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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Bollywood producers tapped to expand film tourism industry

Bollywood producers tapped to expand film tourism industry

Published Aug 11, 2025 02:29 pm

At A Glance

  • The Department of Tourism (DOT) engages Bollywood producers to grow the Philippine film tourism industry.
  • Incentives include up to seven years of Income Tax Holiday and duty-free importation of film equipment through TIEZA.
  • The DOT's Film Tourism Office supports location scouting and logistics nationwide.
  • Improved air connectivity and visa-free travel for Indian nationals strengthen Philippines-India collaboration.
Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco meets with Bollywood executives from Bollylands.com and India’s National Film Development Corporation to promote the Philippines as a top filming destination and highlight incentives to grow the country’s film tourism industry. (Photo: DOT)
Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco meets with Bollywood executives from Bollylands.com and India’s National Film Development Corporation to promote the Philippines as a top filming destination and highlight incentives to grow the country’s film tourism industry. (Photo: DOT)
The Department of Tourism (DOT) has tapped Bollywood producers to accelerate growth in the country’s film tourism sector by showcasing the Philippines’ world-class filming locations and offering competitive incentives.
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco recently met with executives from Bollylands.com and India’s National Film Development Corporation to highlight the Philippines’ diverse filming sites and the fiscal benefits available to foreign filmmakers.
Frasco cited internationally acclaimed productions such as “The Bourne Legacy,” “Almost Paradise,” “Survivor Series,” and Netflix’s longest-running culinary show, “Somebody Feed Phil,” as proof of the country’s cinematic appeal and versatility.
Foreign film projects can avail themselves of incentives through the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), including up to seven years of income tax holiday.
They can also benefit from duty-free importation of film equipment when partnering with local firms.
The DOT’s Film Tourism Office, in coordination with its regional offices, assists foreign crews with location scouting and logistics to ensure smooth filming across the Philippines’ scenic beaches, heritage towns, and urban settings.
As one of the largest English-speaking countries in Asia, the Philippines offers seamless collaboration with international film crews.
This advantage is further supported by improved air connectivity and visa-free travel for Indian nationals—benefits strengthened by the recent elevation of bilateral ties to a strategic partnership.

Related Tags

DOT film tourism Bollywood
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