By Ma. Teresa Montemayor
MANILA – The Department of Tourism (DOT) is stepping up efforts to promote medical and wellness tourism to attract investments, create jobs and spur regional tourism development, positioning the Philippines as a competitive health and wellness destination.
“We want to develop a stronger health and wellness sector that attracts investment, creates jobs, expands regional capacity, and improves services for Filipinos,” Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay said in a news release Monday.
She said developing medical and wellness tourism requires an integrated system linking healthcare, hospitality, infrastructure and technology to ensure quality services, accessibility and a seamless experience for patients.
As of September 2026, the DOT’s accreditation network included 13 hospitals, 21 ambulatory clinics, 10 dental clinics and 63 spas. The country also has six hospitals accredited by Joint Commission International (JCI), providing a foundation for expanding its presence in the global health tourism market.
While the DOT does not provide medical care, Angara-Mathay said the department works with industry stakeholders through public-private partnerships to address gaps in tourism infrastructure and health care support services.
“Consider the possibilities. A patient receives specialized treatment at a major medical center, continues rehabilitation nearby, stays in quality accommodation with family, and has access to appropriate nutrition, wellness, and recreation. Such a model creates opportunities across hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, wellness centers, hotels, serviced residences, diagnostics, restaurants, transportation, and digital health providers,” she said.
Citing the Global Wellness Institute, the DOT said the Philippines’ wellness economy reached USD47.3 billion in 2024, ranking 23rd globally and eighth in the Asia Pacific region.
To capture a larger share of the market, the department is promoting investments in traditional hilot services and products using local ingredients, physical therapy, rehabilitation, preventive health, longevity, fertility and reproductive health, dental and eye care, and other specialized services.
The DOT has also partnered with private-sector stakeholders to establish the Medical Concierge and Lounge at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 to assist arriving medical tourists and connect them with DOT-accredited health, wellness and tourism services. (PNA)
SUPPORTING HEALTH AND WELLNESS TOURISM. Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay (center) accepts a token of appreciation during the 15th Arangkada Philippines Forum 2026 held at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay City on Friday (Oct. 9, 2026). During the event, Angara-Mathay urged business leaders, investors and policymakers to support the country’s growing healthcare and wellness tourism ecosystem to boost national competitiveness and generate jobs.
