On Wednesday, Romania’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Raduta Dana Matache, conveyed an optimistic message at a luncheon hosted by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) regarding the future of tourism in the country.
Anticipating the fruition of a free trade agreement (FTA) between the Philippines and the European Union (EU) in the coming months, Matache emphasized its potential to drive business activity in the region.
She noted that a thriving business environment also acts as a magnet for tourists, indicating a likely influx of European visitors to the Philippines.
Negotiations for an FTA between the Philippines and the EU, initially launched in 2015 during President Aquino’s administration, experienced a hiatus under President Duterte’s term.
Despite this, the EU stands as the Philippines’ fourth-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $19 billion in 2022.
During the ECCP meeting, the Department of Tourism (DOT) Undersecretary for Finance, Shereen Yu-Pamintuan, highlighted the significance of Europe as a pivotal source market for tourists. She underscored the DOT’s dedication to tailoring offerings that resonate with European preferences.
Observing that Europeans seek more than just sun and beach, Yu-Pamintuan emphasized their interest in understanding sustainable development goals and immersing themselves in authentic Philippine communities.
Source: PhilNews24 | September 21, 2023
