Minister Valdez indicators Canada–Philippines memorandum of understanding on tourism cooperation

Countries decide to working collectively, underscoring significance of sector to nationwide economies

July 3, 2026 – Vancouver, British Columbia 

Tourism is a strong financial driver that creates jobs, helps small companies and strengthens communities. It additionally brings individuals collectively, encourages funding and deepens the partnerships that assist economies develop.

Yesterday, in Vancouver, the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), and Her Excellency Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on cooperation within the subject of tourism. The settlement establishes a framework for Canada and the Philippines to change info, information and finest practices to assist tourism development in each international locations. It additionally reinforces tourism’s position in driving financial development, creating alternatives for companies and employees, and strengthening people-to-people ties.

Canada and the Philippines share a strong commerce and funding partnership. The tourism MOU builds on that momentum, complementing ongoing efforts to deepen financial cooperation, together with by negotiation of an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)–Canada free commerce settlement (FTA) and a bilateral Canada–Philippines FTA.

Canada and the Philippines have a robust tourism relationship, supported by shut people-to-people ties, a big Filipino-Canadian neighborhood, visiting-friends-and-relatives journey, education-related journey and a rising two-way curiosity in leisure and culturally wealthy tourism experiences. Nearly a million Canadians of Filipino origin name Canada dwelling, and plenty of Canadians select to dwell, work and journey within the Philippines.

As Canada welcomes extra guests and expands worldwide partnerships, tourism continues to create alternative throughout the nation. Every customer helps native companies, helps create jobs and contributes to communities massive and small. This settlement will assist strengthen an already shut relationship whereas opening the door to even better financial alternative within the years forward.