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DOT to gather Filipino tour guides for the first Philippine Tour Guides Summit.
The Department of Tourism (DOT), via the Office of Human Capital Development (OHCD), is bringing together about 400 tour guides from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao for a one-day summit in Cebu City on Wednesday, September 17. This gathering will recognize the vital contributions and unwavering support of tour guides to the Philippine tourism industry.
Philippine Tour Guides Summit
Under Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, the Department of Tourism (DOT) has emphasized the important role of tour guides in shaping the industry. Recognized as ambassadors of the Philippines, tour guides enrich tourists’ experiences through outstanding stories and hospitality.
By August 31, 2025, the DOT had accredited 4,598 regional and community tour guides. Central Visayas leads with 2,020 of these guides, the highest number among the regions.
By establishing a national platform, the summit brings together tour guides, industry stakeholders, and policymakers to collaborate and shape the future of tour guiding in the Philippines. It focuses on elevating the profession through targeted training and the adoption of enhanced standards, ensuring that tourists enjoy consistently high-quality, enriching experiences. The summit also empowers participants with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to elevate the tourism sector.
“As frontliners of the tourism experience, tour guides are vital to our mission of fostering a deeper engagement with the Philippines, based on respect for our culture, fueled by our desire for tourism to foster national pride and community development,” Secretary Frasco said in her previous statement, emphasizing the role of tour guides in nation-building.
Secretary Frasco is set to deliver the keynote address at the event. In addition to her, speakers from the World Tour Guides Federation, government and private sector partners, as well as experienced tour guides and tour operators, will also present.
The summit’s theme is “Love our Islands, Love our Stories,” marking a first-of-its-kind gathering.
Secretary Frasco highlighted the importance of improving tour guide service standards to enhance tourist satisfaction, bolster the destination’s reputation, and provide a consistently high-quality tourism experience.
Notably, under her leadership, tour guides were given increased support, receiving essential tour guiding materials and personal accident insurance. As of August 2025, 1,129 tour guides have benefited from these efforts.
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DOT to gather Filipino tour guides for the first Philippine Tour Guides Summit.
Melo Villareal
Out of Town Blog
