ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2026 Concludes with a Cultural Celebration in Cebu

The ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2026 Closing Ceremony was successfully held on Friday, January 30, 2026, at the NUSTAR Grand Ballroom in Cebu, Philippines. The event marked the culmination of a week-long gathering of tourism leaders, industry stakeholders, and international partners dedicated to strengthening cooperation and advancing sustainable tourism development across Southeast Asia.

The evening opened with a vibrant showcase inspired by the Sinulog Festival, Cebu’s iconic annual religious and cultural celebration honoring the Santo Niño. Delegates and guests were treated to energetic performances featuring extravagant costumes, synchronized choreography, and the unmistakable spirit of Cebuano tradition. The cultural presentation served as a fitting tribute to the host city’s rich heritage and warm hospitality.

The formal program brought together Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and the tourism ministers of ASEAN member states, underscoring the spirit of regional cooperation that defined the forum. In her closing address, Secretary Frasco emphasized the ASEAN Tourism Forum’s vital role in shaping a more sustainable, inclusive, and interconnected tourism landscape across Southeast Asia. She highlighted the significance of the ASEAN Tourism Standards Awards, presented during the final evening, which recognized outstanding tourism enterprises for their excellence, innovation, and commitment to sustainability.

The closing ceremony continued with curated cultural performances celebrating Filipino creativity and Cebuano pride, serving as a fitting tribute to ASEAN’s shared values of quality, sustainability, and collaboration in tourism development.

The evening concluded with the formal turnover of hosting responsibilities for the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2027 to Singapore, symbolizing continuity and renewed commitment among ASEAN member states. The ATF 2026 Closing Ceremony not only celebrated the forum’s achievements but also reinforced a collective vision for the future of tourism in Southeast Asia.