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H.E. Christina Garcia Frasco, Tourism Secretary of the Philippines, highlights the importance of gender equality in tourism at the PATA Conference, emphasizing resilience and initiatives for women’s empowerment.
In a landmark event held in Bohol, Philippines, the PATA International Conference on Women in Travel witnessed a gathering of industry leaders and advocates committed to empowering women in tourism. The event was graced by the esteemed presence of H.E. Christina Garcia Frasco, Tourism Secretary of the Department of Tourism in the Philippines, whose insightful address shed light on crucial aspects of gender equality and women’s empowerment in the travel sector.
Secretary Frasco commenced her address by expressing gratitude to PATA for its collaboration with the Philippines in hosting the inaugural conference. She underscored the significance of this event, particularly in a region where a significant portion of the tourism workforce comprises women. Recognizing the pivotal role of women in shaping the tourism landscape, Secretary Frasco emphasized the importance of fostering leadership, promoting gender equality, and amplifying success stories within the industry.
Drawing from her own journey as a former mayor and now as the Secretary of Tourism, Secretary Frasco highlighted the multifaceted challenges faced by women as they navigate their professional and personal roles. She shared insights into her tenure as a public servant, where initiatives prioritizing social welfare, education, and maternal health were implemented to uplift communities, particularly women.
Despite personal challenges, including balancing work responsibilities with motherhood, Secretary Frasco’s dedication to public service remained unwavering. She underscored the need for greater support structures to enable women to thrive in leadership roles, citing her own experiences as a testament to resilience and determination.
Highlighting the resilience of the Philippine tourism sector amidst the pandemic, Secretary Frasco presented encouraging statistics showcasing a remarkable recovery in international tourism receipts and job creation within the industry. She emphasized the integral role of women in driving this recovery and reiterated the government’s commitment to advancing gender equality and safeguarding women’s rights in tourism.
Secretary Frasco outlined strategic initiatives aimed at addressing gender-related challenges, including the implementation of the Tourism Works Program and the establishment of a comprehensive sex-disaggregated database. These initiatives, she emphasized, are instrumental in informing evidence-based policies and programs to promote gender equality and inclusivity within the tourism sector.
In conclusion, Secretary Frasco called for collective action and collaboration to overcome the challenges faced by women in travel and hospitality. She applauded the efforts of women leaders and frontline workers, urging continued support and recognition for their invaluable contributions to the industry. As the conference concluded, Secretary Frasco’s impassioned plea resonated with attendees, inspiring a renewed commitment to advancing gender equality and empowerment in tourism.
The PATA International Conference on Women in Travel served as a catalyst for meaningful dialogue and action, reaffirming the industry’s resolve to create a more inclusive and equitable future for all. As stakeholders reflect on the insights shared by Secretary Frasco and other speakers, it is evident that concerted efforts are essential to realize the full potential of women in shaping the future of travel and hospitality.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
