19 March 2025 - Philippine Ambassador to Cambodia H.E. Flerida Ann Camille P. Mayo met on 18 March 2025, with key Philippine travel industry leaders who were in Phnom Penh to attend the ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) meeting hosted by the Cambodian Tourism Association (CATA) and the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism on 16-18 March 2025.

Drawing from decades of their combined experience, Ambassador Mayo exchanged views with the group on how the Philippine Embassy and PH travel and hospitality professionals could strengthen tourism flows between the Philippines and Cambodia. 

Ambassador Mayo briefed the group on Cambodia’s tourism market, its supporting infrastructure, and synergistic opportunities for both countries. “Recognizing the multiplier effect of tourism in stimulating national economic growth and job creation, the Embassy is keen to contribute to the Department of Tourism’s efforts to bring more visitors to the Philippines. The expansion of air connectivity is key to our tourism promotion efforts , along with DOT support for markets big and small,” the Ambassador stated.   

The group likewise shared key developments in the PH tourism industry and their expert advice on improving PH’s tourism receipts. They extended assurances of support for the Embassy’s tourism promotion initiatives, including participation in tourism fairs. 

“As the tourism sector representatives in President Marcos’ Private Sector Advisory Council, our group is best placed to champion the private sector’s close coordination with Philippine Foreign Service Posts in advancing the country’s tourism strategy. It is important to involve the Embassies and Consulates-General since they know the realities on the ground,” Ms. Mariegel Tankiang Manotok, President of PTAA and Deputy President of ASEANTA said. 

On 11 February 2025, the Philippines and Cambodia signed in Manila a new Implementation Program for an existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Tourism Cooperation.  According to Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, the Implementation Program represents “a significant step toward greater collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and mutual advancement in our tourism sectors” as the Philippines pursues stronger international tourism linkages. END