President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. acknowledged on Thursday the potential for a two-way exchange in tourism practices between the Philippines and Montenegro that could strengthen ties and bring about economic benefits for both nations.

In a recent dialogue with Montenegro Prime Minister Dritan Abazović, President Marcos highlighted the importance of tourism to the Philippines and the possibility of adopting Montenegro’s successful strategies in the Philippines and vice versa.

“Tourism has become also very important for the Philippines and we see it as an important part of the transformation of the economy because during the pandemic, it was zero. So, now we have to build back,” he said.

He expressed optimism about the Philippines’ potential to rebound after the pandemic.

Prime Minister Abazović commended President Marcos for his effort to attract more tourists and investors to the Philippines.

“So, I want to congratulate you and I am more than sure that you will play the very, very important role in the context of traveling and inviting people to visit you,” he said.

The prime minister is in the Philippines to witness the FIBA match between Montenegro and the United States which will happen tomorrow morning, Friday, September 1. PND