The Department of Tourism (DOT) is actively courting investors from Japan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and other nations to unlock new opportunities within the Philippines’ growing tourism industry.
Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, speaking during the post-SONA 2025 conference in San Juan City on Tuesday, emphasized that the administration is leveraging the recently passed CREATE MORE law to attract both local and foreign investments.
“Patuloy ang ating partnerships and bilateral relations with countries from all over the world,” Frasco said, noting that the Philippines is inviting investors in areas such as accommodation, marine transport, amusement and recreation, and other facilities aimed at enhancing competitiveness.
Among the targeted partner nations are Japan, UAE, Thailand, and the United States.
Frasco highlighted the more favorable investment climate, particularly with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) now recognized as an “investment promotion agency,” allowing it to offer incentives to tourism-related ventures nationwide.
She also revealed that the DOT continues to pour resources into both established and up-and-coming tourist destinations across the country. Among the initiatives are the construction of additional tourist rest stops in various provinces.
With tourism identified as a vital driver of employment in President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent State of the Nation Address, Frasco expressed optimism that the 20th Congress would allocate more funds for infrastructure in the tourism sector.
