Cong. Toff Welcomes TIEZA Creative Tourism Summit 2025, Hails Creativity-Driven Path for Philippine Tourism
Congressman Christopher “Toff” de Venecia strongly commended the successful holding of the TIEZA Creative Tourism Summit 2025, describing it as a decisive step in redefining Philippine tourism through creativity, culture, and community-centered development.
Held on September 3 to 4 at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila, the Summit brought together tourism leaders and creative practitioners from media, heritage, technology, design, and the performing arts under the theme “Crafting Pathways: Synergzing Tourism and Creativity.” The event highlighted how Filipino creativity can drive more immersive, inclusive, and globally competitive tourism experiences.
According to de Venecia, the Summit reaffirmed what many in the creative sector have long believed: that culture and creativity are among the Philippines’ strongest tourism assets. He emphasized that when the country leads with its stories, artistry, and heritage, tourism becomes more meaningful, sustainable, and beneficial to communities.
During his tenure in Congress, de Venecia has supported initiatives that strengthen the link between tourism and the creative industries, including the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act (RA 11904), which recognizes creativity as a driver of economic growth, cultural preservation, and nation-building. He noted that the Summit demonstrates how creative industries policy extends beyond content and creators to destinations, local economies, and how the world experiences the Philippines.
De Venecia also commended recent gains such as the designation of Baguio, Cebu, and Iloilo as UNESCO Creative Cities, which strengthen local pride and open new opportunities for creative workers and communities.
For de Venecia, the Creative Tourism Summit illustrates what is possible when government, industry, creatives, and communities work together.
When creativity leads, tourism follows—and the Filipino people benefit the most.