A very successful Tourism Summit 2019!

A boost in tourism is a boost in the economy!

Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (Go Negosyo), ASEAN Business Advisory Council PH in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) spearheaded this year's biggest summit on Tourism and entrepreneurship supported by business chambers which welcomed more than 10,000 participants last May 2, 2019, at the World Trade Center, Pasay City.

The huge Tourism Summit 2019 crowd led by the powerful men and women of the Tourism Industry

Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship, ASEAN BAC PH Chair and Go Negosyo Founder Joey Concepcion stressed that:

" The Philippines is blessed with abundant natural resources and islands which can be used in creating enterprises and livelihood opportunities for our countrymen. This summit serves as a platform for our aspiring and existing entrepreneurs and how they can learn from our neighboring ASEAN countries and create a booming tourism economy by growing businesses. This will be an avenue for new learnings that can bring inclusive growth for all."

Concepcion was joined by key personalities who continue to champion the tourism industry. The roster of keynote speakers includes Sec. Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, Secretary, Department of Tourism; Tan Sri Anthony " Tony " Fernandes, Group CEO of AirAsia; and ASEAN BAC 2019 Chair Mr. Arin Jira.

Sec. Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, Secretary, Department of Tourism

Anthony " Tony " Fernandes, Group CEO of AirAsia, one on one with Ms. Korina

Attendees hail from different key persons in the tourism sector such as micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs), aspiring young entrepreneurs, business leaders, local government offices, embassies, and the academe. All eyes to develop a more integrated tourism industry and contribute to the sustainable socio-economic growth in the region. Through this, they can also expand business models and present opportunities for growth in the tourism industry.

The summit featured five fora which revolved around the tourism industry as an engine for economic development; the potential and its significances in promoting sustainable island tourism, and emphasis on the five (5) strategic investment areas (Arrivals, Access, Accommodation, Attractions and Activities) on Sustainable Tourism.

More than thirty (30) top-notch speakers from the international and local setting joined forces to address the importance of the tourism industry in empowering Filipino MSMEs as well as narrowing the gap among ASEAN countries in achieving sustainable socio-economic growth in the ASEAN region.

First Panel Discussion facilitated by Ms. Karen Davila, with Mr. Jaime Zobel de Ayala, Mr. Jaime Bautista, Mr. Alexander Lao, Mr. Arin Jira, Usec Benito Bengzon Jr and Ms. Gina Lopez

One of the Event Hosts, Ms . Megan Young

The summit gathered more than 100 mayors, governors, and representatives from different cities and municipalities across the Philippines. Aside from this, 23 ambassadors together with some of the cabinet members, congress and governors also graced the event.

Additionally, Tourism Summit 2019 was also telecast live in 40 schools and universities, nationwide! An interactive question and answer portion also took part during the plenary sessions.

Curated booths that presented business models and other countries' cultures were also showcased. The summit housed a vast exhibit area that was filled with booths of the organization and event partners, different countries, top local destination/provinces, local government agencies, digital platform, and other organizations supporting entrepreneurship and tourism.