The Department of Tourism (DOT) called on foreign investors to take advantage of the Philippines’ growing tourism opportunities.

Speaking at a forum at the World Travel Market (WTM) London on Nov. 4, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco cited government reforms and fiscal incentives that make the country an attractive investment destination.

Tax holidays, enhanced deductions, and import exemptions for priority tourism projects, she said, are all covered under the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE MORE) Law.

“The Philippines has engaged in a transformative development agenda led by our President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., whose Philippine Development Plan has shifted our country’s growth towards becoming more sustainable, inclusive, resilient, and innovation-driven,” she said.

She added that under this framework, the CREATE MORE Act provides fiscal incentives that promote sustainability, green innovation, job creation, and equitable regional development.

Frasco added that public-private partnerships (PPPs) play a “very potent role” in accelerating tourism development, be it through airport modernization or tourism infrastructure and destination improvements.

The national government, she noted, continues to invest in tourism programs, including community training, the establishment of decent rest areas, and the installation of hyperbaric chambers in major diving and coastal destinations.

Sustainability and climate resilience

At the launch of the Philippine Pavilion at the same event, Frasco also emphasized sustainability in tourism amid global economic challenges, climate-induced disasters, and fiscal constraints.

“Sustainability for us is not mere theory, it is our lifeline. We pursue tourism that is people-centered and future-centric, knowing that millions depend on our collective ability to protect and strengthen our destinations for generations to come,” she said.

She added that the issue has become more relevant as the Philippines continues to face recurring natural calamities.

“Our country is currently facing a typhoon, and it has done so for many months now, not to mention other disasters such as earthquakes,” Frasco said.

UK market growth and renewed confidence

Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. also attended the event, expressing optimism over the tourism sector’s recovery and renewed global confidence in the Philippines.

Locsin said that UK arrivals grew by 5.36 percent in 2024, outpacing the overall 2.1 percent increase in UK outbound travel to Asia.

“And as last October, we reached a 90.71 percent recovery rate, placing us firmly on course for full recovery — a testament to the resilience of the tourist industry and the unfailing allure of our islands,” he said.

“Beyond the just numbers, these stories of renewed confidence and partnership were reborn. They reflect the combined strength of government leadership, the vision of the Department of Tourism, the creativity of the Tourism Promotions Board, and the steadfast collaboration of our private sector— all working to drive our economic recovery and program,” he added.

The Philippine Pavilion at the WTM 2025 featured the country’s vast tourism offerings from the famed beaches of Boracay and Palawan; the heritage of Cebu, Iloilo and Vigan; highland escapes in Bukidnon and Benguet; world-class dive sites such as Anilao and Tubbataha; to wellness sanctuaries in Bohol and Camiguin.

The prestigious annual travel and trade event is attended by stakeholders and other foreign Tourism ministers from across the globe. (PNA)