With over 7,641 breathtaking islands, the Philippines is an ideal destination, offering a wide array of pristine beaches, rich marine biodiversity, and picturesque mountainscapes. Beyond promoting the country’s natural beauty and tourism assets, the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) prides itself on creating inclusive, visitor-centered experiences that showcase the country’s vibrant communities, rich heritage, world-class amenities, and wealth of tourism products—from health and wellness treatments, Halal and Muslim-friendly tourism, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions).
By Mr. Marford M. Angeles, Consul General of Philippines in Dubai
“THE PHILIPPINES STRIVES TO BECOME A TOURISM POWERHOUSE BY OFFERING UNIQUE TRAVEL EXPERIENCES”
Pursuant to the vision of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Philippines is poised to become a tourism powerhouse in Asia, and we aim to achieve this by presenting enriching experiences for travellers worldwide. The Philippines offers not only sun, beaches and stunning landscapes but also a plethora of tourism offerings and what remains to be our greatest asset, our Filipino tourism workers, who embody unmatched warmth and hospitality,” remarked Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco. The Filipino Brand of Wellness: A Unique Destination for Health Tourism The DOT is actively promoting health tourism to provide and connect medical and wellness services in the Philippines for inbound tourists, to position the country as a hub for medical travel, and for travellers availing of medical services in the Philippines to experience the different tourism products our countries have to offer. The DOT, in collaboration with Agora, recently launched the 2nd International Health and Wellness Tourism Congress (IHWTC) on October 14-15, 2024, in the country, where the Filipino Brand of Wellness was showcased–from traditional Filipino healing practices like hilot and aromatherapy born out of local organic Filipino ingredients to Filipino vegan food and our world-class medical, aesthetic, and dental facilities. It brought together delegates from 38 countries, with attendance of over 40 nationalities, to explore the potential of medical and wellness tourism in the Philippines.
Positioning the Philippines as a Halal and Muslim-friendly destination In line with the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023-2028, the DOT is committed to equalising tourism product development and diversifying its offerings, particularly to Muslim travellers. Following the Philippines’ recognition as an Emerging Muslim-Friendly Destination at the Halal in Travel Awards 2023, the DOT plans to launch the inaugural Halal Travel and Tourism Expo in Manila, along with a comprehensive Muslim-friendly travel guide. The agency has partnered with Megaworld Corporation to convert 12 properties into Muslim-friendly accommodations, strengthening the country’s appeal to Muslim travellers. As part of this landmark agreement, officials of the DOT, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Malay, Aklan, in partnership with Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR), Halal and Muslim stakeholders, and tourism collaborators unveiled Marhaba Boracay, a first-of-its-kind Muslim-friendly cove for Muslim families and travellers, last September 10 in the Boracay Newcoast private beach. It is patterned after other Muslim-friendly beaches in tourist destinations such as the Maldives and Thailand. It is envisioned to be a special-use area for Muslim travellers and families, taking into consideration Islamic laws. In 2023, the Philippines welcomed tourists from four Middle Eastern countries among its top 40 source markets: Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Qatar. With this, the DOT maintains a robust presence in key Middle Eastern travel events, aiming to foster deeper connections with Middle Eastern markets.
MICE Philippines: We Take Your Business to Heart The Philippines offers an extraordinary approach to the MICE sector, combining business with leisure in one-of-a-kind settings nationwide. Known for its expertise in incentive travel, the country invites MICE organisers and delegates to turn their gatherings into immersive experiences—transforming traditional conference rooms into beachfront events or mountain retreats. Earlier this year, the DOT’s tourism promotions arm, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, unveiled the “MICE Philippines: We Take Your Business to Heart” programme during the Philippine MICE Conference (MICECon) 2024, designed to position the country as a premier MICE destination. The concept of “bleisure” (business and leisure) thrives in the Philippines, creating memorable events where business travellers can meet, relax, and connect with the natural wonders around them. The Philippines presents a tailored approach to incentive travel with packages that include adventure-filled excursions, world-class accommodations, and unique dining experiences. The DOT showcased these offerings at key travel expos like the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) from May 6-9, 2024.
Luxury Offerings: Where Exclusivity Meets the Island Charm The Philippines boasts many luxury experiences designed to cater to the most discerning travellers. From the opulent shores of Banwa Private Island, the world’s most exclusive resort in Palawan, to the secluded paradise of Amanpulo, to the crystal-clear waters and white sands of Boracay, named Asia’s Leading Luxury Destination 2024 at the World Travel Awards (WTA) Asia and Oceania Gala Ceremony, visitors can enjoy pearl harvesting, private yoga and meditation sessions, snorkelling, and diving amid pristine waters. These experiences are curated to offer privacy and indulgence, allowing guests to relax, unwind, and explore breathtaking landscapes in complete solitude or with tailored service. For those seeking adventure with a luxurious twist, the Philippines offers glamping, yacht cruises, jet skiing, and high-end spas, blending five-star accommodations with the raw beauty of the islands. Whether tucked away on a remote island or in the luxury quarters of a metropolitan hotel, every experience is crafted to meet the most refined tastes, making the Philippines a premier luxury destination for travellers from the Middle East and beyond.
Lucrative tourism investment opportunities Through its attached agencies, such as the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), the DOT also actively invites investment in various tourism sectors, including eco-tourism facilities, luxury accommodations, MICE infrastructure, and adventure parks. Numerous Tourism Enterprise Zones (TEZs), such as Clark and San Vicente, present exciting prospects for investors looking to tap into high-demand areas. These efforts are bolstered by the Philippines’ numerous recognitions at the 2024 WTA Asia and Oceania Gala Ceremony, earning prestigious titles such as Asia’s Leading Dive Destination, Asia’s Leading Island Destination, and Asia’s Leading Beach Destination. Additionally, Intramuros was honoured as Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction, while Cebu was recognised as Asia’s Leading Wedding Destination. These accolades only demonstrate the country’s allure as a must-visit tourism destination. For more information on the Philippines, visit: https://thephilippines.online
