Philippines

Cebu City is expecting 4-5 million devotees and spectators for the Sinulog Grand Parade 2026 on 18 Jan

Cebu is expected to welcome 5,000 delegates from the ASEAN region for the high-level meetings. The Tourism Secretary said hosting the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) will help with the Cebu tourism industry, after the province experienced earthquakes and typhoons in 2025. The ATF will be held in Cebu City from 28-30 Jan. The Tourism Promotions Board confirmed 600 international buyers will take part in the Travel Exchange (TRAVEX)

The Philippines announced visa-free entry for Chinese nationals for tourism and business purposes for up to 2 weeks, effective from 16 Jun. The policy is only valid for those entering through the Manila and Cebu airports, and no extensions will be allowed. The policy will be in effect for 1 year and will be reviewed before expiring

The Henley Global Mobility Report shows the Philippines passport’s visa-free score dropped to 64 from 67, since Pakistan, Mauritania, and Somalia introduced the eVisa system in 2025. However, the passport’s global ranking increased to 73 from 75. The Henley Openness Index ranks the Philippines at 16 globally, since the Philippines offer entry to 81.34% of the countries and regions

Cebu City was placed under a state of calamity following the Binaliw landfill collapse. 13 people were reported dead, and the search and retrieval operations are underway as 25 people remain missing and 18 are injured. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Central Visayas (DENR-7) issued a cease-and-desist order against the private landfill. The company has been ordered to clarify the incident and submit a compliance plan within 90 days

The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) is promoting Sogod Bay, Southern Leyte, as a top global dive destination at the Salon de la Plongee 2026 international exhibition from 8-11 Jan 2026. Stakeholders of the diving industry from Eastern Visayas and representatives from Sogod Bay Scuba Resort and Peter’s Dive Resort took part in the exhibition

AC Hotels by Marriott has been launched in Manila with 160 rooms, located in GLAS Tower, Ortigas district

K-pop group BTS will perform in Manila on 14 Mar 2027 as part of their world tour

The Michelin Guide has listed the Philippines among the must-visit places for food lovers in 2026, listing of 108 Manila and Cebu establishments in its selection

San Nicolas, Pengasinan recorded 186,628 tourist arrivals in 2025, +106% YoY. The top destination within the town is Malico, 97,932 visitors, Agpay Eco Park with 49,058 visitors, and Puyao Picnic Ground with 39,638

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) will impose a 25% final withholding tax (FWT) on income earned by foreign-service providers and a 12% final withholding value-added tax (VAT) even if the service is performed outside the Philippines. BIR Revenue Memorandum Circular clarified that “cross-border services” will be taxed in the Philippines if the listed services are carried out in a foreign country, but the results are used, applied, consumed, or executed in the Philippines. Within the tourism sector, the nonresident foreign corporations (NRFCs) include online booking platforms, international tour operators, and foreign partners providing outsourced services to Philippine companies, such as travel and reservations technologies. The Tourism Secretary said the tourism stakeholders have expressed concerns over subjecting cross-border services to both withholding tax and VAT. They also worried that the additional costs could be passed to the customers, which could increase the room rates and affect the competitiveness of the hotels in the Philippines. The Department of Tourism will form a technical working group with BIR to address the tourism industry’s concerns

The Bureau of Immigration has reported 15.6 million passenger arrivals into the Philippines in 2025, with 6.7 million of those foreign travellers

The Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) recorded 5.69 million passengers in Dec 2025, according to the Department of Transportation (DOTr). DOTr said the passenger traffic during the Christmas and New Year period reached 3,431,341, and total passengers in 2025 reached 60,281,330 vs 51,557,965 in 2024. EDSA Busway recorded 66,669,287 passengers in 2025, vs 63,022,953 in 2024

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has launched a brief city tour program for eligible transiting passengers from visa-free countries or those holding valid Philippine visas through the Ninoy Aquino International Airport with at least an 8-hour layover. The program will begin on 16 Jan, and the tour will cost $50 USD for a 4-hour guided experience, including a tour bus, entrance fees, tour guide, travel insurance, a police officer onboard, and light refreshments

The Hundred Islands National Park, Alaminos City, Pangasinan, reported that the park received 377,968 visitors in 2025, including 366,228 domestic and 11,740 international visitors. Apr and May are the peak season with 65,000 arrivals. The park generated a total of 43.8 million in income, -2.1% YoY. Alaminos City will open the Sky Garden Project, constructed at a cost of 249.8 million

The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) highlighted the 5.24 million tourist arrivals from Jan-Nov 2025, -2.2% YoY and -37% vs pre-pandemic levels, and called on the government to address the challenges. FFCCCII proposed to the government to introduce a competitive visa regime similar to other ASEAN countries; modernise the main gateways and improve inter-island travel infrastructures; and champion the Philippines experience by offering training to the tourism industry and highlighting the Philippines’ attractions

The procession of “Black Nazarene”, Traslaction, lasted 30 hours and 50 minutes, the longest recorded, with 7,337,700 devotees

The procession of “Black Nazarene”, a procession of a centuries-old Jesus statue on 9 Jan, recorded 439,000 devotees

Camiguin recorded 397,818 visitors in 2025, +37.86% YoY, including 376,322 domestic visitors (+39.3% YoY) and 21,496 foreign tourists (+15.7% YoY). The Governor of Camiguin said the government faced limitations in collecting data since the court has issued a preliminary injunction on the province’s Smart Tourism Ordinance, preventing the use of the Smart Travel or QR code system in 2025. Due to this suspension, the province couldn’t collect accurate tourism data in 2025 compared to the previous system. The government couldn’t identify the nationality of the visitors, even though over 654,000 people were recorded at its ports and airports in 2025. Camiguin is on track to record at least 30% growth in tourist arrivals from 2025 to 2028. Camiguin will take part in the Feria Internacional de Turismo in Madrid, from 21-25 Jan

Despite the Mayon Volcano eruptions, the Albay Provincial Tourism, Culture, and the Arts Office (PTCAO) said the province is safe and open for tourists. PTCAO has designated several areas across Legazpi City, Daraga, Camalig, Ligao City, Sto. Domingo, Tiwi, Tabaco City, Malilipot, and Guinobatan as safe viewing spots for visitors to watch Mayon. However, all tourist sited within the 6km Permanent Danger Zone will be closes, including the Green Lava Trail, Black Lava Trail, Mayon Skyline, and Mayon Volcano Natural Park

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the visa policy towards China remains the same, denying an alleged DFA memo that said the Philippines offers 14-day visa-free access to Chinese tourists. The Philippines welcomed 248,339 Chinese tourists from Jan-Nov 2025, -16.6% YoY

The Philippine peso (PHP) dropped to 59.355 PHP against USD on 7 Jan 2026, its weakest since 9 Dec 2025

The Philippines will host the 48th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit from 8-9 May in Cebu City and the 49th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit from 10-12 Nov at the Philippine International Convention Centre (PICC), Manila. The 49th ASEAN Summit will invite leaders from 11 dialogue partners. However, Myanmar’s Acting President will not be invited. The Philippines will host 650 ASEAN-related meetings throughout 2026, including the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat and Tourism Ministers’ Meeting, which will be held in Cebu from 28-29 Jan, as well as a special meeting of foreign ministers to mark the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation on 24 Jul

The Presidential Palace denied that the Philippine Airlines (PAL) President will replace the current Tourism Secretary. There were allegations that the Department of Tourism commissioned Philippine Topics to feature a story about her, but the DOT denied and said Philippine Topics is a private publication and not the DOT’s official magazine

The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) reported the Philippines secured 522.29 million PHP in sales leads last Nov 2025 from a business mission in South Korea. The delegation from the Philippines comprised 40 sellers, and took part in roadshows in Busan, Daejeon, and Seoul, meeting with 204 Korean agents and corporate buyers. A total of 792 business meetings were facilitated during the roadshow. From Jan-Nov 2025, the Philippines welcomed 1.134 million South Koreans, -21% YoY

The 45th Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC) Track Championships will be held in the Philippines after 31 years at the new Tagaytay City CT Velodrome from 25-31 Mar, with 12 countries and over 200 athletes confirming their attendance

The Department of Health (DOH) advised Filipinos travelling outbound to take precautions such as vaccinations following reports of “Super Flu” cases. The DOH has identified 17 flu cases after reviewing surveillance data in 2025

Department of Tourism (DOT) topped the list of WeChat articles with the most views in China in 2025. DOT’s post on the DRT Diving Show in Beijing held from 8-10 Aug recorded 99,000 views

Occupancy rate of hotels and accommodation across Cebu may reach 80% to 100% in Jan 2026, due to an expected surge in visitors. DOT-7 expects 300,000 visitors in Jan alone

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has proposed to construct a permanent terminal for international cruises along Manila Bay in 2026, with a cost of 5 billion PHP. The project will be developed by PPA and run by private businesses

The Department of Tourism said Cebu remains a preferred destination for local tourists, with 118,745 tourists visiting Boracay, Western Visayas, from 15-28 Dec 2025. Cebu City welcomed 102,124 visitors, while Panglao Island in Bohol recorded 62,240 tourists. From 15-31 Dec 2025; Baguio City welcomed 117,137 visitors Bicol, Camarines Sur, recorded 92,000 tourists Albay recorded 45,000 visitors La Union, 47,338 visitors Ilocos Sur, 32,232 visitors Nueva Vizcaya, 10,012 visitors El Nido in Palawan, 40,000 tourists Coron, 17,850 Puerto Galera, 13,204 Siargao Island, 32,742 Sarangani Province, 26,191 Bukidnon, 9,488 Camiguin Island, 6,558

Khiri Travel has received the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) certification across all destinations where it operates – Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Sri Lanka

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor reported the economic growth may slow to 4.6% in 2025, a drop from 2024’s 5.7% expansion and below the government’s 5.5%-6.5% target. He said BSP will not cut interest rates. Inflation reached 1.8% in Dec, its fastest in 9 months, due to increase in food and clothing prices

Lake Holon’s trek site in South Cotabato will be closed for 2 months from 3 Jan to protect the biodiversity of the lake, preserve water quality, and for the lake’s long-term sustainability

Philippine Ports Authority recorded 6.1 million passengers from 15 Dec 2025 to 5 Jan 2026, +22% YoY. The majority of passengers were recorded in Panay/Guimaras, Batangas, Mindoro, Bohol and Negros Oriental/Siquijor. On 4 Jan, the Philippine Coast Guard recorded 250,505 outbound passengers and 197,291 inbound passengers in all ports

Cebu will host the 45th ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) from 28-31 Jan, under the theme, “Navigating Our Future, Together”. Alongside ATF 2026, there will be the Tourism Ministers’ meetings and the ASEAN Travel Exchange (TRAVEX). TRAVEX will be held in Mactan Expo Centre. The Central Visayas’ DOT office has implemented Project Harana (Hosting Asean with Readiness, Agility, Nationalism, and Authenticity), aimed to prepare volunteers, tour guides, tourist drivers, students, faculty members, and event organiser fro ATF 2026

Cebu City is expecting to welcome 4-5 million visitors during the Fiesta Senor and Sinulog Grand Parade on 18 Jan. Nearly 7,000 security and emergency personnel will be deployed across key parts of the city

Palawan recorded 5.24 million visitors from Jan-Nov 2025, -2.16% YoY. The Department of Tourism has set a 6.7 million international visitors target for 2026, below the 8.3 million recorded in pre-pandemic

A Coast Guard team from Olango Island rescued a tourist boat carrying 61 Korean passengers and 14 Filipino crew members, which suffered engine failure near Barangay San Vicente amid bad weather on 4 Jan

The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) announced 2 major international events that the Philippines will be hosting: the first Southeast Asian Plus Youth Games or SEA Plus YG in late 2027 and the Asian Beach Games or ABG in early 2028. The SEA Plus YG will include its members such as Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Timor Leste, and other countries in the Asian sub-region

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) recorded 116,651 passengers, including 64,408 outbound and 52,243 inbound passengers on 2 Jan

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) recorded 42,053 sea travellers, including 23,525 outbound and 18,528 inbound passengers on 1 Jan. PCG inspected 204 vessels and 512 motorised boats

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) will spend 1.5 billion to install 47 e-gates and 57 biometric devices in other international airports, after deployment in the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. BI signed a contract with Amadeus for the expansion and upgrades of e-gates

Marriott International has added The Farm at San Benito, a 70-room wellness resort, as its first Autograph Collection property in the Philippines. There are over 340 independent hotels globally under Autograph Collection

Congress has approved 17.5 billion PHP budget for the Philippines to host ASEAN Summits and related meetings in 2026

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) expects inflation to come in between 1.2% to 2.0% in Dec, vs 1.5% in Nov, due to an increase in food and fuel prices, driven by weather disruptions and strong holiday demand

The Department of Tourism will increase tourism promotions in Australia. The Philippines recorded 258,233 Australian visitors from Jan-Nov, +15.5% YoY and the fourth largest source market

The Bicam Committee of the Senate and Congress has allocated 248 million and 28 million in funds, respectively, to the General Management and Supervision operations of Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (Tieza) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB). The Chair of the Senate’s Finance Committee did not state why they allocated the funds to Tieza and TPB. Tieza funds their corporate budget through the collection of travel taxes, which reached 3.9 billion as of Jul 2025, and is expected to reach 7.26 billion in 2026. TPB has automatically received 1.4 billion PHP annually from 25% of the share from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp and 25% share from the international airports and seaports

The Philippines recorded 5.6 million foreign visitors from Jan to 20 Dec, nearly the same level as 2024. The Department of Tourism (DOT) is optimistic that Chinese tourists will return in 2026, following the resumption of the e-Visa. In 2025, the Philippines recorded 262,144 Chinese tourist arrivals, ranked in 6 place. The top 5 source countries are South Korea, the US, Japan, Australia, and Canada

The Tourism Secretary said the Philippines is prepared to host the United Nations Tourism Global Forum on Gastronomy and the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026 in Cebu, and affirm its leadership in shaping tourism in the ASEAN region

The President of the Philippine Amalgamated Supermarkets Association reported that the peak sales at supermarkets were only recorded for 3-4 days in 2025, instead of the usual 2 weeks of sales during the Christmas season. He pointed out political uncertainty, including the investigations into the flood control projects and the increase in mini-marts, as a drop in sales during the holiday period. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas survey shows consumer confidence dropped to its lowest in the pandemic era in Q4 2025 to 22.2%, with households pointing out inflation as a major concern

The Philippines secured 165 million PHP in sales leads and bookings during the 3-day Dive Resort and Travel (DRT) Show Hong Kong 2025. The event was led by the Philippine Department of Tourism-Shanghai, the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines, and the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong, with the participation of 20 delegates from dive resorts, live-aboards and tourism operators

The Philippine Peso (PHP) is expected to weaken to 60 PHP per USD by the end of Q1 2026