The Philippine tourism industry remains a key driver of economic growth, contributing significantly to national revenue and employment. However, despite its resilience, the sector continues to face several challenges. In 2024, the Department of Tourism (DOT) recorded 5.95 million international visitors, falling short of the government's 7.7 million target. This gap can be attributed to various external factors, including inflationary pressures, geopolitical issues, and climate-related challenges, which impacted travel demand and disrupted tourism activities.

Nonetheless, the industry has shown remarkable recovery and growth potential. The Philippines' travel & tourism sector grew substantially in 2023, reinforcing its role in the country's economic output. Additionally, the Philippines captured the largest share of ASEAN tourism's contribution to the regional gross domestic product (GDP), highlighting its strategic importance in the Asia-Pacific travel market. The sector's growth momentum is further supported by Republic Act (RA) No. 12079, which offers Value-Added Tax (VAT) refunds for non-resident tourists, enhancing the Philippines' appeal as a competitive travel destination.

In light of these challenges and opportunities, the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) is organizing a Luncheon Meeting with DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco. This event aims to gain valuable insights into the Agency's strategic priorities and initiatives to sustain tourism growth and address industry challenges. It also seeks to explore potential collaborations between the public and private sectors to enhance tourism infrastructure, digital transformation, and sustainable practices.

Furthermore, the event will provide a platform for dialogue on maximizing investment opportunities to maintain the Philippines' competitiveness as a premier tourist destination. This luncheon meeting serves as a strategic platform for the European business community to engage directly with DOT leadership, fostering stronger partnerships and contributing to the sustainable growth of the Philippine tourism industry.