimed at fostering stronger bilateral tourism relations. Areas for possible cooperation include connectivity, route improvement to facilitate ease in travel exchanges, promotion of new tourism offerings such as Wellness and Dental Tourism, as well as Cruise Tourism, on top of the usual beach, surfing and diving popular among Australians. The Secretary also promised to support efforts to add more routes between the Philippines and Australia, given the promising growth of tourism arrivals from Australia. - END