Malacañang said Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco continues to enjoy the trust of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. amid the apparent moves of those angling to have her replaced.

“Yes, she still enjoys the trust of the President,” Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said in a briefing Thursday.

Frasco, who is leading the ASEAN Tourism Forum in Cebu, also addressed the issue. 

“I believe the matter has been clearly addressed by the Palace, and that has resulted in my continued enjoyment of the President’s trust. For that, I am very grateful,” she said.

Meanwhile, Tourism Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso, speaking on behalf of Frasco at the Philippine National Tourism Organizations media briefing in Cebu City, said the country’s tourism industry is on an upward trajectory, citing sustained recovery, improved air connectivity and renewed confidence in the country’s tourism offerings.

Buensuceso said the department continues to harness tourism as a key driver of national development.

“The story of Philippine tourism is one of resilience and steady progress. We are not just recovering, we are building momentum. Each step forward proves that the Philippines has the demand, the products and the people to compete globally,” she said.

Tourism gains 

In her report, Buensuceso said foreign visitor arrivals reached more than 6.4 million in 2025, with inbound visitor spending estimated at P694 billion.

“This steady increase demonstrates the strong recovery of global confidence in the country as a premier destination. It also confirms that our strategies are working and we are steadily positioning the country as a tourism powerhouse in Asia,” she said.

She cited improved air connectivity, with 19 new international direct flight routes, both regular and chartered, launched in 2025. These routes link gateways such as Manila, Cebu, Clark, Iloilo and Kalibo to major cities across Asia, Oceania, North America and Eastern Europe.

According to Buensuceso, the new connections make the Philippines more accessible and help spread tourism benefits across regions.

The government also implemented visa liberalization measures, including the resumption of the Chinese e-visa, visa-free entry for Indian and Taiwanese nationals, and the Expanded Cruise Visa Waiver Program.

Buensuceso also highlighted tourism infrastructure and services aimed at improving the traveler experience, including 14 Tourist Rest Areas nationwide, as well as the Transit Tour Program and Medical Concierge Services at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.