ASEAN Tourism Ministers, led by ASEAN Tourism Forum Chair and Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, formally closed the 45th ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026 with the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together.” in Cebu City on Friday night, January 30, 2026.

The ASEAN Tourism Forum highlighted the 11 member countries’ agendas for 2026 and beyond, as well as their target goals to increase tourist arrivals through presentations of their different destinations. First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos attended the launch at the Mactan Expo Center and the gala night at the Liberty Lapu-Lapu Shrine, together with various tourism leaders, suppliers, buyers, and media from around the world.

11 Member Countries

Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam, with Timor-Leste being the newest member, joining in late 2025 to make up the eleven member states. These nations promote regional cooperation in economic, political, and security matters, having expanded from the original five founders in 1967.

Activities included B2B transactions, media briefings, visits to different destinations in the Philippines, ministerial meetings, gala nights, and awarding ceremonies.

The ASEAN Tourism Forum marked the kickoff of the Philippines’ chairmanship this year, with expectations of multiple meetings to be held around the country and the participation of various ASEAN leaders.

By Grace Bondad Nicolas