Filipinos have emerged as the top Southeast Asian visitors to Taiwan, with a record 371,593 arrivals from January to October 2024, according to Taiwan’s Tourism Administration. This marks a 35% increase from the previous year, cementing the Philippines as a key tourism market for the island nation.
The growing number of Filipino travelers has been attributed to Taiwan’s visa-free policy for the Philippines, which has been renewed annually since 2017. The policy has made Taiwan an accessible destination for Filipinos, with its proximity—just a two-hour flight from Manila—further boosting its appeal.
In response to the surging interest, Taiwan opened its first-ever tourism information center in Makati City on Friday. Wallace Chow, head of the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Manila, described the center as a milestone in promoting bilateral tourism.
“The Philippines is one of our most important tourism markets in Southeast Asia,” said Chow. “This center will serve as a bridge for travelers and also foster connections in business, education, and other sectors.”
Chow anticipates Filipino arrivals will hit half a million by next year, driven by Taiwan’s diverse offerings, including breathtaking landscapes, cutting-edge technology, rich history, and vibrant gastronomy.
The tourism center will offer workshops, customized travel itineraries, and Mandarin language classes to further enhance the travel experience. Chow added that tourism arrivals in Taiwan are nearing pre-pandemic levels and expressed optimism that the visa-free policy for Filipinos would continue beyond its review period in July 2025.
Taiwan’s strategic visa liberalization measures have significantly increased its tourism numbers, making it a favored destination for Filipino travelers. Despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties between Manila and Taipei, the relationship continues to thrive, with the two nations strengthening cultural and economic exchanges.
