The Philippine government marked World Tourism Day by pledging to champion a tourism sector that brings long-term benefit to both communities and the planet. The world marked the occasion on Saturday, 27th September, with discussions centred on the theme Tourism and Sustainable Transformation, essentially highlighting the sector’s potential to become an agent of positive change. In a statement released for World Tourism Day, the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) declared: “The storms we weather remind us why transformation must be sustainable, one that builds stronger communities, safeguards our natural and cultural heritage, and creates opportunities that endure. However, Guterres also added a caveat: “Yet tourism can also damage the very places and communities it celebrates. Moving towards a more sustainable model for tourism also calls for supporting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises whilst advancing climate action by reducing emissions across the tourism sector, conserving biodiversity, and protecting fragile ecosystems.