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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Philippines becomes Asia's premier luxury tourism, investment hub

Philippines becomes Asia's premier luxury tourism, investment hub

Published Aug 13, 2025 04:51 pm

At A Glance

  • Philippines draws global investors with booming luxury tourism and high-return opportunities.
  • Hotel demand expected to rise from 335,000 to 456,000 rooms by 2028.
  • Airport capacity in Manila, Cebu, and Bohol being expanded through Public-Private Partnerships.
  • Tourism measures include direct flights from India, visa-free entry, Digital Nomad Visa, VAT refund, and Special Resident Retirees' Visa.
Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco presents the country’s business and luxury tourism opportunities to Indian investors in New Delhi on August 6, 2025, including Raj Uttamchandri, director of The Farm at San Benito in Batangas, who described the Philippines as the “best investment” destination for their portfolio. (Photo courtesy of DOT)
Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco presents the country’s business and luxury tourism opportunities to Indian investors in New Delhi on August 6, 2025, including Raj Uttamchandri, director of The Farm at San Benito in Batangas, who described the Philippines as the “best investment” destination for their portfolio. (Photo courtesy of DOT)
Global investors are flocking to the Philippines due to the country's booming luxury tourism sector and promising high-return investment opportunities, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said.
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco said incentives under the CREATE More Act, rising hotel demand, and improved infrastructure have positioned the Philippines as a prime destination for both leisure and investment.
Frasco highlighted projections for hotel demand to grow from 335,000 to 456,000 rooms by 2028.
She also noted ongoing public-private partnership initiatives to expand airport capacity in Manila, Cebu, and Bohol to accommodate the rising number of tourists.
In addition, Frasco pointed to measures that facilitate tourism, including direct flights from Air India, visa-free entry for Indian tourists, and the Digital Nomad Visa.
Other initiatives she mentioned include a planned VAT refund for visitors and the Special Resident Retirees’ Visa for long-term travelers.
Indian hotel executives expressed strong interest, with Anita Gupta of Taj Hotels noting plans to introduce luxury offerings in Manila, the country’s gateway city.
Local investor Raj Uttamchandri of The Farm at San Benito said government-backed funding and strong industry growth have allowed his investment to increase tenfold over five years, calling the Philippines the “best tourism investment” for the next decade.
Frasco added that the Philippines caters to a wide audience—from Gen Z digital nomads to over 55,000 foreign retirees—underscoring the country’s safety, quality of service, and lucrative prospects for both leisure and investment-driven tourism.

Related Tags

Philippines tourism luxury tourism DOT Indian investors foreign investment
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