Last May 2, Go Negosyo and the ASEAN Business Advisory Council Philippines, in partnership with the Department of Tourism and Tourism Promotions Board and supported by business chambers and organizations, successfully hosted the first Tourism Summit 2019 at the World Trade Center, Pasay City.

Participated in by more than 10,000 delegates (online and onsite), the summit was attended by local and international speakers, government enablers and partners, entrepreneurs, business and tourism students, and other members of the academe.

The summit featured five forums with an insightful discussion on how to improve the tourism industry through different development programs for the five “A”s of tourism: arrival, access, accommodations, attractions, and activities.

The discussion among the panelists and interveners extracted valuable recommendations on policies and programs that can be done to improve the industry. A fireside chat with AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes also provided inspiration to students and aspiring entrepreneurs.

I believe the tourism sector is the most inclusive sector, that is why we created this summit in order to showcase different business models for our aspiring and existing entrepreneurs. This summit served as a great platform for discussion and reflection on what other ASEAN countries have done to improve their development of sustainable island tourism, which the Philippines can learn from.