Philippine Ambassador, São Tomé Tourism Minister Discuss Cooperation on Sustainable Tourism

21 February 2025, São Tomé – Philippine Ambassador Paul Raymund P. Cortes met with the Minister of Environment, Youth, and Sustainable Tourism of São Tomé and Príncipe, Her Excellency Nilda Borges da Mata, to discuss opportunities for collaboration in sustainable tourism, architectural restoration, and environmental conservation.

Ambassador Cortes highlighted the dynamic tourism sector in the Philippines and expressed a strong interest in sharing best practices in tourism training, architectural restoration, and eco-tourism initiatives with São Tomé and Príncipe. He also touched on possible exchange of experiences and practices in eco-tourism and sustainable development, noting the importance of preserving natural ecosystems while pursuing tourism development.

Minister da Mata acknowledged São Tomé and Príncipe’s unique potential in the tourism sector and welcomed the possibility of learning from the Philippine experience in tourism. She highlighted the need for qualified staff and institutions to meet the demands of the evolving tourism sector in São Tomé and Príncipe, noting the government’s recent efforts to open a tourism school in early 2025.

Both sides discussed opportunities for mutual support. Minister da Mata raised the possibility of Filipino tourism experts conducting training in São Tomé and Príncipe. In response, Ambassador Cortes assured that appropriate linkages would be established and recommended forming a working group to ensure effective coordination and concentrate on key areas of collaboration. END