The Philippines is making a bold pitch to foreign investors—and this time, it’s not just about pristine beaches and breathtaking islands.
Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay laid out an ambitious vision before some of ASEAN’s most influential business leaders, declaring that the country’s tourism industry is ready for a major transformation fueled by private investments, world-class infrastructure, and high-value developments.
Speaking before investors gathered at the historic Ayuntamiento de Manila in Intramuros, Angara-Mathay urged regional business leaders to look beyond sightseeing and see the Philippines as one of Southeast Asia’s biggest untapped investment opportunities.
“We invite you to invest in a future where tourism becomes a stronger engine of growth,” the Tourism chief said.
The exclusive gathering, organized by ASEAN-based private equity firm Ikhlas Capital, brought together top executives, policymakers, and investors to discuss regional growth, sustainability, and cross-border opportunities.
From Tourist Hotspot to Investment Powerhouse
Drawing from more than three decades of experience at the Department of Trade and Industry, Angara-Mathay said tourism should no longer be viewed merely as a promotional campaign but as a powerful investment platform capable of driving long-term economic growth.
According to her, the government’s strategy goes far beyond attracting more visitors. The focus now is on creating fully connected, investment-ready destinations backed by modern airports, roads, ports, utilities, digital infrastructure, and private-sector participation.
Instead of isolated tourism projects, the DOT wants integrated destinations capable of generating jobs, attracting capital, and stimulating local economies.
DOT Eyes Major Revamp of TIEZA
One of the agency’s biggest moves is the planned transformation of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA).
Angara-Mathay said the goal is to position TIEZA as the tourism industry’s equivalent of PEZA and the Board of Investments—serving as a one-stop investment promotion and facilitation agency that helps turn tourism projects into reality.
A high-level working group is also being organized to strengthen the agency and accelerate tourism investments nationwide.
Luxury Resorts, MICE, Wellness, Cruises on the Radar
The Tourism chief highlighted several sectors being targeted for expansion, including:
- Luxury and upscale hotels
- Integrated tourism developments
- Wellness and longevity destinations
- Convention and exhibition facilities
- Sustainable resorts
- Tourism Enterprise Zones (TEZs)
The government also wants to maximize cruise tourism by encouraging passengers to stay longer and spend more while exploring destinations across the country.
‘Discover More To Love’ Strategy
The investment push complements the DOT’s newly launched “Discover More To Love” campaign under the Love The Philippines branding.
Rather than focusing solely on visitor arrivals, the department aims to expand higher-value tourism segments such as:
- MICE tourism
- Wellness and retirement tourism
- Sports tourism
- Halal tourism
- Farm and eco-tourism
- Educational tourism
The agency is likewise pursuing a more seamless and digital travel experience to make the Philippines more competitive in the regional tourism market.
Showcasing Filipino Talent
The event concluded with a performance by internationally acclaimed shadow-play group El Gamma Penumbra, whose presentation celebrated Filipino creativity while reinforcing the country’s investment and tourism potential through the iconic “Piliin Mo Ang Pilipinas” showcase.
Also present during the gathering were Finance Secretary Frederick Go and Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda, underscoring the government’s whole-of-government approach to strengthening the country’s tourism investment climate.