11/09/2026
🌏 MULATGAP JOINS INDUSTRY DIALOGUE ON STRENGTHENING PHILIPPINE INBOUND TOURISM ✈️
MULATGAP — Multilingual Accredited Tour Guides Association of the Philippines — was honored to be among the professional tour guide associations that participated in the Inbound Tourism Consultation hosted by the Philippine Travel Agencies Association™ (PTAA) in partnership with the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) on September 11, 2026, at the Dr. Francisco V. Tankiang Hall in Mandaluyong City.
The consultation brought together representatives from travel agencies, tour operators, professional tour guide associations, and the Department of Tourism (DOT) to discuss concerns, challenges, and opportunities affecting Philippine inbound tourism.
For MULATGAP, the dialogue was particularly meaningful as it highlighted the important role of professional, accredited, and multilingual tour guides in welcoming international visitors and providing meaningful, professional, and culturally sensitive experiences.
Among the concerns discussed were tour guide accreditation, availability of qualified guides, professional rates, tour preparation, specialization, and the growing demand for English and foreign-language guides. The shortage of accredited foreign-language guides also emphasized the need for expanded language training and continued professional development.
Ms. Arlene Alipio, Director of the Office of Industry Manpower Development, shared updates on tour guide accreditation, assessment, training, and specialization programs. She also highlighted the importance of making accreditation and professional qualifications more visible, particularly in the digital space, as tourism professionals continue to adapt to changing industry demands.
DOT Assistant Secretary Dr. Ma. Cristina Aquino also contributed to the discussion, including a proposal on establishing appropriate bases or criteria for the ranking of tour guides. Such a framework could help recognize and differentiate professional competencies, experience, language capabilities, specialization, and other qualifications relevant to guiding.
The discussion on developing more harmonized professional fees, taking into consideration factors such as language capability, experience, and specialization, was likewise an important step toward fostering clearer and fairer engagement between tour operators and professional tour guides.
More importantly, the consultation demonstrated that tourism is a collaborative industry.
Travel agencies, tour operators, tour guides, and government may have different functions, but each plays an essential role in delivering a seamless and memorable experience to our visitors.
For MULATGAP, being part of conversations such as this is an opportunity to contribute the perspective of professional multilingual tour guides and to help build stronger partnerships within the tourism industry.
We thank PTAA and PHILTOA for opening the dialogue and providing a platform where tourism stakeholders can openly discuss concerns and explore possible solutions. We likewise appreciate the Department of Tourism for engaging with the industry and continuing to support the professional development of tourism frontliners.
May this consultation be a step toward better coordination, clearer policies, fair professional engagement, stronger language capabilities, and a more competitive Philippine inbound tourism industry.
Different roles. Shared responsibility. One tourism industry.
MULATGAP remains committed to strengthening the role of professional multilingual tour guides in bringing the Philippines closer to the world.
Bound by Tourism. Driven by Unity.
