Philippines

Terra Madre, the global gathering by Slow Food will host its first regional event in Asia and the Pacific in the Philippines from 19-23 Nov at the Provincial Capitol Lagoon in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. The event with the theme, “From Soil to Sea: A Slow Food Journey Through Tastes and Traditions” will focus on food biodiversity and promote sustainable food systems based on traditions. The event will unite farmers, fishers, indigenous leaders, chefs, academics, youth, and cultural advocates. The event is expected to attract 2,000 delegates from over 20 countries. The event will feature talks and conferences on sustainable agriculture. Based on the PRevious Terra Madre Visayas events, the Bacolod City as been designated as the Centre for Sustainable Gastronomy and Negros Occidental as the Organic Capital of the Philippines

The Ilocos Norte Tourism Office (INTO) announced that the province recorded 6.5 million PHP in combined sales during the Philippine Travel Mart in SMX Convention Center in Pasay City from 5-7 Sep. Ilocos Norte Province also recorded 180,000 in food and non-food sales during the event. A survey found that 65.7% of the visitors to the province are the first time visitors and 34.2% are returning visitors. Those aged 18-24 are the one who are the most interested to visit the province, followed by 25-34 and 35-44 years old. The tourists usually spend 2-3 days at the province

The Department of Tourism (DOT) Caraga organised a training on Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) for 38 community guides from Magpupungko Beach, Lagoon, and Rock Formation in Pilar, Siargao Island from 25-31 Aug

Baguio City plans to ask the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) to reconsider support for a $45 million loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to repair the wastewater plant and old sewers. DEPDev dropped this project from the national priority list

The Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) will focus on cruises. PTAA will organise a B2B mini cruise fair during the general membership meeting (GMM) on 11 Sep at Solaire Resort, Manila. 12 cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Holland America, Disney Cruises and several river cruise operators, will take part in the fair. PTAA will also hold its first Cruise Expo during the 33rd Travel Expo in Feb 2026. Cruise companies reported that only 24,000 Filipinos joined cruises compared with over 100,000 passengers in other countries

The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that the unemployment rate increased to 5.3% in Jul from 3.7% in Jun, the highest since Aug 2022. Large drops were reported in the farming and fishing industries, which are affected by the typhoons and monsoon rains

The Department of Tourism (DOT) conferred awards during the first Philippine Tourism Awards on 8 Sep. The awardees, among others, were: 17 enterprises received Tourism Pillar Awards; Marsman Drysdale Travel Inc., Rajah Travel Corporation, The Baron Travel Corporation, Baguio Country Club Corporation, Chali Resort and Conference Center, Mambukal Resort (Ishiwata Bath House), Embassy Hotel, Grand Astoria Hotel, Hotel del Rio (Premier Islands Management Corporation), Montebello Villa Hotel, Taal Vista Hotel, The Boac Hotel Mabuhay Accommodation, Apo View Hotel, Davao Insular Hotel Co. Inc. (Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao), De Luxe Hotel, and The VIP Hotel Special Pillar Excellence Awards were conferred to Philippine Airlines, The Manila Hotel, the Philippine Travel Agencies Association, and the University of the Philippines Asian Institute of Tourism 30 individuals also received tourism pillar awards City of Puerto Princesa received the Lakbay-Dagat Award (Cruise Destination) Municipality of Santa Cruz, Laguna (Ted’s Kitchen) received the Salo-Salo Award (Food and Gastronomy Destination) The Province of Camiguin (Mantigue Island) received the best Eco-Tourism Destination Municipality of Bolinao for the best Municipality Tourism Destination City of Sipalay for the best City Tourism Province of Bohol for the best Province Tourism Destination Cebu Pacific Air and Megaworld Hotels & Resorts received excellence awards

The Department of Tourism (DOT) denied a claim by an analyst that the Philippines has the “lowest return on investment (ROI) on tourism in Southeast Asia”. DOT said the analyst used a nonstandard metric called “Return on Tourism Impact” (RoTI), which is not recognised by the UN Tourism, World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), or the World Economic Forum (WEF). The Philippine Statistics Authority’s 2024 data shows the tourism sector contributed 2.35 trillion in direct gross value, +11.2% YoY, and equivalent to 8.9% of GDP. The tourism industry generated 699.98 billion PHP in international visitor receipts and 3.86 trillion in both domestic and foreign tourism spending. The PSA’s Tourism Gross Fixed Capital Formation data shows the tourism-related investments in 2024 were valued at 590 billion PHP

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is calling to ease visa policy, including resuming the e-Visa program in China to boost travel. DOT said visa facilitation is an important factor to attract visitors from major markets like China. DOT pointed out that ASEAN countries which have eased visa process are doing well in terms of tourism and the Philippines’ e-visa program suspension and the daily visa limitation for free independent travelers (FITs) are constraining charter flights’ ability. DOT also pointed out that the group visa applications are "restricted to only twice a week." DOT said that after the announcement of visa-free access to Indian tourists, the tourist arrival improved from -21% growth at the end of Jan 2025 to 4.93% at the end of Aug 2025. As of 5 Sep, Indian arrivals recorded +5.01% YoY. Chinese arrivals from Jan-Aug were recorded at 182,228, -24.40% YoY. In pre-pandemic the Philippines welcomed 1.7 million Chinese tourists, second behind South Korea with 1.9 million tourists

The DOT has launched 3 One Visayas tourism circuits, with curated itineraries and packages. The themes are UNESCO Heritage and Gastronomy Trail, Diving Expeditions in the Visayas, and Heritage Trails and Cultural Discoveries

The Department of Tourism (DOT) will introduce the One Visayas tourism circuits, which will offer curated itineraries and packages around the Philippines. The packages will focus on UNESCO Heritage and Gastronomy Trails, in Bacolod City, Iloilo City, Tacloban, Samar, Cebu, and Bohol Diving Expeditions in Iloilo, Antique, Bohol, Southern Leyte, and Limasawa Island, including the Balicasag Island, Sogod Bay, the Nogas Island Heritage Trails and Cultural Discoveries will cover Cebu, Dumaguete, Valencia, Iloilo, Capiz, Guimaras, and Tacloban

Annual inflation increased to 1.5% in Aug 2025, up from Jul’s 0.9%, with the YTD inflation at 1.7%

The Philippines recorded 3,506,356 tourist arrivals from Jan-Jul 2025, -1.35% YoY. Foreign tourist arrivals recorded 3,185,370, -2.79% YoY and Overseas Filipinos reached 320,986, +15.68% YoY. The top arrivals were from: South Korea, 759,009, -18.62% YoY The US, 631,384, +8.8% YoY Japan, 253,963, +18.75% YoY Australia, 178,236, +18.77% YoY China, 159,140, -27.58% YoY The UK, 119,016, -12.7% YoY Indonesia, 26,806, -24.72% YoY

The Department of Tourism (DOT) estimated the tourism industry will generate 2.7 trillion PHP for the country’s economy in 2025, and the total tourism employment is expected to reach 6.8 million. In 2024, the Tourism Direct Gross Value Added (TDGVA) was recorded at 2.35 trillion PHP, or an 8.9% share to the economy, with tourism employment reaching 6.75 million, +6.1% YoY. The DOT Secretary said the drop in South Korean tourists is not isolated to the Philippines; other countries in Southeast Asia also recorded a drop, including Singapore (-2%), Thailand (-17%), Cambodia (-7%), and Vietnam (-2%). As of 1 Sep 2025, the Philippines recorded 880,000 South Korean tourists

House Committee on Appropriations Vice Chairperson said he will ask the committee to restore at least 6 billion PHP budget for the Department of Tourism (DOT) for 2026. The DOT Secretary said 3.5 billion was allocated for continuing roads under the National Expenditure Program (NEP), but there were no funds allocated for new roads. A Representative questioned why DOT did not meet its target of 7.7 million visitors in 2024. For this, the DOT Secretary said in 2024, the 7.7 million estimated arrivals were made based on the visa liberalisation policy, especially for the Chinese market. It was estimated that 2 million visas would be issued in one year, with 8,000 visas per day. But the program was suspended, and strict requirements were imposed on regular visa programs. She added that as an archipelago country, the Philippines is solely dependent on air travel to attract visitors compared to Malaysia and Cambodia, where respectively 43.4% and 63% of visitors travelled via land border

Tourism industry players can apply for the low-interest ‘Turismo Asenso Loan Program’ worth up to 20 million PHP to grow their businesses. 9 tourism-related MSMEs in Metro Manila and Calabarzon were among the first to receive the grants ranging from 150,000 to 1 million

Foreign hotel brands are among those set to open in Metro Manila. Colliers Philippines reported that foreign brands will account for 56% of new room supply from 2025-2027. The hotels slated to open are Ascott DD Meridian Park, Dusit Greenhills Manila, Mandarin Oriental, Canopy by Hilton, and Moxy Hotels Circuit. Collier said the Philippines is unlikely to breach the 7.7 million government target in 2025 due to the slow phase of tourist arrivals with only 2.54 million arrivals from Jan-May 2025, -1.2% YoY

The Korea Tourism Organisation (KTO) hosted its largest-ever “K-Tourism Roadshow” in Bangkok, Thailand and Manila, the Philippines on 29-31 Aug, attracting 50,000 visitors across the two countries

The Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) will organise the 36th Philippine Travel Mart from 5-7 Sep at the SMX Mall of Asia Convention Centre in Pasay City. The event is expected to welcome 45,000 visitors

The AppleOne Group, based in Cebu, is leading MICE development with an upcoming mixed-use business complex in Lapu-Lapu City called Mahi Centre. The development will feature office spaces, a mall, and Fairfield by Marriott Cebu Mactan. Cebu recorded 5.1 million tourist arrivals in 2024, +37% YoY. This group helps Cebu and Cagayan de Oro as rising MICE centres. The company will also open the Radisson Blu Hotel & Residences Cagayan de Oro, the first 5-star hotel and branded residence in the city, to position Northern Mindanao as a new MICE destination

The AppleOne Group launched Astronergy, a new subsidiary focusing on renewable energy. The company developed its first solar farm in Zamboanga del Norte, Mindanao. The solar panels cover 23 hectares and are equipped with 10,000 installed solar panels. The facility is expected to be fully operational by Sep 2025, with long-term plans to increase the capacity up to 25 megawatts in the future. In the first phase, the plant is estimated to generate up to 7 megawatts of direct power to support the local grid via an existing power purchase agreement with Zamboanga del Norte Electric Cooperative Inc.

Tainan in Taiwan, and Aklan in the Philippines, signed a sister-city agreement on 27 Aug to establish tourism ties and promote cultural exchanges

The Municipality of Moalboal has been invited as a finalist at the inaugural Philippine Tourism Awards (PTA) 2025. PTA 2025 is scheduled to be held on 8 Sep at Okada Manila, Paranaque City

The Philippines won the Island Charm Award at the Diving, Resort, and Travel (DRT) Show Beijing 2025. The country generated over 144 million PHP in sales leads at the event held from 8-10 Aug. During the B2B session, Philippine dive resorts met with 50 Chinese dive operators

BMI, a Fitch Solutions Company, expects the economic growth to reach an average of 5.4% in 2025, below the 5.5%-6.5% government target. BMI made this assessment due to deteriorating economic conditions in H2 2025, and because the Philippines is driven by the domestic economy

Tourist Rest Area (TRA) in Soccsksargen (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani, and General Santos City) has been opened. The TRA is designed to improve accessibility for travellers between the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and Soccsksargen. The TRA will boost attractions like the Baras Bird Sanctuary, La Palmera Mountain Ridge, and the provincial capitol in Tacurong City and Sultan Kudarat province

The Tourism Secretary launched the “Enchanted Ilijan Plug of Tubigon Project”, a sustainable and community-based tourism project in Tubigon, Bohol. The project won the Tourism Champions Challenge and received 25 million PHP in fundings. The challenge received nearly 100 proposals from local government. The Department of Tourism, the Tourism and Infrastructure Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), and the Tubigon Municipal Government signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for this project. The project will feature a summit trail, garden, an arts and cultural village, and facilities for tourists. Under the MOA, the DOT will offer a strategic direction, TIEZA will handle infrastructure, and the local government will oversee implementation and long-term management

The Department of Tourism (DOT) Caraga, in collaboration with the DOT Office of Special Concerns, the Office of Product Development (OPD), and the Department of Health (DOH), conducted a joint site visit in General Luna, Siargao Island, to establish a Tourist First Aid Facility (TFAF). The TFAF will serve as an emergency response centre for tourists in the event of accidents or injuries

The Philippines planned to become a “tourism powerhouse” in Asia by focusing on heritage and culture as part of the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023-2028. The Tourism Secretary said in 2024, the tourism industry contributed 3.86 trillion PHP, nearly 9% of the Philippines' GDP and supported 6.75 million jobs

The Tourism and Infrastructure Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) recorded 6.2 billion PHP in committed investments from the hospitality sector, and it’s expected to generate 1,576 jobs in local communities. TIEZA announced 7 new registered business enterprises: Bukid Amara Tourism Agriventures Corp. (Bukid Mara Davao), AppleOne Mactan Inc. (Fairfield Marriott Mactan), Anjo Global Sourcing Inc. (Anjo World Conference Centre in Cebu), ALL5 Global Corp. (Avignon Clinic Grand Alabang), Vertical Village Inc. (Flow State Bouldering in Pampanga), Intelligent Beauty Skin Solutions Inc. (Belo Medical Group Greenhills), and Behemoth Property Management Corp. (Reside Siargao)

The tourism private sector generated 152 billion PHP in actual sales from international and domestic buyers in 2024, 15% of which was attributed to their participation in Tourism Promotions Board (TPB)-led travel trade shows. The majority, 918 million PHP, was generated from WTM and ITB. The TPB has been allocated 1.34 billion PHP under the 2026 budget, with a target of 6.98 million tourists from its 13 key overseas markets, and 1.07 billion PHP in revenue, less than its 2025 target of 1.1 billion PHP revenue

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) will work together to optimise BCDA properties for national sports development. BCDA and PSC will form a joint task force to identify and assess BCDA properties to be developed into a premier training and sports facility, as well as explore funding models such as PPP, implement advanced design and construction methods, and establish professional management to create world-class, sustainable, and self-sufficient sports infrastructure

Tourism & Hospitality Education Summit will be held on 10 Sep at the SMX Convention Centre, Pasay City, which will bring government officials, industry stakeholders, educators, and students to address challenges in the tourism industry. The Tourism Education Network or Alliance, will be launched during the summit. The network will offer a collaborative platform for curriculum innovation, professional development, and evidence-based policy-making to improve workforce rediness and long-term sustainability of the tourism and hospitality sectors. Officials from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), together with the Philippine Association of Convention/Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers, Inc. (PACEOS) and the Association of Administrators in Hospitality, Hotel and Restaurant Management Educational Institutions (AAHRMEI) will provide insights on the tourism industry

Hann Holdings Inc., a casino operator from the Philippines, postponed its initial public offering (IPO) due to the uncertain market. Hann plan to offer the IPO from 9-15 Sep, with listings from 23 Sep. The company planned to raise 11.8 billion PHP by selling 500 million common shares at up to 23.60 PHP per share. The stock index in the Philippines dropped nearly 4% YoY. The funds raised from the share were planned to be allocated for Hann Reserve, a 450-hectare luxury estate which will include an 18-hole golf course, international hotel brands, and luxury villas. Besides Hann, Maynilad Water Services Inc., a utility firm, also pushed its IPO from Jul to Oct

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is requesting 3.71 billion PHP in funding for 2026 to boost tourism promotions, -3% vs 2025 budget. The DOT is requesting 500 million PHP for branding and promotions, 5X of the 100 million PHP it received for 2025. The DOT Secretary said Congress cut the budget for promotions by 80% in the last 2 years. Other budget requests include: Department of Tourism-Office of the Secretary, 3.1 billion PHP (+2% vs 2025 budget) Intramuros Administration, 159.3 million PHP (-46%) National Parks Development Committee, 320.9 million PHP (-15%) Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving, 44.9 million PHP (+84%)

The Philippine Transportation, Tourism, and Budget departments launched the second route of the Love Bus Libreng Sakay (Love Bus Free Ride) program in Cebu on 22 Aug. This new route will cover AnjoWorld in Minglanilla to SM Seaside Cebu, expanding the initial service launched in early 2025 between Parkmall Terminal in Mandaue City and Urgello, Cebu City. The service will be available from 6am to 9am and 5pm to 8pm

The Budget Secretary announced the Philippines is expected to record a stronger growth in Q3 2025, with a 6% growth rate, faster than the 5.5% recorded in Q2 2025. The Development Budget and Coordination Committee revised the growth target for 2026-2028 to 6%-7% from the initial 6%-8% target

The Philippines has designated coastal waters off the Siquijor municipality, Enrique Villanueva, as the Bitaug Marine Protected Area (MPA). Bitaug MPA covers 149.46ha, accounting for nearly 1/3th of the province’s total MPA coverage

The Philippines recorded 3.51 million international tourists from Jan-Jul 2025, including 3.19 million foreigners (-2.74% YoY), and 320,986 overseas Filipinos (OFs). OFs arrivals recorded a +16% YoY, which helped with the overall arrivals, and visitors from Japan, Australia, and Canada recorded a double-digit increase. The tourists' arrivals from Jan-Jul 2025 are -26.6% vs pre-pandemic levels. The Department of Tourism (DOT) said advisories published by foreign embassies due to criminal incidents impacted the tourism arrivals. DOT expressed sympathy over the recent shooting incident, which killed 2 Japanese citizens in Manila on 15 Aug. DOT has asked the law enforcement agencies to investigate this issue. The top source markets for Jan-Jul are; South Korea, 759,009, -18.6% YoY The US, 631,384, +8.8% YoY Japan, 253,963, +18.78% YoY Australia, 178,236, +18.77% YoY China, 159,150, -27.57% YoY Canada, 155,657, +19.52% YoY Taiwan, 119,016, -12.7% The UK, 105,707, +8.58% Singapore, 90,102, -0.4% Malaysia, 54,884, -3.97%

The Department of Tourism (DOT) told the senators that the government did not allocate any funds for tourism roads in 2026. The DOT Secretary stressed the importance of investing more in the construction, rehabilitation, and tourism road expansion to improve access to tourism spots. She pointed out that over 700km of roads were constructed during the first 3 years of the current Presidency. The DOT budget has received a huge drop for its attached agencies, the Intramuros Administration (IA), with only 159.3 million PHP for 2026 vs 296 million for 2025. DOT’s proposed budget for 2026 will be 3.19 billion 2026, vs 3.142 billion PHP in 2025

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) said 8.77 million travellers benefited from the Passenger Terminal Fee Exemption (PTFE) program. PPA grants fee exemptions to students, senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and uniformed personnel of the Armed Forces (AFP), National Police (PNP), and Coast Guard (PCG). The program costs 219.26 million PHP of waived fees over 7 years. From Jan-Jul 2025, 1.69 million passengers have received exemptions worth 34.27 million PHP. The largest beneficiaries are students with 814,253 beneficiaries (17.27 million PHP), followed by 682,371 senior citizens (12.93 million PHP), 124,519 PWDs (2.58 million PHP), and 71,234 uniformed personnel (1.49 million PHP). PPA record shows Batangas recorded the highest senior citizen beneficiaries at 94,623, and Mindoro recorded the highest exemption value at 2.24 million PHP

Collier Philippines’ report on hotels in Metro Manila (NCR) in H1 2025 shows the average hotel occupancy is at 64% and it will remain at 60% throughout 2025. But, hotel occupancy until the end of 2025, will not reach pre-pandemic levels. Colliers recorded 97 new rooms in H1 2025, and in H2 2025, Manila will see opening of Somerset Valero Makati (176 rooms), Alino Hotel New Manila (128 rooms), Seda One Ayala (413 rooms), AC Hotel Ortigas (150 rooms), Vibe Hotel Alabang (144 rooms), Seda Hotel Arca South (265 rooms), and Copeton Baysuites (140 rooms). Colliers’ forecast of 1,500 new rooms by the end of 2025 is lower than the previous estimate of 2,700 rooms due to delays in hotel construction in San Juan, the Bay Area, and Quezon City. The ADR in the NCR hotel sector recorded 5.1% YoY, and by the end of 2025, the ADR is expected to grow by 6%. Collier said the arrival of high-spending and long-staying visitors, the opening of new hotels, the events slated for H2 2025, the arrivals of overseas Filipino workers, and domestic and business travellers will help with better ADR

The Department of Tourism (DOT) will open tourist rest areas (TRAs) in Kabankalan and Sipalay, southern Negros Occidental. Kabankalan TRA, first in Western Visayas, is set to open on 28 Aug. Sipalay City is waiting for soil test before the construction can begin

The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines has completed the first instalment of the 15th edition of the Regional Travel Fair (RTF), which took place in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan province, from 15-17 Aug. The B2B session during the RTF connected 50 buyers and 53 sellers/exhibitors at the Pulsar Hotel and Convention Centre. B2C sessions on 16-17 Aug offered visitors various discounted domestic tour packages, airfares, accommodations, and other tourism-related products

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) Environment Management Bureau (EMB) ordered the suspension of the environmental clearance certificate (ECC) of Fifth Avenue Property Development Corp, the developer of The Stria project in Santa Fe, Cebu, due to violations of building over the approved 10-metre height limits. EMB ordered Fifth Avenue Property Development to pay 270,000 PHP for its violation and issued notices on 31 Jul, 17 Sep, and 18 Dec 2024. Due to failure to respond, Cebu City has ordered suspension of its ECC

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) received 6-month rehabilitation action plans from El Nido, Coron, Siargao, Panglao and Boracay, which have been designated green economy models (GEMs). The strategies will cover waste management, tourism development, peace and order, and handling of health-related concerns. DILG will work with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Department of Tourism and the Department of Health on these strategies. GEMs is part of the Green local government unit (LGU) Project sponsored by the European Union with a grant of 60 million euros. This project is co-led by the DILG and the United Nations Development Program

The Tourism Secretary informed Bollywood executives from Bollylands.com and the National Film Development Corp. of India that the Department of Tourism (DOT) provides support to foreign film and TV producers with location scouting and logistical assistance

The First Lady has said that the Philippines continues to invest in tourism and improve the tourism experience, given that it contributed 8.9% to 2024 GDP

Laos and the Philippines have agreed to continue to cooperate in numerous areas, including tourism during an event to mark the70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries

The Malaysian pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka recorded 2.2 million visitors, more than Malaysia’s 1.5 million target. Indonesia and Singapore recorded 1 million visitors respectively as of Jul. The Philippines recorded 600,000 visitors. Thailand from 13 Apr to 13 Aug recorded 1.25 million visitors, about 10,000 per day