MABALACAT CITY, Pampanga  — Over 300 stakeholders from the public and private sectors gathered for the Luzon Regional Consultative Meeting hosted by Tourism Congress Incorporated, with the theme “Tourism Reimagined: Advancing Luzon’s Tourism Through Innovation, Creativity, and Collaboration.” The event took place at Function Room 3, SMX Clark Convention Center

Key players from the tourism industry—including business leaders, government officials from the Department of Tourism (DOT), and private sector representatives—participated in the event aimed at forging stronger partnerships to revitalize and sustain the country’s tourism sector.

Private Sector Plays Key Role in National Tourism Strategy

In an interview, Mr. Mario Mamon, President of Enchanted Kingdom Inc. and one of the original members of Tourism Congress Inc., emphasized the vital role of private organizations in promoting and protecting tourism in the Philippines.

“Private stakeholders like us are crucial in supporting the DOT’s efforts to enhance tourism across all sectors—whether domestic or international,” Mamon said.

He identified five core industry sectors that bolster Philippine tourism: accommodation, airlines, destinations, Enchanted Kingdom, and other attractions. Mamon also highlighted the importance of Republic Act No. 9593 or the Tourism Act of 2009, which strengthened the DOT and its attached agencies like the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB).

Growing Support from Government and Private Sectors

James Montenegro, President of Tourism Congress Inc., expressed his gratitude for the enthusiastic support from both private sector participants and government officials. He noted that the turnout of over 300 attendees reflects a shared commitment to innovate and collaborate for tourism development.

“While tourist numbers remain steady, we’re hopeful that the remaining months of 2025 will bring increased arrivals, especially with the help of foreign vloggers promoting the beauty of the Philippines,” Montenegro said.

He cited the country’s picturesque mountains, beaches, and welcoming hospitality as key attractions for international tourists and influencers. The active engagement of Filipinos on social media also contributes to the country’s visibility on global platforms.

A Collaborative Path Forward

The half-day forum, which ran from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, facilitated discussions on aligning efforts between the government and the private sector to address the evolving needs of the tourism industry.

Among the notable guests and speakers were:

• Jackie Lou Relleve, Asst. Secretary, Tourism Congress Inc.
• Richard Daenos, Director, DOT Regional Office III
• Sharlene Zabala-Batin, Asst. Secretary, DOT
• Mark Lapid, COO, TIEZA
• Alma Jimenez, MD, Co-Chairperson, Trade Industry & Tourism Management Association of the Philippines
• Bernard Quek, Founder & CEO, Global Hospitality Solutions
• Mohamed Thameem, Managing Director, Sparkslab Technology
• Lalaine Madrano, Branch Manager, Philippine Airlines – Pampanga
• Ian Paulo Mejia, Tourism Officer III, Tourism Promotions Division, CDC
• Eduardo Miguel Morato, Cluster Senior Branch Manager, SMX Clark
• Lorenzo Tang, General Manager, Park Inn by Radisson Clark
• Michael Albana, Vice President, Luzon Tourism Congress Inc.

And others from the airline, technology, and tourism sectors.

The meeting reinforced the shared vision of reimagining tourism in Luzon through sustainable innovation, creative marketing, and stronger public-private partnerships. (LB)