Philippines

The Tourism Secretary asked the government to review the need for a bridge connecting Boracay to Aklan mainland, maintaining concerns over its impact on the environment and livelihood. She is also pushing for a possible postponement of the bill to scrap travel taxes to allow Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority to fund training, education programs, and infrastructure. She also added that the target to attract 6.7 million foreign visitors will remain for now

Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DepDev) Secretary warned that due to the pressures from the Middle East crisis, the Philippines’ GDP in Q1 2026 is expected to be below 3% vs 5.4% in Q1 2025. Q4 2025 GDP growth expanded by 3%, the slowest since the contraction due to the pandemic in Q1 2021 and the weakest non-pandemic growth since 2011. An economist from the University of Asia and the Pacific expects full-year GDP growth to be at 4.2% in 2026

The Department of Tourism (DOT) reported that international arrivals to the Philippines grew to 2.24 mil, from Jan-27 Apr, +9% YoY. It noted that tourist demand was “still strong - but more sensitive, more selective and more dynamic”. Priority sectors for the DOT included MICE, culture and heritage tourism, gastronomy tourism, wellness tourism, agrotourism, cruises and events and entertainment tourism. The Philippines will focus on China, India, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and ASEAN countries as key source markets, whilst efforts for the North American, Australian and European markets will continue

The Department of Budget and Management has said that the government needs at least 155 billion PHP to boost its response to sectors impacted by the conflict, noting the need for a “strategic reprioritization within the current fiscal phase consistent with prudent fiscal management”. It also launched a microsite, uplift.gov.ph, which will record its measures to support the people

The Bellevue Resort in Bohol has been certified by the Halal International Chamber of Commerce and Industries of the Philippines (HICCIP) and as a Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishment

The Department of Agriculture is drafting measures to address potential effects of El Nino, which is expected in Q3 2026. The National Irrigation Administration will identify areas which could be affected due to lower rainfall, including the Magat Dam, the Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation Systems and other irrigation systems. The Philippine Rice Research Institute will map rain-fed farms in partnership with the Bureau of Soils and Water Management

Over 10,000 security and emergency personnel will be deployed in Central Visayas as part of the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu on 7 and 8 May in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. Delegates from 15 countries are expected to arrive on 5 May and some are expected to stay until 12 May

The Philippine Peso (PHP) dropped to a record low of 61.567 PHP against USD on 29 Apr

Misamis Occidental held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Asenso Global Garden’s Botanical Garden and eco-tourism park to support tourism in Northern Mindanao

Megaworld is speeding up its township development in northern Luzon, featuring the first Beach Club along the township’s 1.4km coastline. The Ilocandia Beach Club will be the sole club in Laoag inspired by clubs in Sentosa Island, Singapore. The club will complement restaurants, cafes, and shops, and will feature a fitness centre, swimming pools, and private VIP lounges

Grab Philippines has allocated 350 million PHP through its Grab Bayanihan Fuel Crisis Support Program to assist its partners who were affected due to the increase in fuel prices

K-pop group Le Sserafim will hold their concert in Manila on 5 and 6 Dec, as part of the Pureflow world tour. More details on tickets and venue will be announced later

The Tourist Rest Area (TRA) in Lingayen, Pangasinan served 11,425 guests since it opened in Feb until the end of Mar. The facility costs 10 million PHP to construct. MSME entrepreneurs earned 500,000 PHP in gross sales through selling their products at the TRA’s Pasalubong Centre

The Department of Tourism (DOT) 8 (Eastern Visayas) organised a Filipino-ASEAN Degustation Experience on 25 Apr at Pasqualino’s Ristorante Italiano in Sta. Rita, Samar. The event featured various fusion foods from across the region

Device Design Green and Smart (DDGNS) Corp., an electric vehicle distributor, has offered to supply up to 100 electric taxis in Baguio City following concerns over global oil supply disruptions. But the Mayor expressed concerns that this would make the traffic congestion worse

Former President Duterte will face trial at the International Criminal Court after the judges confirmed his charges at the court

Samar will make the Pinabacdao Mangrove Safari an important emerging eco-tourism destination. Samar Governor and Tacloban City Mayor visited the site to assess its potential as part of an effort to expand the province’s tourism offerings

The Department of Tourism (DOT) will support the Euro Xtreme Circus Philippine Tour, an international circus, in San Fernando City, La Union. The event will be held from 28 Apr to 24 May. The mangrove safari will be integrated into the Spark Samar Tandaya Trail Tourism Circuit, an initiative by the province to connect important destinations in order to offer a comprehensive travel experience across samar

The Cebu City Government extended the 4-day workweek scheme until 30 Apr after they found the policy has managed to reduce energy and utility consumption during the 2-week pilot run from 6-17 Apr

Lake Holon in Tboli, South Cotabato, has been reopened after closing for 2 weeks due to security concerns. The lake was closed after an encounter between the army and rebels in Sitio Tbul, Baran

Ascott signed 7,300 units across Southeast Asia in 2025, +55% YoY. Ascott operates over 200 properties in the region, with another 150 properties in the planning and 25 new properties slated to open in the next 12 months. Ascott will expand into 20 new cities, including Phu Quoc and Nha Trang in Vietnam, Phuket and Hat Yai in Thailand, Labuan Bajo and Medan in Indonesia, Davao and Binan in the Philippines, and Johor Bahru and Langkawi in Malaysia. 30% of the project will be delivered through conversions. The key projects which will be rebranded are Bayview properties in Penang and Langkawi, to Ascott Batu Feringghi Penang, Oakwood Georgetown Penang and FOX Hotel Langkawi by 2028. The conversion also will involve Citadines Mitra Bandung, Oakwood Pandanaran Semarang, and Fox Hotel Nagoya Batam, which will be opening in one year

The President ordered government agencies to ensure the Philippines’ economic activities run smoothly during the 4th meeting of the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) Committee on 21 Apr in the Presidential Palace. The Department of Energy reported they received 471,000 barrels of fuel, which guaranteed fuel supply for 52 days. The headline inflation reached 4.1% in Mar 2026 from 1.8% in Mar 2025. The President ordered the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to release 46.22 million PHP for 1,743 infrastructure projects, including the Davao City Bypass Construction Project worth 288 million PHP for 2026

Bohol successfully hosted its first Glow-in-the-Dark International Dragon Boat Festival 2026 from 18-19 Apr. The event recorded 8 teams and over 200 paddlers. However, they had challenges in organising this year’s event due to global geopolitical tensions, including teams and sponsors backing out

The President stated that the government will look into the ways to assist Filipinos who need more aid following the impact of the Middle East conflict

The Commission on Audit (COA) found in its audit that the Department of Tourism didn't spend 655.78 million PHP out of its 3.27 billion PHP allocation, or 23.22% in 2024. DOT had a total disbursed obligations of 2.17 billion PHP (76.78%) and an unobligated balance of 448.08 million PHP (13.69%). COA stated that due to DOT’s poor utilisation of its 2024 budget, it likely received a lower budget of 3.14 billion in 2025. DOT requested and received 1.15 billion PHP for branding in 2026, 2X of 2025 levels and received a separate allocation of 4.6 million PHP under the Tourism Development Fund (TDF)

Parts of Metro Cebu are suffering from a persistent haze, with air quality dropping to critical levels. The Environmental Management Bureau in Central Visayas (EMB-7) reported data from Talisay City shows the Air Quality Index (AQI) dropped from 199 on 19 Apr to 177 on 20 Apr, but the level remains classified as “very unhealthy,” indicating continued high PM2.5 concentration

The Boracay Foundation Inc. (BFI) sent a letter to the President raising concerns over the proposed Boracay Bridge, on its potential environmental and socio-economic impacts on Boracay Island. BFI conveyed the concern on behalf of the business groups, tourism workers, and residents

Isabela and Cagayan recorded 40 to 41 degrees Celcius, causing residents and tourists to look for relief in cool destinations such as the Abuan River Adventure and EcoPark in Villa Imelda village, which is at the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountain range

Candon City will host the 2026 Volleyball All-Star Showcase of the Premier Volleyball League and Spikers’ Turf on 1 May and the 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup from 6 to 14 Jun

Tagbilaran Baywatch has called for strong opposition to measures that would change protection for the Chocolate Hills in Bohol, noting that the proposed amendment to reduce protected coverage from 1,776 hills to 642, and 1,134 hills to be downgraded into “local conservation areas”, would defeat the purpose of the e-Nipas law”. It also criticised the proposal of reducing buffer zones from 20 metres to 5 metres, and that these amendments could result in uncontrolled construction

The Tourism Secretary hosted a meeting with the heads of agencies under the Department of Tourism to align tourism initiatives with the infrastructure and development agenda. Among the agencies that took part were the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, Tourism Promotions Board, Intramuros Administration, the National Parks Development Committee, Duty Free Philippines Corporation, Philippine Retirement Authority, Nayong Pilipino Foundation, and the Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving

Business groups and lawmakers are asking the government to cut excise and value-added tax (VAT) on petroleum products to mitigate the impact of increasing production costs and the prices of goods and services. The President suspended the excise on LPG and kerosene, but retained the fuel tax of 5 PHP per litre for diesel and 10 PHP for gasoline for transportation. The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (Philexport) warned that high fuel prices will eliminate business margins and threaten small companies. PCCI added that fuel costs account for about 30% to 40% of operating expenses, while transport expenses will increase the prices of basic goods by 15% to 35%. A Senator filed a bill to reduce VAT from 12% to 10%

The Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) predicts that the Middle East conflict could push more than 3 million Filipinos into poverty as it triggered an increase in global oil prices. PIDS studied three scenarios: At $105 USD per barrel with 35% pass-through, 1.34 million could fall into poverty (14.4%) At $125 USD per barrel and 60% pass-through, this rises to 2.35 million (15.3%) In a worst-case scenario of $145 USD per barrel with 85% pass-through, up to 3.5 million could become poor (16.3%)

Cotabato City recorded a heat index of 46 degrees Celsius, the highest recorded since Mar according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). PAGASA has classified it as “danger level”. PAGASA also stated they identified a super typhoon 2,620km east of Southern Tagalog, but it will not enter the Philippine area of responsibility

The Philippines will receive the Asian Beach Games flag from the 2026 host city, Sanya, China, for the Asian Beach Games 2028 in Cebu

The Philippine peso dropped to 60.115 PHP against the USD on 15 Apr, as the ceasefire between the US and Iran became “fragile” and oil prices remain high

The National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Committee (NST-IAC) will support the 2026 Tour of Luzon. Six international teams have confirmed their participation, along with 9 local teams. The event will be held in 14 stages starting from 29 Apr

The Philippines’ Executive Secretary met with the Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines to forge stronger cooperation in key areas such as trade, tourism, energy, security, and more direct flights between both countries

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has cut its growth outlook for the Philippines for 2026 to 4.1%, from the earlier projection of 5.6% made in Jan 2026 update due to the flood control scandal and spillovers from the Middle East conflict

Central Visayas recorded 2,554,289 foreign visitors in 2025, and the top market was South Korea with 966,000 tourists, -5.38% YoY. Japan was the fastest-growing market with 337,812 tourists, +50.5% YoY. Central Visayas recorded 6.9 million total visitors in 2025, +8.4% YoY, with domestic tourists accounting for 63% of total arrivals

The Philippines is seeking permission from the US to allow it to purchase Russian crude oil, as the Philippines is affected by fuel supply due to the Middle East conflict. The US eased some sanctions on Russia in Mar to allow countries to purchase oil from Russia to stabilise energy markets, following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz

Tour operators reported their suppliers have increased their rates between 10% and 20%, making tour packages more expensive. Travelite Travel and Tours said the expensive tours have deterred their European clients. The President of Rajah Tours Philippines reported that their supplier in Cebu is adding 10% for a Cebu City Tour. Flights to Palawan, Cebu, and Bohol have been cancelled due to high jet fuel prices. In Q1 2026, top markets from Europe recorded a positive growth, including the UK with 66,371 arrivals (+3.2% YoY); France, 42,373 (+6.95%); Germany, 39,198 (+1.98%); Italy, 20,825 (+21.12%); and Spain, 16,529 (+3.29%)

The President stated Value Added Tax (VAT) on fuel will continue and the government will instead use the windfall profit from the VAT to assist sectors reeling from the impact of the Middle East conflict. He added that removing VAT will only benefit the oil firms instead of the general public

The Philippines welcomed 1.76 million international arrivals, +2.6% YoY, and 126,091 Overseas Filipinos, +1.88%, in Q1 2026. The top source markets were the US with 393,137 tourists, +5.89% YoY; South Korea, 385,589 (-10.17% YoY); Japan, 144,509 (+7.84%); Canada, 133,548 (+16.3%); Australia, 106,509 (+13.4%); Taiwan, 66,818 (+26.3%); the UK, 66,371 (+3.21%); China, 46,553 (-19.8%); France, 42,373 (+6.95%); Germany, 39,198 (+1.98%); Malaysia, 29,400 (+10.4%); and Singapore, 27.411 (-1.62%)

Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC) Director for Hotels, Tourism, and Leisure forecasts the Philippines will welcome 5-5.5 million foreign tourists in 2026 due to the Middle East conflict. This forecast is lower than the 5.87 million visitors recorded in 2025. The Department of Tourism is targeting 6.7 million arrivals in 2026. About 75% of all European tourists to Asia travel via the Middle East, and since the conflict in the Middle East, air fares of Asian carriers to Europe from Asia have doubled. He added that air fares have increased by 20%-30% in the last 4 weeks, and they will continue to increase, which will make tourists spend less when they get to the destination

Representatives from the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), Department of Tourism (DOT), and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), engaged with Indonesian tourism stakeholders in Manado from 6-10 Apr. This meeting aims to position Davao de Oro, Davao Oriental, and Davao Occidental as an integrated growth area under the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) through the proposed “Three Provinces Gateway Corridor”

The Department of Trade and Industry in Central Visayas (DTI-7) surveyed 156 respondents from business establishments in Cebu, and the survey found that 62.2% reported at least a moderate level of operational strain due to the increase in fuel prices, transport costs, and business sentiment. 28.8% said they were slightly affected, and 16% said they were severely affected

Forecast from Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC) shows that room rate could drop by 10% to 30% over the next 3 months as the hotels look to attract cost-conscious guests and corporate events. The report also shows 64% of hotels reported severe operational impact due to the energy crisis. 650 in-person ASEAN meetings have been cancelled, affecting the MICE industry. LPC CEO reported that Middle Eastern and European investors are looking to invest in the hospitality, healthcare, and tourism sectors in the Philippines, following the instability in the Middle East

The President named Dita Angara-Mathay as the new Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary. She previously served as Commercial Counsellor at the Philippine Trade and Investment Centre in Tokyo, Japan

Asian Development Bank (ADB) has cut its 2026 growth forecast for the Philippines in 2026 to 4.4% in its Asian Development Outlook (ADO) Apr 2026, a drop from 5.3% in the ADO Dec 2025 edition. The growth is projected to reach 5.5% in 2027. ADB said domestic demand will continue to drive the growth. Inflation is projected to reach 4% in 2026, and 3.5% in 2027

The Municipality of San Remigio in Antique is looking to become a premier Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability (LOHAS) destination in the next 10 years. San Remigio Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer said they aim to increase the town’s forest cover from 29% to 60% to achieve premier LOHAS status

Siquijor Island’s annual Healing Festival, held during the Holy Week at Mount Bandilaan Nature Park, has become an important event. The Department of Agriculture-Negros Island Region is pushing for an integration of agriculture into Siquijor’s tourism economy

The Trade Secretary announced there will be no price increase for basic necessities and important commodities until 30 Apr. The Department of Trade and Industry’s price hold will cover 205 products, such as canned goods, bread, bottled water, candles, and detergent. Luzon consumers will see a 52.5% increase in electric bill in Apr due to lower fuel supply

Data from the Malay Municipal Tourism Office shows total tourists dropped to 56,590 from 29 Mar to 5 Apr, vs 59,156 visitors in 13-20 Apr 2025, for the Holy Week. In 2026, 86% of the total visitors are domestic tourists with 48,607, while foreigners represent 13.2% or 4,449, and the overseas Filipinos account for the rest with 534

The World Bank has downgraded the Philippines’ economic growth outlook to 3.7% in 2026, vs 5.3% it had forecast previously. The Philippines is affected due to its reliance on energy and fertiliser imports, and remittances from overseas Filipinos in the Gulf. The Philippines’ 18% of remittances are from the Gulf. The World Bank expects Philippine growth to reach 5.6%, vs its earlier projection of 5.4%

The Philippine Statistics Authority’s (PSA) Labour Force Survey for Feb 2026 shows there are 2.66 million unemployed people with 5.1% unemployment rate, lower than 5.8% in Jan 2026, but higher than 3.8% in Feb 2025. The employment rate reached 49.43 million individuals or a rate of 94.9% in Feb 2026, vs 94.2% in Jan 2026 and 96.2% in Feb 2025

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) warns that the temperature will increase in the coming weeks until May, and could even reach ‘danger’ level. Historical data shows heat index levels in Central Visayas could reach 44 degrees Celsius in May

The President of the Hotels, Resorts and Restaurants Association of Cebu, Inc. (HRRACI) expects the occupancy rate to be around 50% to 60%, due to a slowdown in bookings following the Middle East conflict. The Bohol Tourism Office Head stated the fares for the Cebu-Bohol ferry, island-hopping boat services, and land transportation have increased, which could potentially discourage people from travelling within the region. The Co-Chairperson of the Cebu Provincial Tourism Council recommended promoting a gastronomy circuit in Northern Cebu to encourage tourists to stay longer in a single destination, which could reduce transport costs. At least 22 hotels and resorts in Cebu have introduced promotions, including up to 50% discounts with staycation and workcation packages. The region is looking to promote in Asia Pacific markets such as China, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, and the domestic market

Iloilo City hosted Filipino Food Month on 6 Apr at SM Iloilo Terminal Market under the theme "Connected by Taste: Filipino Food in the Flavors of ASEAN”

Ocean Fast Ferries Inc. announced that they will cut down its ferry trips from Cebu, Tagbilaran, Siquijor, and Dumaguete from 8-29 Apr due to an increase in oil prices

The Philippines posted a 4.1% YoY increase in headline inflation in Mar, vs the 2.4% recorded in Feb, reaching the highest rate since Jul 2024, when inflation reached 4.4%. Inflation increased 1.4% MoM, the highest since Jan 2023. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said "A sharp and prolonged oil price shock could trigger spillover effects with the potential broadening of price pressures". The increase in inflation was due to an increase in global energy prices

Negros Oriental Governor orders austerity measures for the provincial government, such as temporary restrictions on official travels and non-essential activities following the energy emergency declared by the President

The Department of Tourism (DOT) in Eastern Visayas reported about 15% drop in tourist arrivals at DZR Airport for the Holy Week. Tourism stakeholders said the booking cancellations were due to the increase in fuel costs. Burauen, Leyte, recorded 879 visitors in Feb and 847 in Mar. The Mambukal Resort and Wildlife Sanctuary in Murcia, Negros Occidental, welcomed nearly 7,000 guests from 2-5 Apr. On 5 Apr alone, they recorded 2,416 visitors. Sipalay City, Negros Occidental, recorded overnight tourists around 3,500 to 4,000, with day visitors reaching 5,000 to 6,000 daily

K-pop group Mamamoo will perform a concert in Manila on 8 Aug, as part of their 2026 World Tour

The Department of Tourism’s data shows Boracay welcomed 200,165 tourists in Mar 2026, -31.3% YoY vs 291,418 in Mar 2025. Domestic tourists account for over 82% of the total tourists or 164,922, international visitors reached 32,925, and overseas Filipinos, 2,318

Montenegro Shipping Lines has increased ferry fares for the Batangas-Occidental Mindoro route from 6 Apr, due to an increase in fuel prices. The fares for regular passengers will cost 728 PHP, students 582 PHP, senior citizens 520 PHP, and children between 0-7 years old 364 PHP. Batangas Port will charge a 60 PHP terminal fee

During the webinar titled “Tourism Key Themes For 2026: Navigating Arrivals Growth, Demand Shifts And Strategic Adaptation,” a BMI Tourism Analyst said high fuel costs will impact airfares and the demand will shift towards closer destinations. She added that they noticed a preference for travel and experiences among the young-adult population (20-39 years old), instead of just spending on items, while the middle-aged population (40-65 years old) has stronger purchasing power, which indicates continued demand for discretionary categories like travel and hospitality. BMI Associate Director for Tourism Research said that “Over 2026, high-income households will support the luxury tourism sector through continued discretionary spending, while middle- and low-income households become more cautious in their spending patterns”. He also noted that the travel trend will focus on purpose-driven travel instead of destination-centred travel

Zambales has reported over 10,000 tourists visiting during Holy Week as of 4 Apr, with the number expected to increase as the municipal tourism office is still collecting information from resort owners

Mt. Kabunian in Bakun, Benguet, has suspended trekking and other activities following a grass fire on the mountain on 2 Apr. The Bakun Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council rescued 18 tourists and 3 guides

Boracay welcomed 1,500 Chinese tourists and 800 crew members aboard the MS Adora Mediterranea cruise ship from Xiamen, China