Cebu Takes Center Stage as Host of ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026
The Queen City of the South proudly served as the host for the 45th ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2026, held from January 26 to 30. This major international event brought together an estimated 5,000 delegates from ASEAN member states and key dialogue partners, including China, Japan, South Korea, India, and Russia. Under the theme "Navigating Our Tourism Future, Together," the forum aimed to strengthen regional cooperation and position ASEAN as a unified global destination.
High-Level Meetings and Cultural Immersion
The forum featured a series of high-level policy discussions and Travex trade exchanges, with tourism ministers, senior officials, and industry leaders convening in Cebu City. Key sessions included the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat and the 48th ASEAN Plus Three National Tourism Organizations Meeting, which reinforced partnerships with China, Japan, and South Korea. Beyond the boardroom, delegates experienced Cebu’s rich heritage through activities like "Paglantaw: A Heritage Tour of Old Cebu." This tour highlighted iconic landmarks such as Magellan’s Cross, the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, and Fort San Pedro.
Diplomatic and Cultural Highlights
Notable moments from the event included:
- Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco leading the traditional ASEAN handshake at the opening ceremony at Mactan Shrine in Lapu-Lapu City.
- Delegates joining local cultural dancers for heritage performances at Fort San Pedro in Cebu City.
- ASEAN foreign ministers posing for a commemorative family photo led by Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro.
- Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival assisting delegates in lighting candles at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño during the heritage tour.
Delegates also sampled local cuisine and moved between sessions with media coverage, showcasing the vibrant atmosphere of the forum. The event emphasized sustainable tourism and highlighted the Philippines’ capability to host major international gatherings.
Looking Ahead to Future Forums
As ATF 2026 concluded, officials announced that Singapore will host the next forum in January 2027, continuing the annual rotation among ASEAN member states. The success of this year’s forum reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to collaborative tourism development and positioned Cebu as a premier destination for global events.
