Marcos vows better Phl infra after talks with Japan tourism leaders

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday reaffirmed the Philippines' commitment to enhancing infrastructure and connectivity to improve the travel experience for Japanese visitors.

The President made the pledge on the second day of his working visit to Osaka, where he met with key Japanese tourism stakeholders.

“Today I met with Japanese tourism leaders who are helping us welcome more visitors than ever before, with 214 weekly flights connecting Japan and the Philippines,” Marcos said in an Instagram post.

He emphasized that tourism is a tool for inclusive economic growth.

“We are working to create more jobs for our people, help more businesses grow, and ensure more communities feel the impact of a strong tourism sector,” Marcos said, thanking the Japanese government for its continued support as a vital partner in advancing Philippine tourism.

The meeting gathered key figures from the travel and tourism industries of both countries, including representatives from the Japan Tourism Agency (JTA), Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) Kansai/JTB West Japan Area, Japan Philippines Tourism Council (JPTC) Kansai Regional Division, HIS Co., Ltd., Nippon Travel Agency, Hankyu Travel International Co., Ltd., Kansai Airports, Philippine Airlines (PAL), and Cebu Pacific.

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, who joined the President in Osaka, underscored the significance of the meeting. She emphasized the “very instrumental” role of Japanese stakeholders in keeping Japan among the Philippines' top inbound markets — currently ranking third.

Frasco said Marcos assured stakeholders of the government’s focus on infrastructure upgrades, including the privatization and modernization of key airports like the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and regional gateways to improve direct access for international travelers.

“This was received very well by our Japanese stakeholders, especially considering that our data shows Japanese travelers favor Cebu, Palawan, Boracay, and Bohol, and are also showing interest in emerging island destinations across the country,” Frasco said.

She added that the Philippines is actively working to restore and expand air connectivity, along with more than 700 kilometers of tourism roads under development.

With air connectivity between Japan and the Philippines now fully restored, Frasco said the DOT aims to deepen partnerships with Japanese tourism stakeholders to encourage longer and more frequent visits.

During the meeting, Frasco echoed President Marcos’ push for more “experiential tourism,” thanking him for supporting the DOT’s flagship initiative Philippine Experience: Heritage, Culture, and Arts Caravans, which showcases the country’s diverse attractions—from its natural wonders to its vibrant festivals, cuisine, music, and indigenous culture.

“All these unique components of Philippine tourism are emerging as strong value propositions for travel from the Japanese market to the Philippines,” Frasco said.

Malacañang said the President’s engagement with Japanese tourism stakeholders reflects the Marcos administration’s view of tourism as a driver of inclusive growth, with Japan remaining a critical partner in the Philippines’ economic recovery and development.