Preparations for the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN Chairmanship gathered visible momentum this week as regional and Manila officials stepped up coordination on tourism and event planning, with discussions centring on sustainable recovery, cross-border travel facilitation and logistical readiness for next year’s slate of ASEAN gatherings. While no single press release names every participant in side-meetings, officials close to the process say the ASEAN Secretariat and Philippine tourism leaders have been in regular contact to align priorities for the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026 and the broader tourism agenda that will sit at the heart of Manila’s chairmanship.
Sources said planners are prioritizing a push for sustainable and inclusive tourism that benefits small businesses and local communities across member states, stronger digitalisation of travel services, and measures to ease short-term travel within the bloc — including steps toward streamlined visa procedures and improved passenger facilitation at regional airports. Philippine tourism officials are reported to be coordinating venue readiness for the ASEAN Tourism Forum across Cebu, Manila and Boracay while the ASEAN Secretariat offers technical support and regional policy guidance; the collaboration aims to showcase how tourism can drive economic recovery while protecting fragile ecosystems and cultural sites.
Diplomats and tourism chiefs are also said to be discussing a joint promotional campaign to boost intra-ASEAN travel and to highlight safety, quality standards and MSME access to regional value chains, with particular emphasis on supporting micro, small and medium enterprises in tourism-dependent communities. Observers note that aligning tourism policy with the Philippines’ chairmanship priorities — which reportedly include institutional strengthening and delivering tangible benefits to citizens — could give the sector a higher profile at ministerial and summit levels next year, and that early coordination helps reduce last-minute logistical risks for high-profile events.
Officials cautioned that any meaningful moves on visa facilitation will require careful balancing of security and public-health considerations, and that proposals for freer movement of tourists will need to be tested, phased and monitored. As Manila ramps up preparations, private-sector partners and local governments are being mobilised to meet accreditation, hospitality standards and infrastructure needs, and regional stakeholders say the success of the tourism programme will be judged both on visitor numbers and on measurable gains for local livelihoods and environmental safeguards.