tourism products in the philippines

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Tourism industry in the Philippines - statistics & facts

Domestic tourism leading the industry in times of uncertainty, outlook of the tourism industry, key insights.

Detailed statistics

Value of domestic tourism spending APAC 2022, by country

Value of international tourism spending APAC 2022, by country

Estimated online travel and tourism revenue Philippines 2023, by category

Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Current statistics on this topic.

Gross value added of the tourism industry Philippines 2019-2022, by type

Number of domestic tourism trips Philippines 2012-2021

Leisure Travel

International tourist arrivals Philippines 2012-2023

Recommended statistics

Premium Statistic International tourist arrivals worldwide 2019-2022, by subregion
Basic Statistic Value of domestic tourism spending APAC 2022, by country
Basic Statistic Value of international tourism spending APAC 2022, by country
Basic Statistic Travel and tourism's direct contribution to employment APAC 2022, by country
Premium Statistic Estimated online travel and tourism revenue Philippines 2023, by category

International tourist arrivals worldwide 2019-2022, by subregion

Number of international tourist arrivals worldwide from 2019 to 2022, by subregion (in millions)

Value of domestic tourism expenditure in the Asia-Pacific region in 2022, by country or territory (in billion U.S. dollars)

Value of international tourism expenditure in the Asia-Pacific region in 2022, by country or territory (in billion U.S. dollars)

Travel and tourism's direct contribution to employment APAC 2022, by country

Direct contribution of travel and tourism to employment in the Asia-Pacific region in 2022, by country or territory (in millions)

Estimated revenue on online travel and tourism services in the Philippines in 2023, by category (in million U.S. dollars)

Economic impact

Premium Statistic Gross value added of the tourism industry Philippines 2019-2022, by type
Premium Statistic Share of tourism GDP Philippines 2012-2022
Premium Statistic Tourism industry growth rate Philippines 2018/19-2021/22, by sector
Premium Statistic Tourism receipts Philippines 2019-2022
Premium Statistic Tourism expenditures Philippines 2022, by travel type
Premium Statistic Tourism sector employment figures Philippines 2012-2022

Gross value added generated from the tourism industry in the Philippines from 2019 to 2022, by type (in billion Philippine pesos)

Share of tourism GDP Philippines 2012-2022

Share of direct gross value added of the tourism industry to the GDP of the Philippines from 2012 to 2022

Tourism industry growth rate Philippines 2018/19-2021/22, by sector

Annual growth rate of the gross value added generated from the tourism industry (GVATI) in the Philippines from 2018/19 to 2021/22, by sector

Tourism receipts Philippines 2019-2022

Tourism receipts in the Philippines from 2019 to 2022 (in billion Philippine pesos)

Tourism expenditures Philippines 2022, by travel type

Total value of tourism expenditures in the Philippines in 2022, by type of travel (in billion Philippine pesos)

Tourism sector employment figures Philippines 2012-2022

Total number of people employed in the tourism industry in the Philippines from 2012 to 2022 (in millions)

Inbound tourism

Basic Statistic International tourist arrivals Philippines 2012-2023
Premium Statistic Tourist arrivals Philippines 2023, by country of residence
Premium Statistic Expenditure value in inbound tourism Philippines 2021-2022, by type
Premium Statistic Number of inbound overnight tourists Philippines 2012-2021
Premium Statistic Average length of stay of inbound tourists Philippines 2012-2021

Total number of international tourist arrivals to the Philippines from 2012 to 2023 (in millions)

Tourist arrivals Philippines 2023, by country of residence

Leading source countries of foreign tourist arrivals in the Philippines in 2023 (in 1,000s)

Expenditure value in inbound tourism Philippines 2021-2022, by type

Total value of expenditure in inbound tourism in the Philippines in 2021 and 2022, by type (in billion Philippine pesos)

Number of inbound overnight tourists Philippines 2012-2021

Number of inbound overnight visitors in the Philippines from 2012 to 2021

Average length of stay of inbound tourists Philippines 2012-2021

Average length of stay of inbound tourists in the Philippines from 2012 to 2021 (in days)

Domestic tourism

Premium Statistic Number of domestic tourism trips Philippines 2012-2021
Premium Statistic Domestic passenger count Philippines 2022, by airline
Premium Statistic Household expenditure share of domestic tourism spending Philippines 2012-2022
Premium Statistic Domestic tourism expenditures Philippines 2012-2022
Premium Statistic Domestic tourism expenditures Philippines 2020-2022, by product

Total number of domestic tourism trips in the Philippines from 2012 to 2021 (in 1,000s)

Domestic passenger count Philippines 2022, by airline

Number of domestic passengers in the Philippines in 2022, by airline (in millions)

Household expenditure share of domestic tourism spending Philippines 2012-2022

Domestic tourism expenditure as a share of household final consumption expenditure in the Philippines from 2012 to 2022

Domestic tourism expenditures Philippines 2012-2022

Total value of domestic tourism expenditures in the Philippines from 2012 to 2022 (in billion Philippine pesos)

Domestic tourism expenditures Philippines 2020-2022, by product

Total value of expenditure in domestic tourism in the Philippines from 2020 to 2022, by product (in billion Philippine pesos)

Outbound tourism

Premium Statistic Number of international tourist departures in the Philippines 2014-2029
Premium Statistic Outbound tourism expenditures Philippines 2020-2022, by segment
Premium Statistic Expenditures on accommodation services in outbound tourism Philippines 2012-2022
Premium Statistic Expenditures on food and beverage services in outbound tourism Philippines 2012-2022
Premium Statistic Expenditures on travel agency services in outbound tourism Philippines 2012-2022

Number of international tourist departures in the Philippines 2014-2029

Number of international tourist departures in the Philippines from 2014 to 2029 (in millions)

Outbound tourism expenditures Philippines 2020-2022, by segment

Total value of expenditure in outbound tourism in the Philippines from 2020 to 2022, by segment (in billion Philippine pesos)

Expenditures on accommodation services in outbound tourism Philippines 2012-2022

Value of expenditures on accommodation services for visitors in outbound tourism in the Philippines from 2012 to 2022 (in billion Philippine pesos)

Expenditures on food and beverage services in outbound tourism Philippines 2012-2022

Value of expenditures on food and beverage serving services in outbound tourism in the Philippines from 2012 to 2022 (in billion Philippine pesos)

Expenditures on travel agency services in outbound tourism Philippines 2012-2022

Value of expenditures on travel agencies and other reservation services in outbound tourism in the Philippines from 2012 to 2022 (in billion Philippine pesos)

Accommodation

Premium Statistic Overnight travelers Philippines 2022, by type
Premium Statistic Revenue of the hotels industry in the Philippines 2019-2028
Premium Statistic Average hotel room rates Metro Manila Philippines 2021-2023, by star classification
Premium Statistic Highest overnight room rates of hotels in Metro Manila, Philippines 2023, by city
Premium Statistic Revenue of the vacation rentals industry in the Philippines 2019-2028

Overnight travelers Philippines 2022, by type

Number of overnight travelers in the Philippines in 2022, by type (in millions)

Revenue of the hotels industry in the Philippines 2019-2028

Revenue of the hotels market in the Philippines from 2019 to 2028 (in million U.S. dollars)

Average hotel room rates Metro Manila Philippines 2021-2023, by star classification

Average room rates of hotels in Metro Manila in the Philippines from 2021 to 2023, by star classification (in U.S. dollars)

Highest overnight room rates of hotels in Metro Manila, Philippines 2023, by city

Maximum overnight room rate of hotels in Metro Manila in the Philippines as of June 2023, by city (in Philippine pesos)

Revenue of the vacation rentals industry in the Philippines 2019-2028

Revenue of the vacation rentals market in the Philippines from 2019 to 2028 (in million U.S. dollars)

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Today’s front page, Monday, April 15, 2024

The Philippines: A rising tourism destination in a post-Covid world

Benjamin Layug
September 4, 2021
4 minute read

In the article “Rising Stars in Travel” by travel writer Jared Ranahan of Forbes.com, the well-respected American business and financial news publication, the Philippines was named among seven countries (the others are Ethiopia, Iran, Myanmar, Georgia, Slovenia and Tunisia) that “have potential to become major tourist destinations in a post-Covid world.”

Even as the global tourism industry struggles in the midst of the unprecedented downturn due to the pandemic, many nations around the world are preparing for a boom in international visitors once travel is more feasible. These seven highly underrated countries have the ingredients to become world-class destinations and establish themselves as a prominent regional force for tourism—pristine natural beauty, historic ruins, and fascinating cultural experiences.

The Philippines offers unique experiences for all kinds of tourists looking for a relaxed and laid-back getaway from the hustle and bustle of their everyday lives, from sandy shores to dreamy mountain scapes to awe-inspiring cities steeped in cultural heritage.

Of course, the No. 1 tourist destination in the country is still the 10.32-sq-km resort island of Boracay, famous for its 4-km long, powder-fine white beach, which is lined with a number of world-class resorts and hotels. Across the island from white beach is Bulabog Beach, a windsurfing and kite boarding mecca. Awarded as the Best Island in the World by the international travel magazine Travel + Leisure (T+L) in 2012, Boracay was also at the top of the “Best Islands in the World” list published by the international magazine Condé Nast Traveler. In 2016, Boracay headed the magazine’s list of “Top 10 Destinations To Watch.”

Similarly, Travel + Leisure cited the island province of Palawan as the world’s best island in the 2020 World’s Best Awards, besting 24 (Galapagos Islands in Ecuador, Maui in Hawaii, Bali in Indonesia, Great Barrier Reef Islands in Australia, etc.) others in the world’s islands category with a score of 94.83. Boracay also made it to No. 14 in T+L ’s World Best Island list and was hailed 5th in Asia that same year.

Offering some of the most beautiful white-sand beaches, resorts and scenery such as striking limestone cliffs extending directly from the ocean, here you can also dive in World War II shipwrecks off Coron (a piece of nature and history enveloped in one destination), explore old-growth rain forests and paddle into Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, one of the world’s longest subterranean rivers, a Unesco World Heritage Site (1999) and a New 7 Wonders of Nature in 2012. Last year, Condé Nast Traveler also cited the Hidden Beach in El Nido as one of the 30 Best Beaches in the World.

Speaking of diving, the Philippines was recognized, for the second time, as the world’s leading dive destination during last year’s 27th World Travel Awards, besting other famous dive destinations such as the Azores Islands, Bora Bora, French Polynesia, Cayman Islands, Fiji, Galapagos Islands, Great Barrier Reef, Australia, Maldives and Mexico. Similarly, Intramuros in Manila, a well preserved example of Spanish colonial architecture, was named as the world’s leading tourist attraction winning, for the first time, against Acropolis in Greece, Burj Khalifa in Dubai, Grand Canyon National Park in the United States, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and Taj Mahal in India, among others.

Siargao, in Northern Mindanao, also won as the World’s Leading Island Destination. The “Surfing Capital of the Philippines,” its Cloud Nine, a dramatic and powerful reef break, was recently dubbed as the Top 8 among the World’s Best Surfing Spots by CNNGo, a travel site of CNN International. It is also home to beautiful white-sand beaches, naturally carved tide pools, mangrove forests, coves, serene lagoons and caves.

Speaking of Spanish colonial architecture, aside from having world-class diving sites, beautiful white-sand beaches and world-class resorts, Cebu and Bohol are also home to many Spanish-era churches, ancestral houses and watchtowers. Though many Bohol churches were destroyed or heavily damaged during the October 15, 2013 earthquake, almost all have been rebuilt and faithfully restored. When in Bohol, a visit to the Chocolate Hills, a National Geological Monument proposed for inclusion in the Unesco World Heritage List, is a must.

Way up north in Luzon is Vigan, a Unesco World Heritage Site. The best preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town and one of a few left in the country whose old structures have remained mostly intact, its main draw are its sett pavements, Earthquake Baroque church and stone houses ( bahay na bato ) which fuse native Philippine and Oriental building design and construction. In May 2015, Vigan was officially recognized as one of the New 7 Wonder s Cities (together with Beirut, Doha, Durban, Havana, Kuala Lumpur and La Paz).

Also up north in Luzon is where you will find the spectacular mountain scenery of Cordillera Administrative Region, home to the spectacular Ifugao Rice Terraces, a Unesco World Heritage Site inscribed in 1995; the 2,922-m (9,640 ft) Mount Pulag (the highest peak in Luzon and the third highest in the country), a mountaineers delight; the much-loved, cloud-wreathed and pine-clad Baguio City, the “Summer Capital of the Philippines;” the mighty and swirling Chico River of Kalinga, a white water rafting and kayaking destination; and Banaue and Sagada (home to the “hanging coffins” and Sumaguing Cave), both heaven for adventurers.

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The future of farm tourism in the Philippines: challenges, strategies and insights

Journal of Tourism Futures

ISSN : 2055-5911

Article publication date: 12 March 2021

Issue publication date: 22 April 2024

This study aims to draw observations on the current status and potentials of the Philippines as a farm tourism destination and identify the underlying factors that inhibit farm tourism development. It intends to gauge the challenges that Filipino farmers face in diversifying farms and operating farm sites and uses these challenges in crafting strategies and policies for relevant stakeholders. It also provides Philippine farm tourism literature to address the limitations of references in the topic.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts an exploratory type of inquiry method and secondary data collection from various sources, such as published journal articles, news articles and reports, to gain insights and relevant information on farm tourism. The study also uses a threats, opportunities, weaknesses and strengths analysis approach to develop competitive farm tourism strategies.

The Philippines, with vast agricultural land, has the necessary base for farm tourism, and the enactment of the Farm Tourism Development Act of 2016 bridges this potential. With low agricultural outputs, the country draws relevance for farm tourism as a farm diversification strategy to supplement income in rural communities. While having these potentials, crucial initiatives in physical characteristics, product development, education and training, management and entrepreneurship, marketing and customer relations and government support must be implemented. Farmers' lack of skills, training and capital investment potential to convert their farms into farm tourism sites serves as the major drawback. Thus, developing entrepreneurial and hospitality skills is crucial.

Originality/value

This work presents a historical narrative of initiatives and measures of the Philippine farm tourism sector. It also provides a holistic discussion and in-depth analysis of the current state, potentials, strategies and forward insights for farm tourism development.

Farm tourism
Agri-tourism
TOWS analysis

Yamagishi, K. , Gantalao, C. and Ocampo, L. (2024), "The future of farm tourism in the Philippines: challenges, strategies and insights", Journal of Tourism Futures , Vol. 10 No. 1, pp. 87-109. https://doi.org/10.1108/JTF-06-2020-0101

Emerald Publishing Limited

Published in Journal of Tourism Futures . Published by Emerald Publishing Limited. This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) license. Anyone may reproduce, distribute, translate and create derivative works of this article (for both commercial and non-commercial purposes), subject to full attribution to the original publication and authors. The full terms of this license may be seen at http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/legalcode

1. Introduction

The Philippines has one of the fastest growing economies in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region, with an average growth rate of 6.3% (i.e. 2010–2016 coverage) and a 6.7% growth rate in 2017, as reported in the ASEAN Economic Integration Brief (2019) . As an agricultural country, 47% of its land area is intended for agriculture OECD (2017) with a recent reported sectoral growth of 2.87% in the third quarter of 2019 comprising primarily of crops and livestock, poultry and fisheries ( PSA, 2019 ) . As of January of 2018, about 10.9 million Filipinos were employed in the sector, which accounts for 26% of the national employment of the same month. This growth is insignificantly higher than its 25.5% share in January 2017. Unlike in the USA and Israel, where farmers are considered as middle-class citizens due to their high productivity ( Tarriela, 2016 ), which is ten times higher than the productivity of the country at 2.8%, Filipino farmers are still classified poor; thus, the need to provide them with a supplementary source of income. The country's agricultural sector has been underperforming since 1961. Globalization, industrialization and development encroachment are threatening small farms, as it is evident that farmers are forced to sell their lands and work due to industrialization ( Ghatak and Mookherjee, 2014 ). On this note, there is a need for Filipino farmers for the provision of the latest trends and technological advances in the field of farming to be on par with other ASEAN countries. .

In the Philippines, almost half of the population resides in rural areas that depend on agriculture as their primary source of income; among them are the indigenous people, landless farmers and fishermen ( Briones et al. , 2017 ). As an archipelagic country, it has diverse natural resources, rich cultural heritage, abundant agricultural produce and ideal sceneries. The country could access these resources in agriculture and address relevant issues vis-à-vis both the agriculture and tourism sectors. These components constitute an emerging type of tourism in the country, farm tourism – a sub-sector of rural tourism which focuses on providing an experience that endorses the very concept of farming and farm living ( Roberts and Hall, 2001 ). Rural tourism is defined as “a form of tourism that takes place in rural areas and involves the exploitation of natural and anthropogenic tourist resources of the rural area, and the conduct of social and economic activities that generate benefits for local communities” ( Dorobantu and Nistoreanu, 2012 ). It has recently been considered a viable approach to promote the countryside potentially and get the community involved ( Amir et al. , 2015 ). It is especially valuable in areas where traditional agricultural activities are decreasing ( Hoggart and Buller, 1995 ; Cavaco, 1995 ). The tourism and natural resource management literature are starting to take an interest in farm tourism because of its capability to provide potential benefits to local development ( Iorio and Corsale, 2010 ; Mastronardi et al. , 2015 ; Karampela and Kizos, 2018 ), especially with the alarming decline of the agriculture industry ( Kuo and Chiu, 2006 ). Ollenburg and Buckley (2007) pointed out that farm tourism enterprises are formed by the resulting combination of the commercial constraints of regional tourism, the non-financial attributes of family businesses and the inheritance nuances of family farms. Farm tourism paves the way to inclusive and sustainable agricultural and rural development as it opens possibilities for diversification of income for small-scale farmers while promoting sustainable agricultural systems and community involvement and participation (SEARCA, 2017).

The Philippines has enacted a national legislative measure, the Republic Act 10816 (R.A. 10816), popularly known as the Farm Tourism Development Act of 2016, which provides an overarching framework for developing and promoting farm tourism activities in the country. It defines farm tourism as “the practice of attracting visitors and tourists to farm areas for production, educational and recreational purposes”. It includes any agricultural or fishery-based activity for farm visitors, tourists, farmers and fisher folks who want to be educated and trained on farming and its related activities. Also, it provides a venue for outdoor recreation and accessibility to family trips. The country has set standards for the farm tourism industry and formalizes the industry players to boost sectoral growth through the promulgation of R.A. 10816 further. As farm tourism develops under the branch of nature-based tourism, it focuses on low-impact, nature-based and community-based activities involving the locals in ways culturally, socially and economically cultivating. In the Philippines, farm tourism accounts for 20%–30% of the overall tourism market ( Padin, 2016 ).

With the Department of Tourism (DOT) data, the country's tourism policy and implementation arm, more than 170 farm sites were accredited ( Talavera, 2019 ) and are mostly concentrated in the Luzon area, the Philippines' largest island in its northern part. Most travel agencies and tour operators in the country are not offering stand-alone farm tours but merely include one to two farm visits in their usual itinerary. As most of the tourism destination sites in the provinces are sun-sea-sand attractions, the country is less known for its agricultural sites. However, as roughly 40% of the land use is devoted to agriculture ( Talavera, 2019 ), developing and promoting these farm sites could not only generate additional revenue for the tourism sector but could also create some scale economies as crucial components and productive factors for farm tourism already exist, without altering the farm's orientation ( Veeck et al. , 2006 ). As the government is pushing for efforts to develop the farm tourism sector, more opportunities become available for local farmers to augment their income and diversify their lands. Thus, farm tourism does not only offer alternative tourist attractions in the country, but it also promotes agricultural farms and creates an outlet for farmers to sell their produce.

Despite such efforts of the Philippine Government for developing the farm tourism sector, several challenges remain roadblocks to development, and some directions seem to be counterintuitive. For instance, Montefrio and Sin (2019) noted that agritourism (i.e. farm tourism) in the Philippines is driven by a “complex elite network” of state and private entities which, along with uneven power dynamics, allows conditions favoring old and new landed elites while keeping marginalized small farmers at a distance. Addressing these challenges and attempting to offer possible strategies to overcome them require a country-level discussion that thoroughly provides an in-depth inquiry and analysis of the sector's current status and performance, along with managerial and policy insights on ways forward. Initiatives of this kind have been reported in the literature for decades. For instance, Pearce (1990) described the social aspects of farm tourism in New Zealand based on social situations analysis. Davies and Gilbert (1992) reported the development of farm tourism in Wales. From a gender perspective, Caballé (1999) brought insights from farm tourism in Spain. Potočnik-Slavič and Schmitz (2013) analyzed farm tourism development in nine European countries (UK, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Croatia, Slovenia and Ireland) and presented some major observations. Nematpour and Khodadadi (2020) examined the potential socioeconomic development of Iran with farm tourism as the driving force. However, despite such importance of conducting this report, such an initiative in the Philippines is lacking and presenting a rigorous discussion of the country's challenges and possible directions for developing the farm tourism sector becomes an imperative.

a historical narrative of Philippine farm tourism initiatives and measures;

an analysis of the potentials of the country as a farm tourism destination;

an inquiry on the underlying challenges that inhibit the country in developing numerous world-class farm sites in contrast to other sites in leading Asian countries; and

an in-depth investigation and analysis of the possible strategies, initiatives and policy insights of the relevant stakeholders (e.g. the government, farm tourism operators, among others) in addressing the challenges of farm tourism development.

Likewise, this study addresses the limitations of the collection of the relevant literature of Philippine farm tourism and intends to provide a rigorous investigation that will provide a reference work on the topic. Aside from the practical contribution of this work, analyzing the case of farm tourism of the Philippines offers an interesting set of insights to farm tourism as a domain field of study. First, farmers in the Philippines are generally classified as poor, and the agricultural output is relatively low despite having vast agricultural land. Secondly, the output of the tourism industry in the country is relatively low compared to other countries in the ASEAN region despite the presence of diverse natural resources, ideal sceneries, abundant agricultural produce and rich cultural heritage. Finally, the Philippine Government is committed to the development of farm tourism, and investments in various initiatives become evident. The nexus of these current socioeconomic and political conditions, along with various structural challenges, provides an interesting discussion on how farm tourism can be advanced in such an environment.

To address these gaps, this study used content data analysis from various literature, such as published journal articles, news articles and reports in drawing observations. This type of approach is ideal for gaining insights and in-depth information regarding the country's farm tourism. Content data analysis is a process used to describe written, verbal or graphic communications and creates a quantifiable description from qualitative data. Direct content analysis was adopted in sorting out the cases of the examined phenomenon, highlighting data, followed by labeling the highlighted information through predetermined codes. Data that were coded from the existing coding scheme would be given a new code. Direct content analysis foresees the variables of interest or the relation among variables determined through the coding scheme or relation between codes ( Mayring, 2000 ). It also uses the existing theory or prior research by identifying the critical variables in the coding categories ( Potter and Levine-Donnerstein, 1999 ). While we acknowledge the limitations of content analysis pertaining to data and information quality, the use of primary data sourcing methods (e.g. focus group discussion, interviews, surveys) may not be relevant at this point in Philippine farm tourism development as the sector is still relatively young with a limited pool of experts on the topic. The direct content analysis then generated the current status and challenges of the country's farm tourism sector. Some case illustrations in the local regions of the country were utilized to describe better the potential of farm tourism along with its corresponding challenges. This set serves as inputs to the weaknesses–opportunities (WO) analysis – a strategy design tool that is an extension to the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis. The leverage of the WO analysis lies in its capability of designing strategies that access external opportunities while reducing internal weaknesses ( Weihrich, 1982 ). Policy insights were then identified from the strategies generated by the WO analysis. The entire process of this work serves as a platform for developing an in-depth analysis of possible strategies and policy insights for farm tourism in the Philippines.

This paper is organized as follows. Section 2 discusses the background of farm tourism and its comprehensive benefits. Section 3 presents the current status and potentials of the farm tourism sector, as well as its challenges and strategies. Section 4 provides an in-depth “mini-maxi” strategies for addressing the sector's challenges. Policy insights are outlined in Section 5. It ends with a conclusion and discussion of the future work in Section 6.

2. Background of the study

2.1 farm tourism: background, issues and concerns.

With the onset of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), agriculture is considered the largest employer globally, which provides the livelihood for 40% of the current global population. Developing countries have barely 30% of the total agricultural production, while high-income economies have 98%, which suggests that enormous opportunities for developing countries like the Philippines are available in agribusiness. One of the targets of the Zero Hunger Goal of the UN SDGs is to double the agricultural productivity and income of small-scale food producers in 2030, particularly women, indigenous peoples, family farmers, pastoralists and fishers through secure and equal access to land, other productive resources and inputs, knowledge, financial services, markets and opportunities for value addition and non-farm employment. The eighth UN SDG, on the other hand, is to have a Decent Work and Economic Growth, which is targeting in the promotion of development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services. The notion of farm tourism attempts to address these two important goals, as discussed in the current literature ( Iorio and Corsale, 2010 ; Mastronardi et al. , 2015 ; Karampela and Kizos, 2018 ). Like other countries, the Philippines has already made a significant step by promulgating the R.A. 10816, which provides a set of national policy guidelines on the development of farm tourism.

Tourism is a significant economic activity to the rural economies, characterized by low income from farming with defined economic opportunities ( Talbot, 2013 ). Developed economies viewed tourism as a response to employment and livelihood gaps in rural areas ( Sharpley and Vass, 2006 ). Due to the widespread impact of agriculture, in many countries, tourism is currently the focus of farm diversification ( Fisher, 2006 ; Garrod, 2011 ). Governments worldwide have recognized the need to encourage farm enterprises that provide alternative sources of income to address the threat of rural area desertion and agricultural neglect, resulting in farm diversification ( Hjalager, 1996 ). Farm-based tourism has been very successful in many parts of Europe and has increasing popularity in Canada, the USA and New Zealand ( Busby and Rendle, 2000 ). This movement is greatly attributed to the changing policy context of agriculture in developed nations ( Davies and Gilbert, 1992 ; Walford, 2001 ). These agricultural policies have experienced some fundamental changes over the past 50 years ( Sharpley and Vass, 2006 ). Agricultural policy reforms, as well as changes in social, political and economic conditions in Norway, for instance, have encouraged their farmers to diversify their farms to generate additional income ( Haugen and Vik, 2008 ).

Farm tourism is expected to encourage employment in rural communities as well as the vitality and sustainability of these areas ( Davies and Gilbert, 1992 ; Garcia-Ramon et al. , 1995 ; Sharpley and Vass, 2006 ; Forleo et al. , 2017 ) and is considered as part of the shift in their economic base ( Blekesaune et al. , 2010 ). Garcia-Ramon et al. (1995) were optimistic by noting that while farm tourism generates new job opportunities, it contains a multiplier effect that supports other local economic sectors. Additionally, farm tourism is considered a value-adding activity for farmers as it strengthens the resource base of the farm, builds upon the farm and the competency of farmers and on what the farm means in terms of mentality and lifestyle ( Brandth and Haugen, 2011 ). However, tourism on farms is small-scale and economic viability is considered not always good ( Forbord et al. , 2012 ). One of the earliest opposing viewpoints about farm tourism was presented by Maude and Van Rest (1985) , which argued that farm tourism returns are small brought about by rigorous planning regulations. Hjalager (1996) also identified the tendency of farmers to give priority to traditional agriculture as one of the drawbacks. Sharpley and Vass (2006) added that the desire of farmers for the development of farm tourism is rooted in an employment concept, rather than from a diversification motivation. These conditions have changed for the past 30 years, and governments have sorted out some of its challenges. Nevertheless, farm tourism covers a variety of services and products, and the combination of production on agricultural products and tourism can lead to an advantage of increased and efficient use of labor on a farm ( Fleischer and Tchetchik, 2005 ). Additionally, extending the notion of Mastronardi et al. (2015) , farm tourism offers the opportunity to farmers to sell their produce directly to the consumers, thus reducing transactions with commercial intermediaries, which would, in effect, dramatically increase their profit margins. In this scenario of direct interaction, farmers implement direct marketing initiatives and new product introductions with minimal market risk while consumers benefit from direct information exchange, strengthening of social relations and availability of local produce at competitive prices ( Mastronardi et al. , 2015 ). However, it is argued that farm tourism still lacks a comprehensive body of knowledge and a theoretical framework ( Oppermann, 1995 ) since only a handful of studies have conducted rigorous investigations on this area.

As diversification to farm tourism is increasingly considered as a viable development strategy in promoting a more diverse and sustainable rural economy while countering declining farm incomes, one of the major challenges identified in the domain literature is the lack of additional business and entrepreneurial competencies of farmers, who by nature of the agriculture sector, have the dominant productivity-driven mindset ( Busby and Rendle, 2000 ; Haugen and Vik, 2008 ; Phelan and Sharpley, 2012 ). Pesonen et al. (2011) considered these entrepreneurs' roles and skills as fundamental for rural tourism as new products and services must be introduced to meet ever-changing market demands at competitive prices. The transition from farming (or tourism on farms) to farm tourism is considered difficult as farmers are mostly in isolation with tourism, with a lack of knowledge, expertise and training in the field ( Busby and Rendle, 2000 ). Interestingly, some works have pointed out that women have higher motivation for agritourism (or farm tourism) than men ( McGehee et al. , 2007 ; Haugen and Vik, 2008 ). Besides these entrepreneurial skills, other economic variables such as food service, direct selling, public subsidies and other external factors such as proximity to urban or cultural centers are also determinants of farm income performance ( Giaccio et al. , 2018 ). Most recently, Da Liang et al. (2020) highlighted the match between farm image and farm experience activities as contributory to positive tourist response in farm tourism sites. Some current areas of interest in farm tourism have extended to the inclusion of culinary tourism experiences in agri-tourism destinations ( Testa et al. , 2019 ), educational rural farm tourism ( Cornelia et al. , 2017 ), recreation on farms ( Barbieri et al. , 2016 ), the combined recreational-educational rural tourism on farms ( Petroman et al. , 2016 ) and cultural integration on-farm activities ( Prayukvong et al. , 2015 ), among others. Note that this list is not intended to be comprehensive.

2.2 Benefits of farm tourism

The tourism industry perceives farm tourism as a medium for the diffusion of tourists away from the gateway cities ( Ollenburg and Buckley, 2007 ). These areas allow easy access to potential tourists ( Garrod, 2011 ). In Taiwan, Thailand and Japan, tourists gather to farms and partake in activities such as rice planting and vegetable harvesting. The majority of the farms have increased their income, and consequently profit, by adding farm tourism activities in their operations ( Tew and Barbieri, 2012 ). Haghiri and Okech (2011) agreed that farm tourism activities in their countryside or province are generally viewed as alternative income sources, usually above the earnings from various on-farm activities. It aims to promote tourism in rural areas and balances development through economic dispersal and providing opportunities in the countryside. Gabor (2016) noted that farm tourism is an excellent example of inclusive growth for the local communities. Some reports from Australia, Taiwan, Thailand, the USA, Costa Rica and some European countries indicated that jobs and revenues are created in local communities through farm tourism activities.

Furthermore, farm tourism conserves and preserves the environment through the notion of sustainability and its nature- and community-based tourism concept. Recio et al. (2014) highlighted that while agriculture maintains the environment, farm tourism, on the other hand, enables the farmers to innovate and diversify their landscape for various purposes, and at the same time, protects the natural resources which would benefit tourism and other sectors. Aside from an environmental point of view, farm tourism also protects and promotes cultural traditions and develops a sense of pride and ownership to the locals while enriching the tourists' authentic cultural experience. At present, tourists yearn to embody the local rural experience and not merely become onlookers in the rural environment ( Cloke and Perkins, 2002 ). Farm tourism encourages visitors to experience firsthand the agricultural life ( Mansor et al. , 2015 ) and can be a catalyst for revival or strengthening rural traditions and culture. In farm tourism sites, tourists may know the differences and dynamics of culture of the locality, even with the tone or the accent of their dialect. This cultural impact of farm tourism and agritourism on a rural community is considered by Amelia et al. (2017) as the most important undertaking as it changes the cultural behavior and thinking of culture in contact with another culture.

Finally, farm tourism provides education about the importance and role of agriculture. The majority of the visitors are families with young children, community organizations and schools that set the significance of farm offerings in educating the public ( Tew and Barbieri, 2012 ). It creates a mutual learning experience when farmers share their abilities and affirm their role in the community. This notion was supported by Gabor (2016) by citing that farm tourism represents the business of attracting visitors to farm areas generally for educational and recreational purposes ( Gabor, 2016 ). It encourages the development of a symbiotic relationship between the farmers and the tourists ( Busby and Rendle, 2000 ). If properly planned and managed, farm tourism bridges the gap and creates a harmonious relationship between the rural and urban communities.

3. Findings

3.1 status of the philippine agricultural sector.

The Philippines has roughly 30 million hectares of land, of which 9.7 million are considered agricultural. The agricultural industry portrays an important role in the Philippine economy and the development of the country. However, the country has lagged by neighboring ASEAN countries. As shown in Figure 1 , the productivity rate of the country is lower than Indonesia, with 3.73%, Malaysia 4.10%, Thailand 3.21, Myanmar 3.67 and Vietnam 4.16%. Note that these countries have also invested in farm tourism ( Leh et al. , 2017 ; Ahmad et al. , 2018 ; Nguyen et al. , 2018 ). With exports related to agri-food, the country is also underperforming based on the 2014 data with US$6.7bn earnings in comparison to other ASEAN countries, as shown in Figure 2 . In 2014, the Philippines exported US$6.7bn worth of farm products but imported US$8.6bn for a deficit of US$1.9bn ( Dar, 2017 ). Thailand transported US$38.4bn in farm products the same year abroad and imported US$12.9bn with a surplus of US$25.5bn. Indonesia has US$38.8bn in farm exports and US$17.5bn in agricultural imports for a surplus of US$21.3bn, while Malaysia has US$26.2bn in farm exports and US$18.3bn in agricultural imports for a surplus of US$7.9bn. On the other hand, Vietnam US$24.8bn in farm exports and US$13.4bn in agricultural imports for a surplus of US$11.4bn.

Such low agricultural productivity can be attributed to some of the challenges that the agriculture industry is facing nowadays. At present, there are widespread conversions of prime agricultural land partly due to rapid urbanization and population growth. For instance, there is a growing need for housing projects, residential villas and commercial properties, which have led to the immense conversion of agricultural lands not just in Metro Manila but in key cities across the country ( Cabildo et al. , 2017 ). The development trajectory has been extended to Visayas and Mindanao (i.e. two of the largest group of islands in the country), causing a tremendous shift in land use patterns. The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), the Philippine Government agency for the distribution of agrarian land, distinguished Negros Occidental and Misamis Oriental (i.e. provinces in the country) known for vast sugarcane and coconut plantations accordingly were among the top ten provinces with the highest number of land conversions ( Cabildo et al. , 2017 ). With such foregoing conditions, agriculture has been stagnant ( Beus, 2008 ), and farm output has declined due to human and external factors. Due to the complementary nature of farm tourism to agricultural activities, it is recognized as an alternative activity to diversify economic growth ( Tiraieyari and Hamzah, 2012 ). Thus, as part of the diversification efforts of Philippine agriculture, farm tourism is a potentially vital key in sustaining economic and environmental security.

3.2 Farm tourism in the Philippines

Farm tourism started in the country in the 1990s. The DOT, the Philippine Government agency for tourism, has long seen the importance of farm tourism before the promulgation of R.A 10816. In 1991, DOT and United Nations Development Program (UNDP) worked together and developed a Philippine Tourism Master Plan, which aimed to develop tourism in a sustainable manner and farm tourism is on the list. DOT also spearheaded the Philippine Agri-Tourism Program as early as 1999. In 2002, DOT and the Department of Agriculture (DA) issued a joint circular order that identified the ten farm sites in the country. The DOT accreditation has set the minimum standards for all operations and maintenance activities to guarantee tourist satisfaction. Accreditation of farm sites is voluntary and shall be valid for two years. Farm tourism sites in the country are categorized into two: day farms and farm stays. Day farms are usually located near highways, while farm stays offer accommodations and dining experience. The accreditation is based on the minimum standard set by the DOT based on the following requirements: location, facilities and amenities, infrastructure, operation, safety and security and sanitation. Accreditation may be suspended or revoked for any violation of the standards. In 2012, a house bill in the Philippine Congress had been filed to promote farm tourism in the country by providing tax credits to registered activities to offset the expenses in venturing into farm tourism and provide technical assistance to farmers entering the business. In 2016, the bill was signed into law, the R.A 10816, or the Farm Tourism Development Act of 2016, which encourages, develops and promotes farm tourism. Subsequently, some provinces, including Bukidnon, Batangas, Tarlac and Tagaytay, are well recognized for their potential to become a farm tourism destination ( Nawal, 2013 ).

investment promotion and financing;

market research, trends, innovations and information;

accreditation of farm tourism camps;

market promotion and development;

agriculture and fishery research, development and extension;

institutional and human resource development; and

infrastructure support ( Makati Business Club (MBC), 2016 ).

The law also mandates to establish a Farm Tourism Board that shall recommend projects for funding opportunities through the DOT, the DA, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and other concerned government agencies concerning farm tourism development. The board is tasked to increase farm tourism awareness through relevant marketing campaigns. In cooperation with DA, DOT is mandated to accredit farm tourist sites that are voluntary and valid for two years. Historically, DOT has been accrediting farm sites since the 1990s under the provision of Executive Order No. 292, following the rules and regulations to govern the accreditation of farm sites. To further strengthen the institutionalization of farm tourism in the country, and to further solve the issues of hunger and poverty, and to sustain food security, the national convergent program was launched in line with R.A 10816. Lazara (2017) , a Philippine senator explaining that the essence of the law is for the government to recognize tourism coupled with agriculture could bring the value of agriculture in the economic and cultural development of the country, serves as catalysts of agricultural and fishery development and provide additional income to the farmers and fisherfolks. It also reiterated that the most important provision of the law is its encouragement to establish at least one farm tourism camp in every province (Lazaro, 2017).

3.3 Potentials of farm tourism

Cebu has a dynamic trade and commerce, particularly in agriculture, since it has a high demand for agri-fishery products driven by the numerous hotels, restaurants, fast-food chains, supermarkets and other corporate buyers Galolo, 2016 ).

The province is in an avian influenza-free region and can sell poultry products anywhere in the country and even abroad ( Galolo, 2016 ).

Cebu has a steady population growth and increases per capita consumption, furthering the demand ( Galolo, 2016 ).

Farm-based tourism is a good diversification strategy if farms are located or close in central districts and located near scenic attractions with several outdoor activities to enjoy ( Walford, 2001 ). Farm-based tourism works best in areas with high scenic and heritage values ( Walford, 2001 ) in which Cebu possessed along with the numerous cultural and natural attractions it is known for. Most vegetation comes from the southern part of the province in the municipality of Carcar City and Dalaguete, which is also known for its tourist attractions ( Lorenciana, 2014 ).

Opportunities are available for agriculture and fishery to flourish further in the province. However, like other provinces in the country, Cebu is not maximizing its full potential in this sector. Cebu is already a well-known tourist destination among local and foreign tourists, and inculcating farming with tourism can potentially alleviate the popularity of farming in the province. Such an approach encourages a sense of gratitude among tourists to the food they are taking in and inspires the youth to be more involved in the agriculture industry. Nevertheless, Cebu needs to manage and strengthen its agricultural and farm resources to reap low-hanging fruits in farm tourism.

3.4 Challenges and strategies of Philippine farm tourism

Amidst the potentials that the farm tourism sector has and the efforts that the Philippine Government has taken, the sector is possibly faced by impediments that are likewise experienced by other farm tourism sectors worldwide. Based on the reports gathered, some factors impede the growth of farm tourism in the country. A thematic presentation is shown here.

3.4.1 Physical characteristics.

The general concern of the farmers in the country is the erratic climate brought about by the possible effects of climate change, which is considered a threat to their crops ( Lorenciana, 2014 ). Furthermore, the country has limited agricultural lands and is worsened by the effects of industrialization through land conversions credited to the high popularity and demand for real properties such as housing and condominium development. Cebu, as a case in point, has mountainous topography that limits agricultural potential. Due to its strategic position, Cebu also has a highly urbanized image. This position curbs further expansion of agricultural development in the province. Most farms are small-family owned, commonly situated in upland slopes, paling compared to the farms in the Luzon area where the topography is generally plain.

3.4.2 Product development.

The DA has a positive outlook on farm tourism as a long-term solution to improve the quality of living of the farmers and fishers ( Villarin and Miasco, 2017 ). However, many farmers lack the necessary resources (i.e. financial, technical and human resources) in diversifying their farms into a farm tourism business ( Moraru et al. , 2016 ). This may be due to the limited and inequitable access of the farmers to the provisions of the government and the private sector for these resources. There is an insufficient number of farm tourism sites and poor consistency in the quality of farm tourism products demonstrated by a few farm tourism operations that are market-ready ( Moraru et al. , 2016 ). The majority of the farm sites in the country cannot compete with those in other Asian countries (e.g. Taiwan and Japan) due to its lack of innovation and marketing. This manifestation is also heightened by the lack of understanding and application of the contextual research of farm tourism supposedly carried out by Philippine universities.

3.4.3 Education and training.

There is an aging populace of farmers in the agricultural sector, and a critical need for succession becomes obvious ( Santiago and Roxas, 2015 ). Only a few people are engaging in agriculture nowadays. Agriculture has been typecasted as a low-level career in the country. The University of the Philippines-Los Banos, College of Agriculture, the top agricultural university in the country, reported that enrollment had declined drastically from 1980 with 51% enrollees down to 43% in 1995 to 4.7% in 2012 ( Cinco, 2012 ). In 2014, official reports highlighted that the average age of Filipino farmers is 57 years old, a few years before retirement ( Casauay, 2014 ). Furthermore, the young generations (i.e. millennials, generation X) witness their parents grow old and poor with farming and do not positively view agriculture as a lucrative career ( Alave, 2011 ). The PSA reported the most recent estimates that the farmers have the highest poverty incidence in the country, with 34.3% in 2015, closely followed by the fishermen at 34% ( PSA, 2017 ). These estimates are corroborated by the latest agricultural wage rate survey in 2018, which highlights that the average daily income of farmers is posted at Php 306 (roughly US$6) or a monthly rate of Php 8,000 (US$157) ( PSA, 2019 ). The positive outlook on agriculture can be bridged by increasing the farmers' per capita income that can be potentially addressed through supplementary income sources such as, including, among others, farm tourism. On this note, excellent education and skills development on farm tourism become crucial in the provision of marketable farm tourism products.

At present, the Philippine Government encourages the formation of farm tourism camps or farm schools all over the country to serve as avenues of learning for farmers. The two agencies (i.e. DOT and DA) are tasked under R.A. 10816 to lead in the establishment of at least one farm tourism camp in every province in the country. In 2012, the Philippine Congress enacted into law the R.A. 10618 or the Rural Farm Schools Act that promotes sustainable agricultural productivity and rural development by empowering the human capital in the countryside through access to avenues of learning suitable to the needs of the rural agricultural communities. The rural farm school curriculum is intended to follow the core secondary education curriculum of the Department of Education (DepED) with add-on courses highlighting agri-fishery arts. The last two academic years in the rural farm school educational system is designed to focus on integrative learning across all subject disciplines in the curriculum with an emphasis on farm entrepreneurship theory and practice and its promotion as a tool in cultivating local entrepreneurs, revitalizing rural economies and repopulating rural communities.

3.4.4 Management and entrepreneurship.

Phelan and Sharpley (2012) argued that the current dynamics of the farm tourism business require farmers to possess a certain degree of entrepreneurial skills that remain lacking among them. McNally (2001) and Grande (2011) suggested that farmers have great opportunities to cater to tourists, but they need the necessary skills to diversify their farms and accommodate tourists in a sustainable manner that does not affect their regular farming and create a new business venture. It is widely understood that entrepreneurial skills are among the most important aspects of modern-day farming ( Smit, 2004 ). Farmers are recognized these days as entrepreneurs that require new skills and capabilities to develop to become or remain competitive ( McElwee, 2006 ). In the Philippine context, the DA has taken steps to address the lack of entrepreneurial skills among farmers by encouraging local government units in identifying specific needs of farmers and addressing these needs by conducting seminars and training, which would highlight these required skills in farming ( Lorenciana, 2014 ). The concept of agripreneurship has also been in the limelight of the Philippine Government by incorporating it into the Philippine Agriculture 2020 Plan. Despite these efforts, Santiago and Roxas (2015) remained reserved and noted that one of the leading causes of failure of government efforts in agriculture has been on increasing productivity rather than on entrepreneurial initiatives. Santiago and Roxas (2015) noted that shifting from productivity to entrepreneurial activity would allow more selling on value-added produce than producing more of the same crops.

3.4.5 Marketing and customer relations.

Shifting from the traditional agriculture mindset to diversifying it towards farm tourism requires the necessary skills in marketing and customer relations among farmers. The majority of the farm tourism businesses lacks the training to render useful service, as well as marketing skills to the tourist ( Sharpley, 2002 ). Moraru et al. (2016) added that most farmers and their workers do not possess the skills to ensure success in farm tourism. There is limited relevant information provided to the farmers regarding tourism markets and trends ( Moraru et al. , 2016 ). Consequently, ineffective communication exists among farmers and the market in terms of promoting their farms ( Moraru et al. , 2016 ). There are also inadequate knowledge and skills in customer management ( Haghiri and Okech, 2011 ). These conditions are prevalent in the Philippine context ( ESFIM, 2009 ). At the micro and macro level, among the challenges that the country is facing are the lack of market information and the inability to analyze this information, poor transport infrastructures and poor farm product quality standards ( ESFIM, 2009 ). Most of these challenges are highly associated with the lack of marketing and customer relation skills of the farmers at the micro-level as they are mostly dependent on market intermediaries in selling their products. With the lack of farm to market access, farm tourism can bridge such limitations by providing opening opportunities for direct selling.

3.4.6 Government support.

Moraru et al. (2016) pointed out that government support is crucial to farmers in harnessing their business growth and encouraging and educating the potential tourists about farm tourism. This presents a new challenge to the Philippine Government. The main landmark of the government's efforts on promoting and developing farm tourism is the enactment of the R.A. 10816 or the Farm Tourism Development Act of 2016, which highlights the provisions on creating the Farm Tourism Development Board, investment promotion, financing and incentives, market research and information, accreditation of Farm tourism camps, market promotion and development, agriculture and fishery research, development and extension, institutional and human resource development and infrastructure support. Less than five years after its promulgation, the policy has not been fully implemented down to the micro-level. Currently, DOT has accredited roughly more than 170 farm tourism sites in the country. Despite such efforts, the Philippine Government has not addressed crucial issues such as widespread public awareness of farm tourism and its benefits, poor understanding of farm tourism among relevant government agencies and limited marketing efforts exerted by the local government units, among others. As DOT accreditation is voluntary, operators become hesitant to undergo the accreditation process without enough understanding of its benefits farm tourism. Thus, public awareness is crucial at the outset of any marketing efforts. Furthermore, there is poor coordination of relevant government agencies in the promotion of farm tourism. For instance, the promotion of activities of local government units on farm tourism is often not coordinated with the DOT as a national tourism agency. Additionally, the local tourism offices highly depend on farm tourism operators' individual marketing efforts in promoting their sites.

4. Weaknesses–opportunities (WO) analysis

With the identified benefits in the current literature and the challenges faced by the farm tourism industry in the Philippines, a WO analysis is presented here. WO analysis is one of the distinct strategic groups of the threats, opportunities, weaknesses and strengths (TOWS) matrix developed by Weihrich (1982) . The TOWS matrix is an extension of the widely adopted the SWOT analysis that scans internal factors (strengths and weaknesses) and external environment (opportunities and strengths). The main objective of the TOWS matrix is to provide means in developing strategies based on the logical two-factor combinations of internal and external factors of SWOT. The WO strategies, also termed as a mini-maxi (competitive) strategy, are taking advantage to access external opportunities while reducing internal weaknesses ( Weihrich, 1982 ). Some relevant applications of the TOWS matrix include the Basel norms ( Kapoor and Kaur, 2017 ), strategic marketing ( Proctor, 2000 ), strategic choice ( Kulshrestha and Puri, 2017 ), strategy formulation ( Dyson, 2004 ; Wang and Hong, 2011 ; Dandage et al. , 2019 ) and strategic natural resources management ( Kajanus et al. , 2012 ). TOWS matrix has also been applied specifically in the tourism domain such as formulation of tourism destination development strategies ( Goranczewski and Puciato, 2010 ), strategic marketing planning for tourism ( Wickramasinghe and Takano, 2010 ), ecotourism development ( Hong and Chan, 2010 ; Asadpourian et al. , 2020 ) and strategy identification for a food firm ( Ingaldi and Škůrková, 2014 ), among other applications. Among the four strategic groups, the development of the WO strategies is deemed appropriate for creating development strategies for the farm tourism sector as the sector is mostly dominated by weaknesses but is operating in a favorable environment. Details for the WO strategies for farm tourism are provided in Table 1 .

With the given WO analysis of farm tourism in the country, strategies are developed to mitigate the weaknesses while advancing farm tourism opportunities. First is the promotion of urban and vertical farming in cities that address the limitation of agricultural land for farm tourism. Urban vertical farming produces food on vertically inclined surfaces and an agricultural technique that involves large food production mostly in high-rise buildings with controlled environmental conditions for fast growth and planned production ( Kalantari et al. , 2018 ). United Nations (2007) reported that the world population would rise to 9 million in 2050, mostly will live in urban areas. Thus, urban vertical farming can potentially aid the country or the locality in meeting the elevating demand for an agricultural product without additional farmlands. Urban vertical farming has been applied in Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Sweden, China ( Kalantari et al. , 2018 ), among others. Travel trends are dynamic with the changing market preferences and are paralleled with innovating products to maintain a competitive advantage. Farm tourists are characterized by a high educational level, with an age range belonging to millennials and generation X ( Dubois et al. , 2017 ). In generational marketing, millennials are adventurous and often travel for experiences ( Machado, 2014 ); thus, offering farm tourism as an alternative or additional attraction can benefit both farmers and the government. Therefore, government support for farm tourism is inevitable to harness its economic, socio-cultural and environmental impacts that will eventually enhance the performance of Philippine tourism. Traditionally, farms are more inclined to produce agricultural products as factual evidence of their productivity; however, with the diversification direction of farm tourism, these farms must conform to the operational needs of farm tourist sites. This conformity involves acquiring new skills to operate farm sites profitably. Training and seminars shall be initiated and spearheaded by relevant government agencies (e.g. DOT, local tourism offices, LGU) on enhancing the entrepreneurial skills, management and customer relation of the farmers that are projected to have a long-term positive effect on the success of farm tourist sites. These ventures are an ideal venue for information sharing on important data (e.g. market trends, market profile) that will capacitate farm tourism operators in understanding the market trends and tourist interests. Developing skills to novice players in farm tourism would potentially augment tourism performance in the country.

The strategy “research and development, and science and technology intervention to further develop farm sites and farm products” can be implemented by policymakers (i.e. the government) and the farm tourism sector (i.e. operators, NGOs). This strategy aims to address the insufficient number of farm tourism sites, poor consistency in the quality of farm tourism products and farmers' lack of entrepreneurial and marketing skills while accessing two opportunities: growing trend and tourist interest in farm tourism and increasing government support for farm tourism. With the emerging interests of tourists for farm tourism, an increase in tourist influx is expected, and farm operators could respond to such opportunity by establishing close coordination with the government and the academe to develop and implement R&D programs (e.g. research projects, seminar modules, training, workshops, benchmarking visits, among others) to advance the entrepreneurial and marketing skills of farmers. With universities spearheading the R & D programs, product research on enhancing farm tourism products could be implemented along with the farm tourism sector members. The financial and infrastructural requirements to support these activities could be bridged through increasing government spending for farm tourism to support the R.A. 10816. With R&D programs to improve farm tourism site accreditation and increased government support for such activity, there would be an expected increase in the number of farm tourism sites and strengthening public awareness for farm tourism.

Another strategy that the Philippine Government could initiate is to offer financial assistance to small farmers in diversifying their farms with tourism. Such a strategy takes advantage of increased government support for farm tourism and economic development dispersal direction to rural areas while curbing the insufficiency of the number of farm tourism sites and poor consistency in the quality of farm tourism products. Direct financial assistance could be possible in low-interest loans, tax incentives and tax holidays for farm tourism operators. Indirect aid could be in the form of free training and seminars on relevant topics such as technical skills as well as entrepreneurial and marketing skills for farm tourism. The government could also assist in the marketing and promotion of farm tourism sites and support for relevant infrastructure. The current trajectory of development in the Philippines is associated with dispersal to rural areas to decongest traffic and address overpopulation in highly urbanized cities. With financial support to small-scale farmers for farm tourism and the development direction toward rural communities, these farmers could capitalize on the propagation of farm tourism sites and enhance farm tourism products. Finally, creating and promoting farm tours to tourists and educational institutions could capture the opportunity of the growing trend and tourist interest in farm tourism and improved Philippine tourism performance while addressing the insufficiency of the number of farm tourism sites and poor consistency in quality of farm tourism products, and farmers lack entrepreneurial and marketing skills. With increased farm tours, potential farm operators could get attracted to invest in diversifying toward farm tourism, and those current farm operators would be obliged to improve the quality of their farm tourism products and to invest in human resource improvement in their soft skills (i.e. entrepreneurial and marketing skills).

5. Policy insights

This section outlines insights to stakeholders, including the government, farm tourism operators and other relevant tourism offices for policy formulation, resource management, strategic planning, among others. The promotion of urban agriculture through vertical and urban farming could address the issues related to the scarcity of agricultural lands. In 2013, there was a proposed Urban Agriculture bill in the Philippine Congress, which is supposed to institutionalize urban farming in highly urbanized areas to encourage the production, processing and marketing of food crops and livestock. The bill also advocates vertical farming, which involves indoor agriculture. However, it was not yet enacted up until the present. Vertical farming has been successful in Singapore, a small city-state, limiting its agricultural land ( Hui, 2011 ; Yusoff et al. , 2017 ).

To ensure the quality of delivering the farm tourism products and services, DOT accredits farm tourism sites that complied with the minimum standards set by the agency. However, the tourism products could be further enhanced through relevant actions on a macro level: (R&D projects are needed to spearhead farm tourism development, especially farm sites. Several Asian countries have already been very aggressive in their promotion and development of farm tourism, and contributions to economics, social, cultural and environmental have been evident. Tourism Infrastructure Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), the Philippine national government agency under the DOT tasked for the development, promotion and supervision of tourism projects in the country, and the Office of the Undersecretary for Tourism Planning of the DOT must be proactive in initiating research projects that would provide cutting edge information on market trends related to tourism and farm tourism. They also need to spearhead the development of more farm sites to strengthen not just the tourism industry in providing alternative attractions but also the agriculture industry. Close coordination between DOT, local government units and other government offices is vital for the success of farm sites in a local area. This coordination can be implemented through information and resource sharing to facilitate the efficient delivery of services. On the other hand, existing farm sites must address the basic needs of the tourists as required in the accreditation guidelines for farm sites. As small family farms have limited access to resources to invest in farm tourism, the government must support these farms by initiating activities which include offering an agriculturally oriented educational experience suitable for different ages, providing basic services, such as parking, signage and guides, and ensuring safety and security in farm sites.

In generational marketing, the millennials and generation X currently have the highest purchasing power and potential to educate later generations on appreciating farm tourism. These two generations are more inclined in experiential activities of farm tourism which highlights tourist experience, can encourage and enhance the appreciation of these generations to get involved in farming. Consequently, it can address the declining number of enrollments in agriculture academic programs in the country ( Cinco, 2012 ). The current educational system of the country should further impart great appreciation and value to the agricultural industry ( Briones et al. , 2017 ). Farm schools can become more attractive once they become accessible, most notably in rural areas, and if farming is perceived as a good income source. Locals can be taught modern farming techniques, which can uplift their livelihood and sense of satisfaction and make farming a viable option instead of moving to the urban cities for employment ( Torrevillas, 2016 ). Moreover, agriculture needs investment in skills development and training to create a new breed of agriculturists. Many academic and tourism experts are now tapping on the potential of farm tourism to alleviate poverty and promote agriculture courses in schools and universities. For instance, some farm tourism graduates from the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA), a state university in the northern Philippines, are currently involved in research and development efforts and are contributing to the promotion of Laguna farm sites, such as the Costales Nature Farms. Dar (2017) argued that empowerment and capacity development to harness the potential of human capital, such as skills enhancement of farmers and developing relevant educational curriculum and innovative pedagogy for various interest groups, are two crucial directions for the government. The outcome should be a farmer possessing qualities such as efficient producer, team player, scientist/technologist, businessman or entrepreneur and environmentalist. A case in point is the Costales Nature Farms, which is a multi-awarded farm site that has grown from a small family farm advocating organic farming in 2005 to the first farm site in the Philippines accredited by the DOT. The farm is visited for leisure and relaxation or education. Furthermore, the Costales Nature Farms is an accredited private extension service provider of the national government agencies for agriculture and tourism (e.g. Agriculture Training Institute, DA, DAR, DOT). It provides workshops on sustainable organic farming and farm tourism. The farm has partnered with renowned hotels and restaurants and supermarkets, and it became one of the major producers of high-value organic vegetables and herbs in the country.

The government should start conducting infomercials or information commercials about the value of agriculture. For instance, the government must pass a measure that would mandate all broadcasting and online media to allocate a certain portion of time a day to broadcast public service announcements and infomercials regarding laws, social welfare, public safety, procedures and other matters of national interest that could be an effective medium to disseminate information about agriculture. Although the government is offering undergraduate and graduate scholarships, this has been less appealing to the intended public due to the negative perception of a career in agriculture. However, if enhanced information dissemination on the diverse opportunities an agriculture career can offer is proactively undertaken, then the negative perception of the public about agriculture as a low income and low skilled career venture may be eradicated ( Whitmell, 2012 ). Changing perceptions through marketing and packaging agriculture to make it more appealing to the young generation would become necessary to the government. It is not just an issue in the country but other countries as well. Possible directions could be undertaken to increase the interest of the youth towards agriculture. The first is to have a social media existence. For instance, a Facebook page that aims to inspire the youth to be involved in agriculture can be developed, serving as a social forum and building agricultural networks. It may include inspirational stories of farmers to empower the youth. Second is through blogs, which are discussion or informational websites that can serve as a platform for information dissemination. A training, capacity building and promotion program can be catalyzed by sharing thoughts about agriculture. The third is having good public relations. There should be a good farming public relation by projecting more inspiring stories, personal satisfaction and incentives that can be gained from farming. The government should create an agriculture personality, such as employing celebrity ambassadors that embody the ideals of the farmers and serves as a role model.

The government has put forward comprehensive assistance programs for the farmers, such as training, initiatives and financial support, to convince the farmers and their children to stay in agriculture. This is possibly done by projecting that farming is a profitable enterprise. A relevant and emerging concept is advocating social entrepreneurship that pursues innovative ideas with the potential to solve a community problem. One successful social entrepreneurship case in the Philippines is the Gawad Kalinga Enchanted Farms (GKEF). Social entrepreneurs in GKEF adopted the concept to develop more agricultural projects and help curb the declining number of farmers. This movement has already attracted people worldwide and should be considered as a good benchmark for farm tourism. Additionally, as millennials and generation X are highly technology-oriented, to obtain more traction from these generations, the farm tourism sector must embrace the emerging trend of technological innovation. Approaches may include the incorporation of virtual reality in farm sites, development and selling of online packages (e.g. klook), increased digital visibility, among others.

The shift from the traditional agricultural productivity focus to entrepreneurial and service orientation in farm tourism further complicates the agricultural business processes of the farmers. This complexity requires assistance from the government sector in terms of soft skills, among others. Most farmers are well-equipped with farming skills and possess innate hospitality, mainly credited to the Filipino culture; however, they lack marketing and entrepreneurial skills. To address this gap, the following insights could be considered. First, R&D activities on the market are crucial to the success of the farm sites. The DOT and the DA must carry out initiatives to make this information on market trends and innovations in agriculture available to compete with other ASEAN countries offering farm tourism. Second, an inter-agency government collaboration may conduct training for the local farmers in customer relations management to better off their interaction with the tourists and ensure their safety and high-quality experience. Finally, the DOT may encourage travel agents and tour operators to create stand-alone farm packages, conduct farm tours and promote farm visits. Further encouragement of farm visits to universities to gain firsthand experience and learn the value of agriculture is an appropriate direction forward.

Lastly, proper mechanisms of integrating initiatives at the national level and local government units must be implemented to increase coordination for farm tourism activities. With the onset of the R.A. 10816, it is deemed appropriate that the country has an excellent national policy involving agriculture and tourism. However, the effectiveness of such a national measure is highly dependent on its implementation. Short- and long-term plans and controls must be developed to ensure that the goals and objectives of the measure are satisfied and the intended benefits to the general public are achieved. The local government units must also consider creating some initiatives and strive for linkages in their locality. Through the government-academe-industry linkages, knowledge transfers and collective to and from the academe to the industry are flourished, and more significant results (e.g. livelihood in the countryside, increased per capita income of farmers, sustainability, among others) may become visible in the long-term.

6. Conclusions and future work

Farm tourism is considered one of the drivers of Philippine tourism's growth with R.A 10816 along with the DOT farm site accreditation standards to ensure quality farm sites in the country. Intergovernmental collaboration and coordination are mandated in the said policy in developing, promoting and strategizing farm tourism in the country. With the current government initiatives, an increasing number of farm sites and farm tourists is projected. The research literature on farm tourism has been prevalent in developed countries and is undoubtedly scarce in developing countries. There are hardly any fundamental works on farm tourism in the Philippine context, such as the works of McDaniels and Trousdale (1999) , Recio et al. (2014) , Tuzon et al. (2014) and Lago (2017). This limitation about literature may have instigated the gradual growth of farm tourism amidst the vast agricultural land in the country. As such, this study provides relevant data on the potential of the Philippines as a farm tourism destination and the challenges that inhibit the country from developing profitable farm sites. The challenges highlight the physical characteristics, product development, education and training, management and entrepreneurship, marketing and customer relations and government support. This information is vital in mapping strategies through WO analysis (mini-maxi) as a competitive strategy of the TOWS matrix that intends to address the weaknesses while targeting the opportunities that could potentially enhance farm tourism status in the country.

Philippine agriculture plays a significant role in the Philippine economy, yet its performance is deemed low compared to other neighboring ASEAN countries as to its production rate, import rate and export earnings. The low productivity of agriculture is credited to the challenges faced by the industry. These challenges include rural areas are now slowly urbanized due to these developments credited to the growing population and demand for industrialization; farming has become stagnant with depleting farm product output as younger generations have perceived agriculture as an unremunerative career option; the climatic conditions, as possible effects of climate change, are considered as threats to farmlands; and the farmers have limited government and non-government access and provision to needed resources (i.e. financial, technical and human resources) to diversify farms into farm sites. As such, farms can improve economic performance by diversifying farms and offering alternative farm tourism activities. These limitations can result in poor consistency and quality and innovativeness of the farm sites. Farmers also entail acquiring skills other than entrepreneurial (e.g. customer relations, marketing). With this, the Philippine Government initiated the development of farm tourism camps or farm schools in the country as a venue for farmers to gain new insights. For instance, the DA and DOT have encouraged the local government units to identify the farmers' needs and be addressed through seminars and training. However, the unavailability of the market information and inability to analyze this information, as well as the poor transport infrastructures in most rural areas, contribute to the poor farm tourism quality. With this, the support of the government is crucial in honing the farmers to the improvement of farm tourism. The R.A 10816 is an aggressive move towards developing and promoting farm tourism in the country; however, the policy has not been fully implemented down to the micro-level since it was enacted in 2016. In summary, the main contribution of this study is the identification of challenges of the farm tourism sector in the Philippines and the corresponding strategies and insights to address these challenges. The findings contribute to the future of farm tourism in bridging the negative social outlook on employment associated with agriculture, at least in the Philippines. The promotion, development and education of farm tourism to the present and future generations could generate a proactive outlook on farming as an economic and social driver in advancing tourism and agricultural performance. The insights of this work can address the limited literature of farm tourism in the Philippine context. This work could catalyze farm tourism development research and foster talents in developing farm tourism.

The study has an exploratory approach and the findings of the study must be interpreted with limitations. Despite the limitations of the study, it yields strategies and policy insights that are valuable in the early stage of farm tourism. The study is qualitative research in nature and has used secondary data. The findings of the study have focused on the Philippine context and may possess the same conditions as other farm tourism sites in developing countries. This work is limited in providing a historical narrative and collection of relevant literature specific to the Philippine setting. Hence, future works in farm tourism in the Philippine context are encouraged to improve further the quality of farm tourism offerings in the country and other relevant countries. Quantitative research can be undertaken for primary relevant data that can be obtained. Future works may include identifying the challenges, strategies and insights to farm sites utilizing primary data generated from a case study, focus group discussion, interviews and surveys. Thus work must be continuously undertaken in the context of evaluating farm capacity for tourism and determining the willingness of farmers to engage in it. Finally, a comparative study on the farm tourism sectors in the ASEAN may be undertaken to identify the hotspots, benchmarks and areas for possible improvements.

2014 Agriculture productivity rate in some countries of the ASEAN

2014 Agri-related export product (in US$ billion)

WO Analysis with recommending strategies

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Corresponding author

About the authors.

Kafferine Yamagishi is based at the Department of Tourism Management, Cebu Technological University, Cebu City, Philippines.

Cecil Gantalao is based at the School of Business and Economics, University of San Carlos, Cebu City, Philippines.

Lanndon Ocampo is based at the Department of Industrial Engineering, Cebu Technological University, Cebu City, Philippines.

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Sustainable Tourism in the Philippines: How to be a Responsible Traveler

What is Sustainable Tourism?

15 ways to be a responsible traveler in the philippines, 1. visit ecotourism destinations and attractions in the philippines, 2. stay at eco-friendly hotels and resorts in the philippines, 3. book with dot-accredited local tour operators, 4. leave no trace, 5. bring reusable utensils and refillable bottles, 6. go on cultural immersions, 7. try farm tours, 8. eat at local restaurants, 9. follow proper interaction with wildlife, 10. reduce your carbon footprint with your transport choices, 11. explore nearby destinations, 12. spend more time in destinations, 13. support local when buying souvenirs, 14. use environment-friendly travel products, 15. go digital.

Boatman at the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

Puerto Princesa Underground River in Palawan

With over 7,000 islands, the Philippines is home to many natural tourist spots . Stunning islands, spectacular beaches, breathtaking mountains, and rare endemic wildlife are just some of the reasons why you should visit the Philippines . It’s no surprise that the Philippines attracts millions of tourists every year, and while this is great for the country’s economy, it could affect its natural attractions, especially if tourists do not follow responsible travel and sustainable tourism practices.

In fact, in 2020, it was reported that the Philippines was ranked 94th out of 99 countries when it comes to promoting sustainable tourism. In 2018, the top island Philippine destination called Boracay was closed to the general public for six months for rehabilitation.

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Boracay, one of the most popular Visayas tourist spots , was suffering from deteriorating environmental conditions, partly due to the millions of tourists who visit it every year. These are just some reasons why practicing and promoting sustainable tourism in the Philippines is important.

Through campaigns like Save our Spots , the Department of Tourism has encouraged domestic and foreign tourists to travel responsibly and sustainably. The least we can do as tourists is to follow sustainable practices in the Philippines to help protect our environment. But there’s more to sustainable travel than just following the leave no trace principles.

In this article, we give you more ways you can help conserve the Philippines’ best natural assets on your next vacation in the Philippines .

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El Nido, Palawan

Sustainable tourism is the practice of considering the impact of tourism on the environment, the economy, and society while at the same time taking into account the needs of the tourists, the host communities, and the industry.

Why is sustainable tourism important? If we don’t take care of the natural resources in our tourist spots, it will lead to their deterioration and destruction, and future generations won’t be able to appreciate their beauty, while those from the tourism industry can potentially lose their jobs and source of income.

Being a responsible tourist is just one way to ensure that the best places to visit in the Philippines remain beautiful and open for everyone to enjoy.

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What are the 15 principles of sustainable tourism? There are many ways to be a responsible tourist in the Philippines and here are just some of them:

Basco Lighthouse in Batanes

The Philippines is home to many tourist attractions, and apart from the top tourist spots in the Philippines , there are ecotourism destinations and attractions like Batanes , The Masungi Georeserve in Rizal, Palaui Island in Cagayan, and Apo Island in Negros Oriental. These places and spots not only offer amazing local experiences but also give you the chance to practice responsible tourism as the local communities and stakeholders follow some of the best practices in sustainable tourism.

The people of Batanes, for example, have done a wonderful job of preserving the culture of the Ivatans by keeping their stone houses intact. The locals here also practice sustainable fishing and farming, while the local government prioritizes local culture and investors, which is why instead of 5-star hotels, you’ll mostly find homestays here.

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Aerial view of El Nido Resorts Pangulasian Island

Photo by El Nido Resorts group

Your choice of accommodations is also another way how to practice sustainable tourism. Staying at some of the best eco-friendly resorts in the Philippines allows you to reduce your carbon footprint when traveling. Eco-friendly hotels follow sustainable practices such as organic farming, tree planting, rainwater recycling, solid waste segregation, composting, coastal clean-ups, farm-to-table dining, using local building materials, and using solar energy.

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Look for properties that have certification or awards from the Philippine Green Building Initiative, Inc, the ASEAN Green Hotel Awards, or the DOT’s ANAHAW Philippine Sustainable Tourism Certification.

Of course, you can also do more beyond just booking and staying at these hotels and resorts. You can turn off all the electronic devices, including the air conditioner, when leaving your hotel room. Let the staff know you will be reusing your towels, bed linen, and sheets. If your room is clean anyway, hang the “Don’t Disturb” sign to prevent unnecessary vacuuming and cleaning.

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ATV Ride in Mt. Mayon, Legazpi, Albay

The Department of Tourism has advised local hotels, resorts, and tour operators to seek DOT accreditation so the department can help them adopt sustainable tourism practices. DOT-accredited accommodations and tour operators get access to technical tools that will help them become sustainable. This is part of the DOT’s plan on how to develop sustainable tourism in the country.

When you tour the Philippines , book with DOT-accredited travel agencies like Guide to the Philippines. We partner with DOT-accredited hotels, resorts, and tour operators and help them to widen their global reach by showcasing their products online in our platform.

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Daku Island in Siargao

The “Clean as you go” or CLAYGO rule should be followed not only when you travel but in your everyday life. Simply put, leave no trace means you don’t leave any item when you visit a natural tourist destination. This rule is mainly for litter like tissue, food wrappers, and plastic bottles, but be mindful of unintentionally leaving behind personal belongings, which could also end up harming the environment.

Some tourist destinations like the Pink Beach in Zamboanga have their own strict leave no trace policies, and those who violate them can be charged fines or put in jail and/or community service.

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Mt. Mayon in Legazpi, Albay

One simple way to practice how to be a responsible traveler is to bring your own reusable utensils and water bottles when you travel. This will help reduce your use of single-use plastics and lessen your carbon footprint when traveling. If you’re worried about these items taking too much space in your bag, you should consider foldable travel spoons, forks, and chopsticks and collapsible water bottles.

Similar to the leave no trace policy, some places in the Philippines have tried reducing waste by banning single-use plastics. In Siargao , for example, plastic bags are not allowed, and restaurants are prohibited from selling water in plastic bottles. El Nido also has a plastic ban which requires all boat passengers to surrender their single-use plastic bottles and bags before boarding.

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Ifugao native at the Banaue Rice Terraces

The Philippines is home to many different cultures, and one way to experience some of these cultures and how to encourage sustainable tourism is to go on a cultural immersion in an indigenous village. Cultural immersion can be as simple as sharing a meal with some of the locals or participating in their local activities or as immense as living with the locals in their homes for a period of time. Many Luzon tourist spots like Buscalan, Batad, Banaue , and Sagada offer homestays for tourists.

Whatever path you choose, make sure to always be respectful of the traditions, rituals, and the locals themselves. Learning about another culture and way of life will not only be a learning experience, but it will also help you appreciate the destination even more.

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Photo by Bohol Bee Farm

When we think about what are the characteristics of a sustainable tourism destination, many of them can actually be found on a farm, so staying at or touring a farm is a no-brainer when it comes to traveling responsibly.

The Philippine agrotourism industry has bloomed, thanks to the country’s best farm tour destinations . Agrotourism in the Philippines offers agricultural activities like feeding animals, picking your own fruits and vegetables, and various workshops, including cooking demonstrations.

Take it to the next level by staying at farm resorts in the Philippines . Spending a couple of days in these farm stays will not only teach you how to achieve sustainable tourism, but it will also teach you ways of how to be more sustainable in your daily routine.

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Filipino cuisine offers a variety of tastes, smells, and textures, and if you can’t have a meal at an actual Filipino home, the next best way to experience it is in a local Filipino restaurant. Not only will you experience a more authentic meal, but you will also help out small businesses thrive.

Patronizing local restaurants also help the environment. Local restaurants that source their ingredients locally have a smaller carbon footprint because the produce doesn’t have to travel far to reach their destination. While eating at any restaurant, remember that you can help reduce your food waste and promote sustainability by only ordering food that you can finish and ordering dishes with ingredients that are in season.

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Tarsier in Bohol

Not all wildlife attractions are created equal. Do your research and look for those that consider the welfare of the creatures that they feature. Show that you know how to travel responsibly by following all the rules set by the guides.

For example, when visiting the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Bohol , you will be told to stay quiet as much as possible, not use flash when taking photos, and refrain from touching the tarsiers to ensure that they won’t get stressed.

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If you want to see and swim with whale sharks in Donsol, you will be told to keep your distance from the animals and not use flash photography to avoid startling and hurting them.

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Bamboo bike ride in Intramuros, Manila

Transportation can greatly add to your carbon footprint, but with many options for traveling to and within a destination, your choices can help you lessen that. When taking flights, choose direct flights over those with layovers. Heavier airplanes also consume more fuel, so do your part and pack as light as you can.

How to achieve sustainable tourism while exploring a destination? Choose to walk or bike whenever possible. Not only do you help reduce your carbon footprint, but you’ll also get to appreciate your surroundings more since you are passing by them at a slower pace. Destinations like Boracay and Intramuros in Manila offer bike tours in the Philippines where you can explore attractions while burning some calories!

If your stops are not close enough to bike or walk to, use public transportation or shared rides instead of using a private vehicle.

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Anawangin Cove in Zambales

Of course, if you can forego the flights altogether, the better, as this means your carbon footprint will be lower. The Philippines is full of amazing destinations that, chances are, you don’t need to board a flight to see at least one of the best beaches near Manila or the best beaches in the Philippines . If you want to explore Luzon, you can go on a road trip near Manila and enjoy nearby places like Pampanga , Bataan , Batangas , and Tagaytay .

Posting about your trips is also a simple way of how to promote sustainable tourism. If more people knew about the amazing destinations that are near where they live, more travelers would be willing to explore these, which helps distribute tourists across several destinations more evenly.

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While it is sometimes tempting to pack a lot of destinations in your travel itinerary, consider limiting your vacation to just one area. Staying in one location reduces your carbon emissions since you don’t need to travel from one destination to the next. Booking a holiday in one place also means less time actually traveling and more time exploring, which allows you to spend more time in attractions because your visits aren’t rushed.

For an even more convenient vacation, you can book Philippine tour packages . Some of these packages already include accommodations and tours, so you can focus on taking in and appreciating the destination itself.

Whether you visit Luzon, Visayas, or Mindanao tourist spots , you’ll likely find a shop or even roving vendors selling unique and locally made souvenirs. Patronizing these small businesses will not only help the local industry thrive, but the items you will buy will more likely have a smaller carbon footprint compared to those that you can find in big shops since locally made souvenirs don’t need to travel far to reach the customers.

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If you can, visit shops that actually allow tourists to see the production process so you can learn about and understand the local heritage more. In places like Zamboanga City , Vigan , and Baguio , you can visit weaving centers and villages to see how local fabric is made.

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It is also better to buy souvenirs that you will actually use so you can lessen waste and save money. For example, when visiting Laguna tourist spots , it is advisable to drop by Liliw so you can shop for affordable but sturdy slippers and shoes.

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Banol Beach in Coron, Palawan

Sometimes the products we use on our travels affect the environment negatively. The chemicals on our sunblock and our insect repellant can have chemicals that are harmful to the reefs, the sea, and the rest of the environment. Before your trip, look for sunscreen and insect repellants made from natural ingredients that won’t harm the planet.

Sand- and water-repelling towels are also good to use when you’re traveling to the best beaches in the Philippines . Bringing home sand stuck to your towel may be just a mild annoyance to you, but put together all the sand travelers accidentally bring home, and you have a beach eroding faster than usual.

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Check-in gates at the Clark International Airport

Photo by Clark International Airport

What is the aim of sustainable tourism? It is to ultimately protect the environment while also taking into consideration the need of travelers and tourism stakeholders. One of the simplest ways you can help is to ditch the printed itineraries and tickets and go fully digital.

Most airlines and hotels now accept digital copies of itineraries or QR codes, so there’s no reason for you to print out something that you could actually misplace. If you’re worried about not being able to download what you need because of poor or no internet connection, access what you need when you have connectivity and save a screenshot so it becomes available even when you’re offline.

While digital activities also have their own carbon footprint, at least they don’t have a physical output that could eventually end up in the trash.

Practice Sustainable Tourism in the Philippines

With the effects of climate change becoming harsher with every passing day, we need to rethink the way we live, and that includes how we travel. We need to understand what is sustainable tourism development and do our part as travelers to help preserve the beauty of our favorite travel destinations.

Traveling sustainably and responsibly is the only way that we and future generations can keep enjoying all the attractions and the best islands in the Philippines for many years to come.

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Sustainable Tourism in the Philippines

January 2019

Tourism is a vital economic pillar that contributes to growth and development among economies in the world. Such claim is reinforced by reports from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) showing that in 2017, tourism accounted for about 10.4% (USD 8 trillion) of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP), 5% (USD 1 trillion) of total investments, 7% (USD 1.5 trillion) of the world’s exports, and 1 in 10 jobs (313 million jobs) in the global economy. The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) also reported that in 2017, international tourist arrivals increased by 7%, which is expected to continue in 2018 at a rate of 4% to 5%. Such trend is also seen in the Philippines. According to the Department of Tourism (DOT), there was an 11% increase in foreign tourist arrivals in 2017 (i.e., 6.6 million arrivals in 2017 from 5.97 million in 2016). This, as per the WTTC, contributed 21.1% (USD 66.3 billion) to GDP, 2.4% (USD 1.9 billion) to total investments, 8% (USD 7.5 billion) to total exports, and 19.2% (7.8 million jobs) to total employment in 2017. This has driven economic activities across localities, especially in rural areas, which increased the number of enterprises that sustain activities in tourism destinations.

Such magnitudes warrant the need for initiatives to foster sustainable tourism. Sustainable tourism is defined by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and UNWTO as “tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities.” It is primarily concerned about the management and conservation of tourism resources towards equitable development and for the use of succeeding generations. To do this, concerted efforts among stakeholders are necessary.

Tourism stakeholders have the capacity to strengthen and impede sustainability efforts. In providing tourism experience, especially for an archipelagic destination like the Philippines, there is a need for coordination among tourism product and service providers at every stage of the experience to advance sustainable tourism. Coordination is emphasized because unregulated rapid tourism growth weakens sustainability due to its unintentional consequences. In advancing sustainable tourism, it is critical to involve those who are participating and affected by tourism activities. For instance, when local community members are actively involved, it can prompt a sense of ownership among participants. Hence, they will instinctively conserve their attraction. An effective tourism campaign accompanied by tourist satisfaction invites more tourists creating environmental stress thereby and warranting stringent capacity management policies (i.e., closing destinations for rehabilitation, limiting tourist arrivals, rewarding sustainable practices). Such policies are concerted responsibilities of local government, local communities, and private enterprises to ensure that regulations are enforced and monitored that will create long-term benefits. Sustainable tourism must go beyond generating arrivals that disregard carrying capacity limits. Regulations must emphasize on the execution of policies that underscore the triple bottom line – people, planet, and profit. Eventually, tourism can truly be an avenue to provide meaningful employment.

The DOT is optimistic of developing sustainable tourism in the country by rehabilitating destination, enforcing regulations, and improving the quality of tourism products and services.

Sustainable Tourism in the Philippines: Balancing Nature and Development

April 12, 2023
Nature and Wildlife

Sustainable tourism is crucial for the Philippines, a country known for its natural beauty and biodiversity. Balancing development with nature is a challenge, but eco-tourism, community-based tourism, and responsible tourism practices are being implemented.

In this blog post, we’ll explore why sustainable tourism is important for the Philippines. So if you’re looking to explore the Philippines with conscious travel in mind, let’s dive into some information about sustainable tourism!

Sustainable Tourism in the Philippines

The Philippines is poised to become a leader in Sustainable Tourism. The country has already taken various steps to move towards that goal. There has been an increased focus on greening tourism initiatives. With community-based conservation and development a main driver. There are now more ecotourism sites that allow local communities to be part of the conversation and benefit from their participation in eco-tourism events.

This helps create jobs, resources, and social networks around sustainable practices. The government’s strong tie with international organizations such as UNEP and IUCN offers a great opportunity for the Philippines to continue leading the way. When it comes to sustainable tourism, leveraging both global and local efforts to achieve this important mission.

The challenges in implementing sustainable tourism in the Philippines

The Philippines is a beautiful country, filled with stunning natural scenery. However, the growth of different forms of tourism has presented the nation with a unique set of challenges. With rapid development taking place, environmentally conscious measures must be taken into account. For businesses and tourists alike sustainable practices are to be implemented. Here are some of the challenges in implementing sustainable tourism in the Philippines:

Limited Awareness and Understanding

One of the main challenges in implementing sustainable tourism in the Philippines is the limited awareness and understanding of sustainable tourism. Many tourism industry players may not have sufficient knowledge about sustainable tourism practices. But, the public may not appreciate the importance of responsible tourism practices.

Insufficient Resources and Infrastructure

Another challenge is the lack of resources and infrastructure needed to support sustainable tourism. This includes inadequate waste management systems, limited public transportation options, and insufficient funding for conservation of natural resources.

Conflicting Interests and Priorities

Conflicting interests and priorities among stakeholders can create obstacles to sustainable tourism. Some local communities may prioritize short-term economic benefits over long-term sustainability goals. Developers and investors may prioritize profitability over environmental concerns. Such conflicting interests can make it difficult to achieve a balanced approach to tourism development.

Sustainable Tourism Practices in the Philippines

Sustainable tourism practices are gaining importance in the Philippine travel industry. With a variety of biodiverse regions, ranging from mountain paddies to marine sanctuaries. The Philippines is incredibly rich in natural resources and as such has much to offer travelers. Especially those seeking interactive experiences that promote environmental stewardship.

Local governments and tour providers have stepped up their commitment to developing eco-friendly sites and services. Visitors can enjoy the region’s many active adventures while taking part in educational activities that re-connect them with the environment.

Eco-tourism

Writing about eco-tourism and sustainable practices in the Philippines is a subject that should be taken seriously. It can have significant positive effects on the environment. The Department of Tourism in the Philippines has identified several sustainable tourism practices. They are currently under consideration for implementation.

These practices include training tourists ahead of their arrival to reduce waste. Eliminating single-use items such as plastic bottles, discouraging off-road driving, and promoting responsible dietary practices. These principles seek to protect fragile ecosystems while also creating an engaging an experience for visitors.

Community-based tourism

Community-based tourism is gaining widespread popularity in the Philippines. Its a mean of promoting sustainable tourism practices. Connecting with local communities allows visitors to gain insights into the cultural identities of different regions. Local communities are also given an opportunity to benefit from the income generated by tourism activities.

Tourists are able to experience immersive journeys through interactions with genuinely friendly local people. They discover historic sites and places of natural beauty. This type of tourism encourages the upkeep of traditional lifestyles. The linguistic dialects and arts which might otherwise be lost due to modernization.

Responsible tourism

The Philippines is an increasingly popular destination for travelers who value responsible tourism. Sustainable practices in the area are quickly gaining traction. The initiatives that reduce the environmental impact of tourism, provide opportunities for meaningful engagement with local cultures. It strengthens accommodations that support those from the poorest backgrounds, and promote sustainable ways.

From joining eco-friendly tours to choosing suppliers dedicated to sustainability, travelers committed to responsible tourism. They are empowered to make conscious decisions that benefit both tourists and locals alike. The continued commitment to sustainable practices throughout its fast growing tourist industry. Philippines continues to be a prime location for travelers.

Examples of Sustainable Tourism in the Philippines

The Philippines is becoming a popular destination for eco-enthusiasts and sustainable travel. More and more people taking part in ethical tourism. There are an increasing amount of examples of sustainable tourism in the country for travelers to get involved with! Many local tour operators offer carbon-neutral tours or hikes and biking trails supported by green energy sources. Tourists can also visit communities and participate in environmentally friendly conservation projects.

Tubbataha Reef Natural Park

Tubbataha Reef Natural Park is a paradise for divers and snorkelers. Thanks to its stunning scenery of coral reefs, pristine waters, and beautiful fish. This natural area consists of two atolls known as South and North Atoll. Established in 1988 as part of National Integrated Protected Areas System Act administrated.

It was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 due to its ecological importance. According to DENR’s website, sustainable tourism ensures that local communities benefit from the site. It also preserves its marine resources through informed management.

Apo Island is located off the coast of Negros Oriental. A renowned for its effective protection of marine life. It has helped make it one of the best diving spots in the world. It was proclaimed a Marine Reserve and Protected Landscape & Seascape by President Corazon Aquino in 1988. Tourist activities on the island are carefully managed in order to minimize their environmental impact. Activities offered on Apo Island include kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving and leisurely beach walks.

It is one of the clearest examples of sustainable tourism in the Philippines. Its commitment to conservation combined with a stunning natural environment make it a destination for travelers.

Batanes Islands

Situated in the far north of the Philippine archipelago, The Batanes Islands are an example of sustainable tourism done right. With their unique culture, landscape and historical sites that have remained unspoiled for centuries, visitors are able to experience this ecological paradise with its lush forests, endless coastlines and volcanic hills. The islands also boast some of the best conservation efforts amongst all provinces in the Philippines, emphasizing on environmental protection such as upholding strict regulations against littering and boosting organic farming.

Tourists can even engage in activities such as snorkeling and forest bathing whilst being surrounded by wildlife like sea turtles, tropical fish and a variety of birds without needing to worry about leaving a footprint behind. By visiting these beautiful islands, people are able to gain a deeper understanding of how conservation can be achieved yet still be enjoyable.

The Role of Stakeholders in Sustainable Tourism

Sustainable tourism is an approach that takes into consideration the environmental, socio-cultural and economic impacts of tourism and provides proactive solutions to mitigate these effects. It requires a collaborative and multi-disciplinary approach between stakeholders in order to achieve the desired objectives in a sustainable manner. Stakeholders play a crucial role in making this happen, as they help provide relevant context, bring resources to the table, clarify roles and responsibilities, identify opportunities and develop consensus among various parties.

Sustainable tourism is of great importance for our world, and governments must play a leading role in coordinating and collaborating between various stakeholders to ensure that it is pursued in an effective manner. Governments should put in place legislation and policies that support sustainable tourism, such as reducing emissions through regulations and supporting local businesses by providing incentives for eco-tourism initiatives.

Additionally, they should provide guidance to the private sector on how to move forward sustainably while supporting the interests of communities, promoting the conservation of natural resources and curbing human-caused pollution. Lastly, governments should serve as facilitators between key stakeholders such as non-profits, tourism industry professionals and citizens at large so that everyone can engage in coming up with solutions to ensure sustainable tourism.

Private sector

These entities are key stakeholders in sustainable tourism, and their responsibility for promoting responsible practices and outcomes should not be overlooked. Private sector players include hotels and transportation providers, but also include tour operators, shops, restaurants, and many other services used by tourists.

From the perspective of sustainability, private sector stakeholders should focus on the guest experience by setting up affordable but quality accommodation options; incorporating information about local culture into hospitality services; selecting locally produced foods to serve guests; using renewable energy sources if possible; actively engaging in environmental activities such as tree planting or beach cleanups.

Communities

Communities play an essential role in creating and maintaining sustainable tourism. From residents to business owners and local government, the stakeholders involved have a responsibility to advocate for high quality operations that emphasize positive environmental and socio-economic impact. Residents should educate themselves on green practices, support businesses that take on sustainability efforts, and demand responsible initiatives from their representatives.

Business owners can adopt innovative technologies or new policies that promote renewable energy usage or reduce waste production. Government representatives are tasked with executing laws or regulations pertaining to tourism operations that have long term positive outcomes, while also ensuring immediate community needs are met as well. Sustainable tourism is a shared effort.

Tourists have an essential role to play in creating a sustainable and equitable tourism industry. The processes involved in managing and governing tourism are mediated by stakeholders, including a number of actors such as destination managers, policy makers, and the participants who inhabit this ecosystem.

As one of those key stakeholders, tourists need to be aware that they hold a great deal of power when it comes to their choices when travelling, both socially and environmentally. From conscious consumerism to actively engaging with local communities and understanding some of the complexities associated with travelling responsibly, tourists have obligations and opportunities to help drive positive change for our planet.

In Conclusion

The sustainable tourism industry in the Philippines can be a great vehicle for both economic development, as well as conservation of natural and cultural heritage if properly managed. By focusing on maximizing the use of local resources, utilizing ecotourism practices, and placing a high importance on environmental education.

Through these efforts, not only can tourists enjoy all that one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth has to offer, but rural local communities and habitats can continue to reap the benefits while maintaining both their rich culture and ancestral environment.

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TAKING THE PHILIPPINES TOWARDS A MORE SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE TOURISM MODEL

The nation of the philippines is working towards a “restart” of tourism post covid-19 in a positive light. the opportunity is being seized to advance philippines tourism towards a more sustainable and responsible tourism model..

Bernadette Romulo-Puyat – Philippines Department of Tourism Minister – has a hefty task as she prepares the industry for the new normal.

The Philippines is looking towards the restart of travel. The nation’s recent campaigns on domestic tourism are focused on how travel can be enjoyed while following stringent parameters to ensure safety. In the longer-term, campaigns will encourage responsible practices and behaviour.

And the Philippines also aims to strengthen its collaborations with other countries and international organisations in leveraging existing resources to create more awareness about sustainable tourism.

TAKING THE PHILIPPINES TOWARDS A MORE SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE TOURISM MODEL

Phillipines receives WTTC Safe Travels Stamp

In September 2020, the Philippines became the 100th country to be awarded the WTTC Safe Travels stamp, recognising its alignment to the health and safety guidelines for tourism related sectors of the WTTC. The stamp is granted to governments and businesses around the world that have adopted globally standardised health and hygiene protocols, give assurance to travellers and consumers that they can experience “safe travels”.

Since the awarding of the stamp, the Philippines Department of Tourism (DOT) now assumes the role of “Safe Travels Ambassador”, whose duty is to advocate and implement the Safe Travels protocols in the country, not only for private tourism enterprises but more importantly, in order for destinations to be compliant with the protocols.

The current health crisis has created a paradigm shift from mass tourism to a more specialised, nature-based demand in the Philippines. This has created an increasing awareness for the need for conservation. The government says it continues to support nature-based tourism and ecotourism development by improving tourism products through research, planning and capacity building.

Sustainability top of mind

Even before the pandemic, sustainable tourism had been a major trend, not only in attracting “eco-tourists”, but also in preserving a destination’s natural wonders. Sustainable tourism is already mainstream in the development and enhancement of the Philippines’ products that take care of the environment, involve the host communities and stakeholders, and are economically viable.

The development of fun and exciting activities that cause the least disturbance to natural assets and cultural heritage are increasingly being developed and promoted here. And more importantly, the government is working to ensure the safety and protection of tourism workers and local host communities.

Sustainability – not a new concept for Philippines

Already in 2018, the Philippines took a drastic step in closing its top tourism destination, Boracay Island, receiving more than two million visitors annually before the shut-down. The closure was an effort to rectify the environmental degradation to the island’s waters and coral cover and rehabilitate the island as an environmentally sustainable tourism destination.

Boracay reopened in 2019, but the Philippines is looking at similar rehabilitation efforts in other island destinations, particularly Coron and El Nido in Palawan, Panglao in Bohol and Siargao in Surigao del Norte. This is to ensure that environmental sustainability is truly a nationwide endeavour.

The government’s goal today is thus for the Philippines to be recognised as a premier environmentally sustainable destination. In addition, the DOT has partnered with various organisations that support environmental sustainability to train hotel management and staff on sustainable tourism practices, especially in the time of the pandemic.

The Roadmap

So, what does the tourism roadmap look like for coming months and years?

“Sustainable tourism must be our new normal,” says Ms Romulo-Puyat. “This is the best time to reset tourism by re-educating our stakeholders on responsible tourism practices, starting with individual collective efforts and gearing towards a more sustainable future.”

The Philippine government also launched the “Save Our Spots” (SOS) campaign, which leverages celebrities to encourage the public to help protect tourist spots in small ways. It has been noted that the public is increasingly becoming more conscious in keeping spots like Rizal Park and Intramuros clean, and that the younger set are more aware of maintaining the cleanliness of destinations.

In the new normal, the culture of safe travel is sure to be ingrained in the tourism industry. The Philippine government is working closely with tourism enterprises to ensure they will be ready to receive guests, thanks to the issuance of clear Health and Safety Guidelines. These have been issued for accommodation establishments, tour operators and travel agencies, restaurants, tourist land transport, not to mention MICE venues and organisers, spa establishments, tourism attractions such as parks and museums, and for beach and island destinations.

The aim of all this? To boost the confidence of guests and visitors, in the knowledge that at every step of the travel experience, their safety is ensured.

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What kind of tourism is in the Philippines?

The Philippines offers a wide variety of tourism, including eco-tourism, cultural and historical tourism, adventure tourism, food tourism, religious tourism, and health and wellness tourism, each providing unique and immersive experiences.

Table of Contents

Unique Aspects of Philippine Tourism

The Philippines, with its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, presents a unique tourist experience unlike any other. Known as the “Pearl of the Orient Seas,” this tropical paradise features an exceptional blend of Eastern and Western influences, shaped by a history of foreign colonization and its own indigenous traditions.

Diverse Landscapes

Boasting over 7,000 islands, the Philippines offers a wide range of landscapes. From pristine white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters to verdant mountains and lush rainforests, there’s no shortage of natural wonders to explore.

Rich Cultural Heritage

Another unique aspect lies in the country’s vibrant culture. Its heritage is a captivating tapestry woven from the threads of Malay, Spanish, American, and indigenous influences. The blend of these influences is evident in the local architecture, art, language, and most especially, in their festivals, known locally as ‘fiestas.’

Natural Attractions

Cultural and historical tourism.

Cultural and historical tourism is an essential part of any trip to the Philippines. The country is rich in history, showcasing a diverse array of cultural influences and historical events that have shaped its unique identity.

Historic Cities and Landmarks

Steeped in history, cities like Manila , Cebu , and Vigan provide an enriching experience. They house several notable landmarks such as the walled city of Intramuros in Manila, the Basilica del Santo Niño in Cebu, and the preserved Spanish colonial houses in Vigan, a UNESC

O World Heritage Site.

Philippine Museums and Art Galleries

The Philippines is also home to various museums and art galleries that showcase the country’s rich cultural and artistic heritage. The National Museum in Manila, for instance, houses invaluable artefacts and works of art that speak volumes about the country’s history and culture.

Indigenous Tribes and Traditional Filipino Culture

The country’s indigenous tribes also play a significant role in the cultural fabric of the Philippines. Tribes like the Ifugao in the Cordilleras, the T’boli in Mindanao, and the Palaw’an in Palawan preserve and promote the country’s indigenous customs, traditions, and art forms.

Adventure Tourism

Diving and snorkeling spots.

The country is one of the world’s top destinations for diving and snorkeling, thanks to its rich marine biodiversity.

Hiking and Trekking Adventures

The archipelago also offers numerous hiking and trekking opportunities,with trails leading to spectacular views and encounters with local flora and fauna. One can conquer the country’s highest peak, Mount Apo , or experience the mesmerizing landscapes of the Banaue Rice Terraces.

Extreme Sports and Activities

For those seeking thrills beyond hiking and diving, the Philippines doesn’t disappoint. One can surf the impressive waves of Siargao, go whitewater rafting in Cagayan de Oro, or try skydiving in Pampanga.

Food Tourism

Food is an integral part of the travel experience, and the Philippines offers a unique culinary journey that caters to various palates.

Traditional Filipino Cuisine

Traditional Filipino cuisine is as diverse as the country’s geography and cultural history. Notable dishes include Adobo, a savory stew of meat marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic; Sinigang, a tangy tamarind soup; and Lechon, a whole roasted pig often served at festive occasions.

Food Markets and Street Food Culture

The country’s food markets and street food culture are an adventure in themselves. Markets like the Salcedo Community Market in Makati and Baguio City Public Market in the north offer a variety of local produce, freshly prepared meals, and regional specialties. Street food, with delicacies like balut (duck embryo), isaw (chicken intestines), and kwek-kwek (deep-fried quail eggs), is a must-try for the adventurous eater.

Culinary Classes and Food Tours

For those keen on learning the secrets of Filipino cuisine, culinary classes and food tours are available across the country. Companies like the Philippine Culinary Heritage Movement and Old Manila Walks offer immersive food experiences that teach you how to cook local dishes and understand the country’s culinary traditions.

Religious Tourism

The Philippines, being a predominantly Christian country, offers numerous religious sites and experiences that attract tourists and pilgrims alike.

Churches and Religious Landmarks

Several churches and religious landmarks, like the San Agustin Church in Manila, the Basilica del Santo Niño in Cebu, and the Paoay Church in Ilocos Norte, exhibit the country’s rich religious heritage and architectural splendor.

Religious Festivals and Pilgrimages

Religious festivals, or ‘fiestas,’ occur throughout the year and across the country. These include the Sinulog Festival in Cebu, the Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo, and the Pahiyas Festival in Lucban.

Eco-Tourism

The Philippines, with its wealth of natural resources, has embraced eco-tourism as a way to preserve its stunning landscapes while fostering sustainable tourism practices.

Sustainable Tourist Spots

Many eco-tourism sites in the country are working towards sustainability. The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases the richness of the country’s marine biodiversity.

Eco-friendly Practices and Initiatives

There’s also a growing emphasis on eco-friendly practices and initiatives. In Boracay, a popular island destination that underwent a six-month rehabilitation, initiatives have been implemented to control tourist numbers and ensure the island’s sustainable future. Meanwhile, businesses across the country are also embracing green practices, from eco-friendly accommodations to restaurants promoting locally-sourced and organic food.

Health and Wellness Tourism

The Philippines is an emerging destination for health and wellness tourism.offering a range of services designed to soothe the body and mind.

Spa and Wellness Centers

The country offers various spa and wellness centers that combine modern wellness practices with traditional Filipino healing techniques. Top wellness destinations like The Farm at San Benito and Nurture Wellness Village offer a wide range of services, from therapeutic massages to holistic wellness programs, in settings that allow guests to commune with nature.

Yoga and Meditation Retreats

The Philippines is also home to numerous yoga and meditation retreats. Places such as Bahay Kalipay in Palawan . Mandala Spa and Resort Villas in Boracay offer yoga classes, meditation sessions. wellness workshops amidst serene natural environments, providing the perfect setting for relaxation and introspection.

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The Ultimate History Travel Blog Since 2015

27 Incredible Filipino Souvenirs & Gifts to Bring Back from the Philippines

A Cebu Souvenir Guitar from the Philippines Gifts

Last Updated on: 19th June 2023, 06:40 pm

Wondering what to buy in the Philippines?

Here are the best Filipino souvenirs and ideas for things to bring back to friends and family as gifts from the Philippines, including ideas for loved ones, romantic partners, and kids!

Read next: 27 Stunning Beaches in the Philippines You Need to See!

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What to Buy in the Philippines: the Best Filipino Souvenirs and Gifts

My Favorite Travel Booking Sites for 2023

These are my favorite companies that I use on my own travels.

Protect Your Trip via Safety Wing

Find the best city tours, day tours, bus tours, & skip-the-line tickets on GetYourGuide and Viato r .

Find the best deals on hotels & vacation rentals on Booking.com .

For English-speaking private airport transfers, book through Welcome Pickups.

For road trips and independent travel, rent a car through Discover Cars .

Find information and cruise reviews on Cruise Critic.

For packing and travel essentials order via Amazon .

Book an affordable family or romantic photography session on your trip through Flytographer (Use the code HISTORYFANGIRL for 10% off your first photoshoot).

For travel guidebooks to have with you during your trip, I always pick one or two from Rick Steves and Lonely Planet.

The Best Philippines Souvenirs

In no particular order…

Model Jeepney

Minor Basilica of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz in manila with a Jeepney

During your time in the Philippines, you’re sure to see a fun and colorful Jeepney out and about. Bring back a toy or model version to remember your trip.

This also makes a great Filipino souvenir for kids.

Batak Souvenirs

Batak Tribe, Old Traditional Village in Palawan, Philippines, Asia

If you choose to put Palawan on your Philippines itinerary, you can shop for beautiful items made by the Batak tribe.

You will need to go on an organized tour for access, but don’t worry as the tours know to leave enough time for you to shop from local artisans before your group departs.

If you prefer to book a private tour instead, you can check out YGD Travel which is the only agency I found who offers this service.

Manila Hemp Bags

A bunch of colorful and handmade pouches or shoulder bags made from Manila hemp, a strong fiber obtained from the leafstalk of a banana native to the Philippines. Selective focus. Copy space.

Made from the fibers of the Abaca banana plant, Manilla hemp is a sturdy material for making bags and accessories.

Look for pieces that incorporate colors and a bit of flair.

Hand-Woven Textiles

T'nalak purses, made from the fiber of Abaca plant, handwoven by the indigenous Filipino in the southern Philippines. Selected focus. Copy space.

The Philippines produces beautiful textiles that are woven by hand. Make sure whatever you pick out goes to support the textile workers as much as possible.

Bags and scarves are better than full garments unless you know how you’ll wear your clothing without using it as a costume.

A close-up shot of sungkaan, a pit-carved wooden board. Sungka is a native Filipino game played with seashells or pebbles. It is the Philippine version of mancala.

This Filipino version of mancala comes in beautifully carved wooden boards that are both decorative and entertaining.

This is a great idea for a souvenir from the Philippines for families since you can play together at home and enjoy thinking about your trip while you do.

A MassKara Festival Mask

Street dancing parade of colorful mask and costume during the celebration of Masskara Festival at Bacolod City, Philippines

Whether you’re able to attend the MassKara Festival or not, if you see these beautiful and colorful masks for sale, don’t hesitate to bring one back home with you!

You can use them to adorn your walls or give them as gifts for children.

A Capiz Shell Lamps

Brightly illuminated colorful traditional lanterns made of thin sea shells hanging outside a shop at Divisoria market in Manila, Philippines.

You will see capiz shells used on all kinds of decorative items throughout the Philippines. A great way to bring a piece of this beauty back home with you is to pick up a capiz shell lamp.

You can find them in their traditional opal white or dyed in brightly colored hues.

Guitar music is a tradition brought to the Philippines by the Spanish. You can find locally produced guitars, from professional instruments to small souvenir guitars.

These make great items to bring back as Filipino gifts for kids.

Filipino Pearls

The waters around the Philippines produce beautiful pearls. South Sea pearls are the national gem of the Philippines.

You can find them in traditional white and a beautiful shade of gold.

Locally Crafted Jewelry

Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, Philippines - October 20, 2018: Buglasan Festival at Freedom Park held yearly together with October Fest Celebration.

Buying locally crafted jewelry is a great way to remember your trip. It’s also the perfect romantic souvenir to bring back to a partner waiting for you at home!

If you’re not into pearls, there are lots of other great options for jewelry from the Philippines. Try to support a local artisan or small business.

Books about the Philippines

I love buying books on my travels. While people think you can get any book back home, it’s actually not the case!

There are tons of small independent publishers around the world whose books aren’t available online. I especially love getting books at museum gift shops and used book stores.

Tanduay Rum

Mojito coctail on a wooden table in front of the sea.

If you’re looking for a great Filipino gift for him, bring back a bottle of Tanduay Rum.

Considered the unofficial drink of the Philippines, it has been produced here since the mid-nineteenth century.

While they proudly proclaim themselves the best rum in the world, it’s more likely that this is just the best rum in Asia. But that is reason enough to bring a bottle home with you!

An Abaniko Fan

An abaniko is a traditional hand-held fan used by Filipina ladies. The position of the fan can communicate information about the woman holding it.

They are made from leaves and stems and colored in traditional colors and patterns of the local area.

Renegade Folk Shoes

Shoes are a common travel souvenir for shopping enthusiasts since you can typically start wearing them while you’re still on your trip.

You can get inexpensive flip flops and sandals everywhere, but if you want an authentic Filipino brand that is ultra-stylish pick up a pair of Renegade Folk sandals.

Wooden Gifts

solid philippine hardwood with intricate hand carving

Wood carving has been an important tradition in the Philippines for over two thousand years.

Today you can find stunning handmade carvings (as well as less expensive mass-produced items) for sale all over the country.

These are great souvenirs for anyone looking for something natural and beautiful to display at home.

Musical Instruments

Filipino ethnic drum made of wood in the shape of a pig on spotted background

Another souvenir I like to buy on my travels is local instruments. Drums make especially great souvenirs since you can display them at home.

Beautiful local Filipino drums make a fabulous souvenir if you want something beyond a traditional guitar.

Local Artwork

Palms against blue sky on a beach. Modern painting, background illustration.

I love bringing back artwork from local artists on my trips. Look for galleries that support and feature local artists rather than big galleries that target tourists with generic stuff.

Filipino Coffee

Kapeng Barako, also known as Barako Coffee or Batangas Coffee, is a coffee originated in Batangas and Cavite from the country of the Philippines.

Coffee has been grown in the Philippines for almost three hundred years, and Filipinos are proud of how delicious authentic locally grown coffee is.

You can bring back a bag of beans to grind at home so your morning cup of joe before work is just as delicious as what you enjoyed on vacation.

Dried Mangos

Dried mango from Cebu,Philippines. Preserved mango on green leaves and wood background, shaded with afternoon light, fruit snacks.

While in the Philippines, you’ll be enjoying mango all over the country.

Why not take some dried mango home with you for a healthy snack that’s also a great reminder of your fabulous vacation?

A Tattoo by Apo Whang-Od

Apo Whang-Od, Last Mambabatok of the Kalinga ethnic tribe

If you’re interested in getting a travel tattoo, getting a tattoo by Apo Whang-Od is a unique experience, and one you are blessed to get to experience.

This Filipino tattoo artist is one of the most famous in the world, and at 103 years old she’s also one of the most experienced.

She is considered the last and oldest mambabatok, which is a traditional Kalinga tattooist.

Happy Skin Cosmetics

If you’re planning on having a shopping day in Manilla, look out for Happy Skin Cosmetics.

This homegrown cosmetics brand has partnered with Disney and is a great inexpensive way to remember your trip every morning!

San Miguel Beer

Founded in 1890, San Miguel beer is the most popular beer in the Philippines. You will no doubt run into the logo during your time here.

You can bring back some San Miguel swag to remember how refreshing your time in Filipinas.

Filipino Money

Filipino custom of putting coins on a table beside round fruits, rice and salt for a bountiful New Year

Coins and bills are a great Filipino memento from your trip known for being beautiful.

Why not bring back a bit of your spare change on your way home?

A Banig Mat

While they might look like yoga mats to the uninitiated, these Filipino mats are designed for sleeping and are made from Buri, pandanus, or seagrass leaves.

Bring one back to incorporate into your home decor.

An Aranaz Bag

If you want to bring home a bit of Filipino fashion, then make sure to set aside some time to visit Aranaz.

This luxury brand of bags handmade in the Philipines is a great place to shop for yourself or find Filipino gifts for her. Check out their locations in Manila .

Filipino Flag Souvenirs

If you do a lot of international travel, you might start a flag souvenir collection.

Small flags take up almost no room in your suitcase but make for beautiful and colorful souvenirs from the Philippines that you can pull out whenever you feel nostalgic.

Traditional Kitschy Souvenirs

If you love collecting spoons, T-shirts, or other kitschy souvenirs on your travels, rest assured you will be able to find these kinds of fun and tacky Filipino souvenirs all over the islands!

I personally love picking up a refrigerator magnet from my travels.

If you’re looking for a good cheap Filipino souvenir, pick up a beautiful postcard!

5 Things to Pack for Your Trip to the Philippines

The Lonely Planet Philippines guidebook for your trip. It can be kind of a pain to find the major guidebooks once you land, or you’ll find them overpriced. I always like to pick mine up ahead of time.

An Unlocked Cell Phone so that you can use a local sim card while here to help public transportation.

Backup Charging Bank for your cell phone since you’ll be using it as a camera, GPS, and general travel genie.

A Camera since the Philippines is super photogenic. I use a mix of my Nikon D810 and my Samsung8 smartphone these days.

A Great Day Bag so you can carry what you need with you (like your camera, snacks, water, sunscreen, cash, etc).

My current favorite is the Pacsafe Citysafe , which is especially great for cities in the Philippines because it has many anti-theft features designed to deter pickpockets.

It also transitions to a night bag more easily and won’t embarrass you if you go to dinner directly after sightseeing all day.

Don’t Forget About Travel Insurance!

Before you leave for the Philippines make sure you have a valid Travel Insurance Policy because accidents happen on the road.

I pay for World Nomads, and I happily recommend them.

It’s especially important to get travel insurance if you’ll be hanging out in the great outdoors where injuries can happen.

I have been a paying customer of World Nomads for travel insurance for three years, and I happily recommend them.

If you get sick, injured, or have your stuff stolen, you’ll be happy to have the ability to pay for your medical bills or replace what’s stolen or broken.

Get a Travel Insurance quote for your trip.

Pin this Guide to What to Buy in the Philippines for Your Trip!

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2 thoughts on “27 Incredible Filipino Souvenirs & Gifts to Bring Back from the Philippines”

do you have an idea how much a model jeepney costs? if would be a perfect Philippine souvenir 🙂

I don’t know the prices for the Model Jeepney and I’m sure it varies across the country.

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A Guide to Eco-Tourism Spots in the Philippines

by Amiel Pineda
January 1, 2024 January 30, 2024

Imagine standing at the edge of a pristine rainforest, feeling the cool mist from a majestic waterfall on your skin, and hearing the symphony of exotic birds welcoming you to their home.

The Philippines is a treasure trove of natural wonders, and the eco-tourism spots scattered throughout the archipelago offer an authentic and sustainable way to experience this paradise.

From the enchanting Puerto Princesa Underground River in Palawan to the vibrant Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in the Sulu Sea, there is an abundance of breathtaking locations waiting to be explored.

But beyond the sheer beauty of these destinations lies a deeper purpose – a chance to become part of a movement that not only preserves the environment but also supports the livelihoods of local communities.

Key Takeaways

Palawan offers eco-tourism spots such as the Puerto Princesa Underground River and Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, known for their impressive natural resources, diverse marine life, and sustainable tourism practices.
Other locations in the Philippines, like Iloilo City, Rizal, and Negros Occidental, also offer eco-tourism opportunities with activities such as carbon offset tours, hikes through protected parks, and sustainable accommodation options.
Additional eco-tourism activities in the Philippines include firefly watching in Bohol and hiking Mount Apo in Davao, both providing opportunities to connect with nature, appreciate biodiversity, and engage in adventurous experiences.
The importance of conservation is emphasized, highlighting the need to protect natural areas, support sustainable tourism practices, and promote awareness and education about conservation. The benefits of eco-tourism include economic growth, job creation, preservation of cultural heritage, promotion of sustainable practices, and enhancement of local communities.

Eco-Tourism in Puerto Princesa Underground River (Palawan)

If you're seeking an adventure that immerses you in a captivating underground world, the Eco-Tourism in Puerto Princesa Underground River in Palawan is an absolute must-see.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a marvel of natural resources and sustainable tourism. The underground river in Palawan isn't just any tourist destination; it's a sanctuary for diverse marine life and protected areas.

Imagine embarking on a guided tour, exploring impressive cave systems while marveling at the intricate ecosystem that supports the thriving population of birds, fish, and bats. As you cruise through the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, you'll witness the beauty of this ecological wonder, home to crab-eating monkeys and monitor lizards.

This is the epitome of ecotourism activities—immersing yourself in the beauty of nature while contributing to its preservation.

Iloilo City Carbon Offset Tour

Embark on the Iloilo City Carbon Offset Tour to explore the best tourist spots in Iloilo while actively contributing to environmental sustainability through carbon offsetting efforts.

During the tour, you can visit the Iloilo City Carbon Offset Eco Park, a conservation area that hosts protected wildlife and promotes environmental impact awareness.

As you journey through the city center, immerse yourself in the lush surroundings and learn about the local efforts to preserve the ecosystem.

Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to take a serene boat ride along the Abatan River, marveling at the natural beauty while understanding the significance of carbon offset tours in sustaining the region's ecological balance.

Join this initiative to make a positive impact and experience the beauty of Iloilo in a responsible and sustainable manner.

Masungi Georeserve Hike (Rizal)

Nestled in Rizal, the Masungi Georeserve Hike beckons with its limestone peaks and verdant rainforests, offering an immersive experience in nature's wonders.

This ecotourism gem is a protected park that's home to around 400 species of animals, including a unique micro snail.

You can choose between two trail options for your hike: the Discovery Trail and the Legacy Trail, both of which provide breathtaking views of colorful seascapes.

As you traverse the trails, you'll find yourself surrounded by the natural beauty of the Philippines, promoting a peaceful and responsible connection with the environment.

The Masungi Georeserve Hike is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers, providing an opportunity to explore and appreciate the abundant natural treasures of Rizal.

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park Diving (Sulu Sea, Palawan)

If you're a nature enthusiast, get ready for an awe-inspiring underwater adventure at Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts a vibrant and diverse marine ecosystem, with 360 species of coral and 700 types of fish awaiting your exploration.

Not only will you witness an incredible array of marine life, but you'll also be supporting the conservation efforts aimed at preserving this underwater paradise.

Diverse Marine Life

Diving in Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the astounding marine biodiversity of the Sulu Sea, including 360 species of coral and 700 kinds of fish, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and diving aficionados.

Explore vibrant coral reefs and coral gardens teeming with life.

Witness an array of colorful marine species, from tiny seahorses to majestic manta rays.

Encounter 11 species of sharks, 13 species of dolphins and whales, birds, and sea turtles in their natural habitat.

Immerse yourself in the crystal-clear waters for an unforgettable snorkeling or scuba diving experience, surrounded by diverse marine life.

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park stands as one of the world's premier ecotourism destinations, offering unparalleled opportunities to witness the wonders of the marine world.

Conservation Efforts

The conservation efforts at Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park aim to protect and preserve the delicate ecosystem of the reefs, ensuring the continued flourishing of its rich marine biodiversity. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this natural park spans over 97,000 hectares and requires a 10-12 hour journey to reach, making it a truly special and secluded haven for marine wildlife.

Tubbataha boasts 360 species of coral, 700 kinds of fish, 11 species of sharks, 13 species of dolphins and whales, birds, and sea turtles. Through ecotourism and conservation initiatives, visitors like you play a crucial role in safeguarding this marine paradise.

Danjugan Island Sanctuary Sustainability Camp (Negros Occidental)

When you visit Danjugan Island Sanctuary Sustainability Camp in Negros Occidental, you can look forward to eco-friendly accommodation options that immerse you in the beauty of nature.

The camp's dedication to biodiversity conservation efforts means you'll have the opportunity to witness and support the protection of various species.

From snorkeling in vibrant coral reefs to bird-watching in lush forests, the camp offers a range of activities for nature lovers to enjoy while respecting the environment.

Eco-Friendly Accommodation Options

Nestled in Negros Occidental, the Danjugan Island Sanctuary Sustainability Camp offers eco-friendly accommodations that immerse visitors in a sustainable and enriching experience.

When you stay at this camp, you can expect:

Rustic yet comfortable cottages built with local materials, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings.
Solar-powered lighting and natural ventilation promoting sustainable living without compromising comfort.
Delicious meals made from locally sourced, organic ingredients, providing a true taste of the region's culinary delights.
Engaging activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and bird-watching, allowing you to connect with the island's diverse ecosystem.

The accommodations at Danjugan Island Sanctuary Sustainability Camp support responsible travel and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for eco-conscious travelers seeking an authentic and eco-friendly experience.

Biodiversity Conservation Efforts

Immerse yourself in the biodiversity conservation efforts at Danjugan Island Sanctuary Sustainability Camp, where visitors can engage in wildlife observation and participate in environmental conservation initiatives.

The sanctuary, nestled in Negros Occidental, is dedicated to promoting responsible and sustainable connections with the environment. It offers a wide variety of activities, such as snorkeling, kayaking, and bird-watching, all in an eco-friendly setting.

Danjugan Island Sanctuary provides educational opportunities for visitors to learn about its conservation efforts, fostering an understanding of the importance of preserving natural habitats.

By visiting this eco-tourism site, you can actively contribute to the protection of the environment while experiencing the beauty of nature.

This commitment to sustainability makes Danjugan Island Sanctuary an exemplary model for biodiversity conservation efforts in the Philippines .

Activities for Nature Lovers

Discover a range of sustainable activities and nature-based experiences at Danjugan Island Sanctuary Sustainability Camp in Negros Occidental.

Immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the Philippines with a variety of engaging activities:

Engage in sustainable activities such as snorkeling and kayaking to explore the vibrant marine life surrounding the island.
Explore the diverse bird species through bird-watching, offering a serene and captivating experience for bird enthusiasts.
Participate in guided nature walks to observe the island's lush rainforests, learning about the diverse flora and fauna that call the island home.

These activities provide an opportunity to connect with the pristine beaches and rich biodiversity of Danjugan Island, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers seeking unforgettable experiences.

Bohol Firefly Watching Tour

As you embark on the guided tour of the Bohol Firefly Watching Tour, prepare to be mesmerized by the enchanting display of fireflies along the tranquil river. The tour takes place on the Loboc River, offering a serene and magical evening as you witness the natural wonder of fireflies in their habitat. This eco-tourism experience allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty of these glowing insects while supporting sustainable tourism in the Philippines. The Bohol Firefly Watching Tour provides an opportunity to connect with nature and appreciate the enchanting display of these bioluminescent creatures. It's a captivating river tour that showcases the rich biodiversity of Bohol, making it one of the must-visit eco-tourism spots in the Philippines .

Mount Apo Hike (Davao)

Mesmerized by the enchanting display of fireflies along the Loboc River during the Bohol Firefly Watching Tour? Now, gear up for an exhilarating adventure as you embark on a challenging hike to the highest peak in the Philippines, Mount Apo, located in Davao.

During the Mount Apo hike, you'll encounter diverse flora and fauna while enjoying breathtaking views. Here's what you can expect:

Witness the unique ecosystem and wildlife while trekking Mount Apo in Davao.
Discover the rich biodiversity and natural beauty of Mount Apo, the highest peak in the Philippines.
Engage in an adventurous and rewarding experience, surrounded by stunning landscapes and incredible biodiversity.

Get ready to immerse yourself in ecotourism at its finest as you explore Mount Apo's natural spots, green sea, river caves, rock formations, and coconut trees. It's a journey that promises both challenge and wonder.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the destinations in the philippines that promotes sustainable tourism.

Looking for eco-friendly resorts, wildlife sanctuaries, and sustainable diving? The Philippines offers green adventures, conservation projects, and responsible trekking. Engage in community projects, preserve the ocean, and learn about environmental education.

What Is an Example of Ecotourism in the Philippines?

If you're looking for an example of ecotourism in the Philippines, Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park Diving in Palawan is a prime choice. It offers sustainable practices, biodiversity conservation, and wildlife protection alongside breathtaking underwater adventures.

What Is the Protected Tourist Spot in the Philippines?

Tubbataha Reef is a protected tourist spot in the Philippines, known for its marine biodiversity. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Sulu Sea. The vibrant coral gardens make it a top recreational diving destination.

Where Is the Sustainable Place in the Philippines?

Looking for sustainable places in the Philippines? You'll find eco-friendly accommodations, conservation efforts, and community involvement in places like Danjugan Island Sanctuary, Mount Apo Hike, and Batanes Island. Experience responsible travel and environmental education while exploring biodiversity hotspots.

Are There Eco-Tourism Spots in the Philippines that Include Caving Adventures?

Yes, there are complete caving adventures in the Philippines that are part of eco-tourism spots. The country offers various destinations where visitors can explore stunning caves and underground rivers, such as Sagada, Palawan, and Samar. These caving experiences allow tourists to appreciate and protect the natural beauty of the Philippines.

Experience the beauty of the Philippines through eco-tourism and make a positive impact on the environment and local communities.

From the stunning Puerto Princesa Underground River to the diverse Tubbataha Reefs, there are countless opportunities to explore and support conservation efforts.

Embrace the adventure and immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the Philippines while leaving a minimal ecological footprint.

Choose eco-tourism and be a part of sustainable travel that preserves the country's biodiversity for future generations to enjoy.

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The Philippines vies for 4 major awards at the prestigious World Travel Awards 2023

Manila, Philippines— With four nominations under its belt this year, The Philippines is defending its back to back title as the World’s Leading Beach Destination and World’s Leading Dive Destination at the prestigious World Travel Awards (WTA), dubbed as the Oscars of the travel industry.

The Philippines’ track record of excellence in the travel and tourism industry continues to earn its reputation as a world-class destination. The nation’s nomination in four distinct categories underscores its commitment to providing travelers with unparalleled experiences.

This year, the country has been nominated in four coveted categories, solidifying its position as a global travel destination. Other than the nominations as World’s Leading Beach Destination and World’s Leading Dive Destination, The Philippines is also vying for the World’ Leading Island Destination, while the Department of Tourism is nominated as the World’s Leading Tourist Board.

Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said that such nominations thus further recognize the Philippines as an in-demand destination both for local and international travelers to this day.

“We welcome these nominations that show growing global interest and love for the Philippines. With the natural beauty of our beaches, dive sites, and islands, the wealth of history, heritage, and culture, the festivals, flavors, and adventures across our diverse Regions, every tourist’s journey guarantees a lifetime of memories. Tourism employs over 5.35 Million Filipinos who display such care and hospitality for our tourists that make the Philippine experience truly unforgettable,” the tourism chief said.

Established in 1993, the London-based WTA acknowledges excellence in the travel and tourism industry in three tiers: country, regional, and world awards across different categories.

To recall, the country had won World’s Leading Dive Destination and World’s Leading Beach Destination, while the historic Walled City of Intramuros reclaimed its title as Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction at the WTA Asia Category in 2022.

The DOT extends its appreciation to all those who have supported its nominations and invites travelers to continue exploring the beauty, culture, and adventure that await in the tropical paradise of 7,641 islands. Voting for the World Travel Awards 2023 is now open, and the Philippines hopes to secure victory in these prestigious categories.

Voters may click on THE Philippines to cast their vote via https://www.worldtravelawards.com/vote until November 17, 2023.

Published:October 25, 2023

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FRASCO OPTIMISTIC OF PH TOURISM RESURGENCE, LAUDS CEBU TOURISM SUCCESS

Frasco eyes visitor-friendly, “distinctly Filipino” air, seaports in PHL

DOT celebrates Philippine Accessible Disability Services, Inc. (PADS) Dragon Boat Team historic four gold medal haul

DOT to facilitate interagency effort to strengthen Filipino Brand of Service

DOT to coordinate on quake-hit tourist destinations, heritage sites

PBBM cites tourism as top-priority; orders infra development, enhancement of Filipino brand

DOT chief takes “Listening Tours” to Luzon

DOT Chief affirms support to National Museum of the Philippines; proposes inclusion of museums in tourism circuits

Boracay, Palawan and Cebu hailed World’s Best Islands; DOT celebrates back-to-back accolades for PHL destinations

Marcos push for Tourism Infra strengthens industry, raises PHL global position – DOT Chief

DOT lauds Boracay’s inclusion in TIME’s 50 World’s Greatest Places of 2022

DOT lauds Cebu-based group win in int’l dance competition

Statement of tourism secretary christina garcia frasco on banaue.

Tourism Chief Frasco kicks off listening tours in VisMin, encourages officials to reach out to LGUs, stakeholders

Tourism chief Frasco to go on ‘listening tours’ starting this week

Dot reports increase in domestic tourism in 2021.

Incoming tourism chief receives warm welcome from employees, vows to bring “LGU perspective” to DOT

DOT’s Philippine International Dive Expo (PHIDEX) returns to Manila next month

First Davao Dive Expo slated on June 24

DOT touts ‘future farms’ as new and sustainable tourist attractions

DOT pitches PHL as ideal retirement destination in Japan Expo

DOT positions New Clark City as premier tourism investment hub

PH’s significant recovery in travel and tourism hot topic in Routes Asia 2022

DOT’s KAIN NA! takes foodies to a multi-sensory adventure

DOT Presents “Escape: Stories from the Road” Podcast

Second (2nd) Online Master TESOL Certification Course

DOT, MMC Foundation partnership brings ER bikes to three Metro Manila tourist sites

DOT spotlights PWDs and women in tourism with new “It’s More Fun for All” campaign

Media release from the department of tourism.

PHL scraps COVID pre-departure test for fully vaccinated, boostered tourists

DENR, DOT and DILG unveil Year of Protected Areas (YoPA) Campaign marking 90th anniversary of Protected Area establishment in the Philippines

Department of Tourism and Mickey Go Philippines introduce Pinoy Mickey Funko Pops

DOT launches “Keep the Fun Going” sustainable tourism campaign with gamified challenges

DOT reminds AEs on proper flag etiquette

DOT 49th Anniversary speech of the Tourism Secretary

DOT pushes for 100% vaccination of active tourism workers

DOT calls for lowering of testing price cap, certification of more saliva test facilities

PHL may be next filming location as Tourism Summit brings in Hollywood execs

WTTC Investment Tour Highlights Viable Opportunities in Clark, Central Luzon

WTTC lauds PH successful hosting of Int’l tourism Summit

Closing and Congratulatory Message during the Closing Ceremony of the 21st WTTC Global Summit of the DOT Secretary

WTTC: ‘Astonishing Recovery’ for Philippines’ tourism sector

World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Exhibition Booths

WTTC Opening Ceremony Welcome Remarks of the DOT Secretary

WTTC bullish on PH tourism recovery amid Covid-19 pandemic

PHL Foreign tourist arrivals breach 200k mark – DOT Chief

DOT, partner agencies celebrate Filipino Food Month

WTTC announces speakers for its 21st Global Summit in the Philippines

DOT seeks return of Korean tourists, PH’s top market

DOT inks partnership with PNP, PDEA to beef up security in tourist destinations

DOT Launches Digital Travel Magazine “7641”

PHL says “All systems go for full reopening on April 1”; Removes EED as entry requirement

Phl logs more than 100,000 visitor arrivals since feb. 10 reopening.

DOT meets with Japanese tourism execs to boost inbound tourism arrivals

Statement of the DOT on hotel rooms occupancy guidelines

PH opens doors to all foreign tourists with easing of arrival requirements starting April 1

Travel to PHL is “easier”, more fun – Puyat

DOT Launches “Sounds More Fun in the Philippines” Playlist on Spotify

DOT hopeful on higher tourism growth with downgrading of NCR, 38 areas to Alert Level 1

Intramuros visitors up by 132% in February

DOT bares higher tourist influx since reopening

Dot welcomes iatf approval to accept the national vaxcert of 12 additional countries.

PH receives 9,283 inbound tourists; DOT upbeat on higher arrivals in months ahead

Puyat: Walk-in booster shots available for Boracay visitors

All systems go for PHL reopening for international travel- Puyat

Kids’ vaccination to make family travels safe, more fun

DOT lists requirements and protocols for arriving foreign leisure guests

Save the date for the World Travel & Tourism Council Global Summit in the Philippines

DOT: PH to accept fully-vaxxed tourists from visa-free countries starting Feb. 10

DOT supports ‘Pharmacy and Drive-thru Vaccination Sites’ rollout in Baguio City

DOT Launches “ASMR Experience the Philippines” Project

Dot to hold 2-day conference on english as second language (esl).

PH cities, hotels bag ASEAN tourism awards

Booster shots rolled out for fully vaxxed tourism workers; 50% of NCR hotel staff already “boosted”

DOT trains over 30,000 tourism professionals amid pandemic

Dot welcomes eased travel movement between gcq and mgcq areas for tourism revival, hotel in ‘poblacion girl” fiasco suspended, fined, intramuros gives vulnerable population a breathing space, dot launches website with exclusive travel deals for balikbayans.

Anilao Underwater Shootout stages a successful comeback

DOT’s KAIN NA! makes a comeback in Tagaytay

Dot earns unwto citation for have a safe trip, pinas ad.

Brgy. Bojo in Aloguinsan, Cebu bags UNWTO best tourism village award

More than 95% of tourism workers in dive establishments already vaccinated against covid-19: dot.

DOT: PHL to welcome Int’l tourists soon

Dot welcomes shortened quarantine days for balikbayans, dot asks lgus to simplify entry requirements in tourist spots, miceconnect 2021 positions boracay as asia’s premier bleisure destination, dot releases latest list of domestic destinations waiving rt-pcr tests for fully vaxxed visitors, dot grants incentives to fully vaccinated individuals visiting intramuros.

Statement of the DOT on waiving RT-PCR requirement to Boracay for fully vaxxed tourists

Anilao underwater ‘shootout’ is back

Puyat, dot execs pitch ph tourism in japan travel mart, dot welcomes eased restrictions in mm under alert level 2, free swab tests for domestic tourists starting nov. 1, dot lists destinations without testing requirement, with projected 100% inoculation rate by next month, boracay will soon waive rt-pcr testing for fully vaxxed visitors.

Domestic Travel Welcome-Back: DOT, TPB launch ‘It’s More Fun with You’ ad and ‘Have a Safe Trip, Pinas’ Viber Stickers

22 divers pass dot guide training in anilao.

PH cited Asia’s top beach and dive destination anew in 2021 World Travel Awards

Dot bullish on camiguin’s reopening, boosts covid-19 vax drive, dot clarifies travel guidelines for ncr residents under alert level 4, alert level 3, good for tourism jobs and businesses as holidays near – puyat, 2nd tourism & technology forum: readying for a different future.

DOT vaccination drive for tourism workers continues in Pampanga

Dot welcomes easing of age restrictions for interzonal travel, less quarantine days for travelers an ‘encouraging development’ for tourism industry – puyat.

Vaccination of Rizal tourism workers crucial to industry’s recovery — DOT

Dot welcomes siargao, palawan and boracay win in int’l travel mag awards, over 43k safety seals issued as more businesses apply, dot backs call to shorten quarantine of fully vaxxed travelers, dot calls for cooperation to ensure success of expanded operational capacity of restaurants in ncr.

DOT lauds Samar LGU vax drive for tourism workers

Message of secretary berna romulo-puyat on the celebration of world tourism day, dot ensures compliance of accredited hotels, resorts to new iatf alert level system guidelines.

Cebu vax drive for tourism workers gains traction with more than 50% inoculated

Puyat bares phl hosting of international tourism conference in march 2022.

DOT and TikTok launch #GandaMoPinas Campaign as local borders reopen

Dot invites esl teachers to free online master tesol certification course.

DOT launches “More Fun Awaits” global campaign to showcase travel preps

Statement of the department of tourism (dot), statement of the department of tourism on the inclusion of palawan in t+l’s top islands in asia, world list, more than 50% of country’s tourism workers vaccinated against covid-19 – dot chief, intramuros site visit of dot secretary berna romulo-puyat.

Intramuros sites and Rizal Park to reopen September 16

Philippines boosts participation in expo 2020 dubai, highlights pinoy food, local tourism businesses receive dot, tpb philcare kits.

DOT, partner agencies drive up promotion of Filipino food experience

More than 7.5k tourism workers in Baguio have received Covid vax – Tourism Chief

Dot, tpb distribute p19m worth of materials to promote safety protocols.

DOT, NTF bring vaccination rollout for tourism workers in Siargao Island

DOT: 95% of tourism workers in NCR vaxxed vs Covid-19

Sustainability is key to tourism industry’s recovery — puyat, dot lauds private sector for vaccine rollout in el nido.

PHITEX 2021: Beyond Business slated for September 19-23

Puyat leads vaccination drive for Pampanga tourism workers

More than 75% of Bohol tourism workers eyed for inoculation with second vaccine roll-out

More than 70% of tourism frontliners in metro manila vaccinated vs covid-19 — puyat.

DOT and TPB SUCCESSFULLY STAGED FIRST-EVER HYBRID EDITION OF THE REGIONAL TRAVEL FAIR

Dot, bpos to hold job fair, statement of the department of tourism.

DOT targets increased inoculation of tourism workers in more destinations

Puyat: More vaccines coming for Palawan tourism workers

Dot statement on nesthy petecio’s silver medal finish in the tokyo 2020 olympics, rizal park drive-thru vax site opens; puyat hails manila’s anti-covid initiative, dot gets highest coa rating for 2nd straight year, statement of the department of tourism on the passing of heritage and cultural tourism advocate mr. ramon hofileña, statement of the department of tourism (dot) on the heightened community quarantine level implementations in ncr, more tourism workers in boracay to receive covid-19 jabs – dot, dot reiterates call for safe travel amid stricter quarantine measure, dot reminds hotels, resorts that room sharing for quarantined families is allowed, dot celebrates siargao inclusion in time magazine as one of the world’s greatest places of 2021, dot launches halal food tourism, dot backs gov’t infra program to boost tourism, dot backs iloilo bid for ‘creative city of gastronomy’ recognition from unesco, statement of the department of tourism on iatf decision allowing children five years old and above, and fully vaccinated seniors to visit outdoor areas, dot partners with viber to promote kain na foodfest, dot: 3,000 boracay tourism workers to receive covid vax, dot, tpb continues to support lgus with digital transformation projects, dot teams up with scarlet belo and cartoon network to take safe trips, dot statement on the activities of the taal volcano, bakuna by the sea: dot hails davao’s innovative approach to travel, hospitality workers, dot, tpb to roll out 2nd phase of rt-pcr financial subsidy program through pcmc, dot unveils region 1 tourism recovery plan, statement of the department of tourism on the drop of tourism contribution to gdp, dot to co-stage virtual fête de la musique june 18-21, more ncr tourism workers receive support through dot-dole program, travel for tourists of all ages from ncr plus to boracay, other mgcq areas extended to june 30, dot eyes inoculation of 5,000 bohol tourism workers, museums in ncr plus to reopen on limited capacity – dot, dot turns food tourism to high heat with 2021 kain na, terms for tourism business loans eased, dot bares tourism recovery plans for bulacan, dot and tiktok launch #sarapmagingpinoy campaign to promote local food tourism, dot launches five-year plan to develop tourism professionals, dot celebrates world environment month, highlights responsible marine wildlife interactions, statement of the department of tourism (dot) on the rt-pcr requirement for leisure travelers under iatf-eid resolution 118a, statement of the dot on iatf-eid resolution 118a, more than 16k bulacan tourism workers get dot-dole cash aid, dot orders stricter monitoring of staycation hotels and aes in gcq areas following new iatf guidelines, dot lauds inclusion of frontline tourism workers in a1 priority group, dot hosts pata summit for first hybrid mice event in 2021, over 1,400 golf workers in metro manila get dot-dole cash aid.

Central Luzon to Showcase ‘Flavors of Pampanga’, readies tourists for gastronomic experience

Dot lauds ph hotels recognized with the 2021 tripadvisor awards, 3,390 tourism workers in marinduque approved to receive p16.95m dot-dole cash aid, puyat bares tourism recovery plans for marinduque, dot proposes ‘green lane’ for fully vaccinated travelers, dot hails expansion of priority vaccination to a4 cluster, including tourism frontliners, 5,986 staycation rooms open for guests from ncr plus, intramuros to open fort santiago, baluarte de san diego to visitors may 17, dot statement on the proposed vaccination center in nayong pilipino, dot welcomes iatf decision to ease travel in ncr plus, 221m cash aid approved for 44k tourism workers in western visayas, statement of the department of tourism (dot) on the collected garbage from the waters of samal island, davao del norte, statement of the department of tourism (dot) on the reported violations of a hotel in davao city, dot to host hybrid pata annual event for adventure travel, p1.5m cash aid approved for 295 intramuros tourism workers, updates on the vaccination of tourism workers, labor day vax for tourism workers, more than 400k displaced tourism workers get dot-dole cash aid, philippine tourism and mice industry to bounce back with the hosting of wttc global summit, dot, manila lgu ink mobile hospital deal, dot-accredited establishment staysafe.ph-users, eligible for safety seal certification, dot grants the wttc safe travels stamp to 33 more hotels nationwide, dot welcomes proposals to convert tourism sites to temporary medical facilities, dot lauds repurposed hotels, calls for ‘bayanihan’ vs covid, dot approves use of burnham green and quirino grandstand in rizal park for temporary mobile hospital and drive-thru vaccination site, dot celebrates saud beach inclusion in the 25 most beautiful beaches in the world list of travel and leisure, 67k displaced tourism workers of ncr+ receive dot-dole cash aid, statement of the department of tourism on the vaccination facility in nayong pilipino property, statement of the department of tourism regarding the alleged birthday “super spreader” event in boracay, dot eyes adoption of covid-19 digital travel pass, dot statement on ecq extension in ncr plus, phl, dot nominated at asia edition of 2021 world travel awards, dot pushes for inclusion of other tourism workers in priority group a4, strict new guidelines set for hotels under ecq; lenten ‘staycations’ within ncr plus suspended, dot statement on ecq for ncr+ areas, dot statement on holy week, rizal park and paco park adjust visiting hours, remain open for physical exercise, dot statement on biatf measures for boracay, tpb philippines spearheads tourism and technology forum (ttf), dot statement on coron tourist with falsified travel documents, dot supports rizal tourism circuit on food, faith, art, adventure and nature, the ‘fun’ continues: philippines joins digital itb berlin, dot to spur domestic tourism in rizal, dot’s stdp program to enhance resiliency of phl destinations – puyat, dot sustains online presence with ‘wake up in ph’ campaign and safety travel advisories, dot greenlights partial operations of hotel restaurants on june 15, dot eyes tourism recovery as more destinations may reopen, domestic travel to drive recovery of tourism industry, says survey, dot hails revival of tourist cops, tourism will recover well, dot chief vows, dot celebrates hidden beach, palawan’s inclusion in cnt’s best beaches in the world, tourism industry hikes share in gdp to 13%; puyat sees strong recovery from pandemic, dot pushes stringent guidelines for stakeholders across the nation, biatf denounces travelers’ breach of entry protocol to boracay, dot lauds partnership model for safe and sustainable tourism in boracay, dot issues guidelines on tourist land transport services, iatf–eid resolution reiterates ‘dot certificate of authority’ as requisite to operate, dot issues protocols on restaurant operations under the new normal, dot welcomes ph ‘rising stars in travel’ citation by forbes.com, dot, dti to roll out health and safety guidelines, digital solutions for restaurants, dot, attached agencies promote digital tourism, tourism chief reminds hotels, resorts: no dot certificate, no business operations during mgcq, dot assists 36,000 tourists during covid-19 crisis, dot webinar tackles digital as the new normal, dot welcomes the resumption of tourism operations in areas under mgcq, trust and health safety key to phl tourism recovery – dot chief, puyat on reopening tourism: ‘do it slowly but surely’, dot brings home 84 tourists stranded in eastern visayas, dot supports coron’s sustainable tourism development to bounce back, dot welcomes puerto princesa reopening to domestic tourists, dot urges for more wttc safe travels stamp applications, boracay’s white beach, el nido’s nacpan beach among tripadvisor’s top beaches in asia, dot statement on uniform travel protocols, dot supports the safe reopening of negros oriental, puyat affirms support for siquijor’s reopening, dot statement on el nido’s swift action against tourists with false covid test records, dot supports dilg’s streamlining of travel requirements, dot assists 98 stranded tourists in western mindanao, dot assists 246 tourists stranded in bicol, dot response team assists 1004 tourists stranded in caraga region, statement of tourism secretary bernadette romulo-puyat, dot8 springs stranded tourists, total assisted travelers now at 11,000, dot assists stranded tourists in central luzon, dot response teams assist over 10,000 travelers, dot announces the guidelines on hotels and other accommodation establishments during the enhanced community quarantine, dot chief: innovation to spur food tourism in new normal, dot webinar tackles heritage site conservation and use amid pandemic, dot banners “filipino brand of service”; assists over 35,000 tourists amid pandemic, dot to jumpstart domestic tourism under stricter protocols with iatf and lgus, dot partners with wttc to share experts’ tourism outlook, recovery plans, dot regulates hotel food deliveries, dot: tourism industry up to tough challenges on path to recovery, more than 155,000 tourism sector workers receive first tranche of dof wage subsidy program, dot mounts sweeper flights; brings home 1000 stranded domestic tourists, dot webinar tackles recovery, future of phl’s m.i.c.e., statement of the department of tourism (dot) on the iatf–eid authorization to mount sweeper flights, statement of secretary bernadette romulo puyat on the passing of former dot secretary ramon jimenez, jr., dot–ncr assists 24,000 in–transit nationals amid ecq of luzon, dot and ssi support philippine food producers in online philippine harvest, dot provides virtual backgrounds for video calls to encourage “travel from home”, dot offers online “enhanced opportunity” training for tourism stakeholders, dot-region 6 delivers filipino brand of service in crisis, dot outlines tourism response, post–covid 19 recovery plan to aid private sector, dot issues guidelines defining “new normal” for accommodation establishments, 24,836 hotel rooms reserved for ofws’ quarantine, bpo staff use – dot chief, stranded tourists welcome extended stay in batanes, dot welcomes lifting of travel ban for outbound passengers, recovery flights, tourism transport to continue for stranded passengers, statement of the department of tourism (dot) on covid-19 local transmission, dot statement on the curfew recommendation for lgus, dot, turkish airlines form partnership to increase philippine tourism from europe and mediterranean source markets, dot celebrates first run of the philippine international hot air balloon fiesta in calabarzon, puyat convenes tourism council; invites public to travel within ph, international visitor receipts hit usd 9.31b in 2019, 20.81% up from 2018, dot postpones nationwide mall sale to prioritize safety of citizens, department of tourism unveils new ad inspired by the abakada alphabet, highlighting unique filipino culture, puyat advocates for cultural and ecotourism in the new normal, relive the history of intramuros city with augmented reality app experience philippines, dot: 1st phl shopping fest kicks off march 1st, doh, dilg and dot give public gatherings green light, 2019 international arrivals exceed target with 8.26 million visitors to the philippines, dot welcomes lifting of taiwan travel ban, joint statement of the department of tourism and tourism congress of the philippines, dot backs “balik sa bohol” for tourism industry revival, intramuros reopens in the new normal, relaxed and standard health protocols, personalized trips key to tourism recovery, says latest philippine travel survey, dot files falsification raps against boracay tourists with forged covid test results, dot: reclassification of industries to hasten recovery, dot statement following the president’s latest directive to contain the ncov, guidelines in handling guests in tourism enterpises in the advent of ncov global health emergency, puyat eyes isabela as top agro-ecotourism destination, dot, dti inspect hotels and restaurants’ compliance with health and safety protocols, dot chief checks readiness of palawan, fresh produce at your doorstep, courtesy of dot–grab tie–up, dot ‘seal of good housekeeping’ boosts confidence among restos amid pandemic – puyat, dot celebrates as palawan reclaims best island in the world citation, tourism chief bullish on english schools’ recovery, dot, fao team up for sustainable farm tourism in ph, meetings, conventions allowed only under mgcq at 50% capacity – dot, boracay now open to youths, seniors from region, dot chief lauds senate approval of bayanihan 2 on final reading, cites plans for 10b stimulus fund, “think out of the box,” tourism industry urged in dot webinar, dot assures tourist stakeholders of all–out support for slow reopening, puyat meets with bohol execs to tackle tourism situation, recovery plans, dot, cloud panda ph launches phl harvest e-commerce site, statement of dot, dot to scale up baguio’s ridge to reef travel bubble plan across phl, dot celebrates “surprisingly spectacular diving” tag of 3 phl dive sites by lonely planet, phl bags best overseas diving award 2020, statement of department of tourism, dot’s phidex 2020 goes digital, dot-dole amended jmc further expands coverage of beneficiaries, dot welcomes new protocols for arriving passengers, dot bats for a more fun, safe and sustainable laguna, dot chief: green corridors are critical to tourism recovery, dot statement on destination test requirements, dot statement on boracay tourists, dot welcomes asean as a single tourism destination, iatf allows baguio hotels to receive domestic tourists under gcq, raising the bar of filipino hospitality with the leadership excellence series 2021, dot lauds inclusion of tourism frontliners in priority group for vaccination, dot’s ‘kain na’ cooks up online food fest, phl hosts 3rd asean meet on tourism professionals; dot commits to beef up competency of tourism workforce in the new normal, safety marshalls to ensure physical distancing when beaches, resorts reopen, 10,000 bpo jobs for displaced tourism workers, zero interest loans, no collateral, easy terms for distressed tourism businesses, puyat to grace baguio reopening; dot to go big on domestic tourism in 2021, chocolate, coffee, tea take centerstage in dot’s kain na food festival, dot receives safetravels stamp from world tourism body, puyat launches baguio’s vis.i.t.a. platform, reopening of boracay to more markets builds momentum for domestic tourism revival, puyat: even in most unusual ways, tourism must stay alive, message of tourism secretary bernadette romulo-puyat on the celebration of the world tourism day, dot statement on the city garden grand hotel, dot chief supports negrense cookbook launch, vows continued support to thriving food tourism scene in western visayas, dot statement on the closure of makati shangri-la hotel, dot pledges to help negros occidental get ready for more domestic tourists, dot welcomes the first two recipients of the wttc safe travel stamp, dot statement on baguio party incident, dot welcomes iatf decision to allow balikbayans, dot launches “have a safe trip, pinas” to promote safe travels and support tourism workers, dot celebrates ph’s victory as world’s leading dive destination and tourist attraction for intramuros in 2020, dot welcomes coron’s reopening on dec. 1 with health and safety measures in place, dot aims for data-driven response to tourism recovery under new normal with survey, dot backs enhanced contact tracing; announces low-cost covid tests with up-pgh for boracay-bound tourists, puyat encourages affected tourism workforce to avail of the expanded dot-dole financial assistance, dot welcomes strides to reboot mice, puyat visits batangas, shores up dive tourism, statement of the dot on cebu resort incident, dot presents virtual concert to promote manila’s cultural heritage sites, dot, makatimed foundation forge partnership for tourism destination health security, dot launches webinar training on reducing single-use plastics for hospitality sector, dot to assist zambales in safe and gradual tourism reopening, dot bats for uniform lgu travel requirements, dot, tpb promote pinoy christmas through music, dot’s 2020 kain na satisfies christmas cravings on fourth leg, dot’s 2020 kain na satisfies christmas cravings on fourth leg, dot prepares local destinations, accommodation establishments for wttc safe travels stamp application, 27,000 displaced tourism workers of car receive dot-dole financial assistance, dot backs temporary suspension of flights from uk, dot inspires balikbayans to come home with ‘balikan ang pilipinas’ campaign, dot, tpb expand rt-pcr financial subsidy program for 11,600 tourists through pcmc, dot reiterates penalties for quarantine hotels used for staycation and other purposes, dot supports strict entry protocols in light of new covid-19 variant, dot reiterates rule on staycation hotels, dot celebrates boracay and palawan inclusion in conde nast’s 25 best island beaches in the world list, dot issues guidelines for safe ‘staycation’, dot accreditation goes digital, boracay reopens, heralds “safe, gradual” revival of philippine tourism, dot gets coa’s highest rating on 2019 audit, dot sees domestic tourism boom in baguio with affordable antigen testing, phl islands named top favorites by int’l travel magazine, dot welcomes reopening of ilocos norte to luzon tourists on oct 15, dot funds rt-pcr testing of boracay tourism workers, dot inks tourism “cares for travel” msme loan program with sb corp, health, safety rules drawn up for recreational diving, batangas now open to divers – dot, puyat reminds ‘staycation hotels’ to follow rules, protocols, dot welcomes baguio city’s opening to guests from luzon starting oct. 22, dot statement on the opening of ilocos sur starting nov 15, ridge and reef corridor heralds domestic tourism recovery, puyat – hotels in gcq, mgcq may now be allowed to operate at full capacity, pra to amend retirement policies, suspends processing of srrv applications, dot supports expansion of palawan’s travel bubble starting oct. 30, tourism chief bats for covid-19 tests price cap, dot urges tourism businesses to avail of sb corp’s covid-19 loan program, dot leadership excellence series returns anew, dot statement on the inclusion of palawan and boracay in big 7 travel’s list of 50 most beautiful places, dot, tpb launch official philippine travel app, dot, dole agree on guidelines for cash-for-work program for displaced tourism workers, tour guides, dot’s kain na takes on food trips for november, intramuros is now asia’s leading tourist attraction the philippines and dot receive accolades at the 2020 world travel awards asia winners day, statement of the department of tourism on prrd’s signing of eo 118, dot inks mou on tourism education, training, dot partners with nissan to promote ‘safe trips’, dot allows operation of 7,200 hotels, resorts, dot lauds ibagiw 2020, baguio’s creative city festival, dot welcomes reopening of phl’s surfing capital, siargao, ridge and reef travel corridor expands to ilocos sur, dot chief visits baguio city, touts cultural tourism with creative crawls, sec. puyat to grace 2020 bambanti festival, dot allocates p340.7m for iloilo tourism infrastructure development, tourist arrivals mark 7.4m in november, up by 15.58%, safety of tourists is dot’s top priority – sec. puyat, dot, cab collaborate to enhance air passenger’s bill of rights, statement of the department of tourism, 2nd statement of the department of tourism, dot thanks smart for emergency satellite phones, dot–dotr meet to boost tourism infra, connectivity; puyat to push approval of 1b for night–rated airports, dot chief to visit, vows to revitalize baguio, tourism chief: phl one with asean in responding to covid crisis.

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COMMENTS

Tourism industry in the Philippines
Gross value added generated from the tourism industry in the Philippines from 2019 to 2022, by type (in billion Philippine pesos) Premium Statistic Share of tourism GDP Philippines 2012-2022
Tourism Industries Products
Tourism Industries Products. The Central Philippines possesses a wealth of ecological and cultural attractions including pristine white sandy beaches, diverse marine life, volcanoes, forests and wetlands and heritage sites. These natural resources support a range of tourism products and facilities to include national parks, ecotourism sites ...
DOT to push priority tourism products
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Tourism (DOT) is eyeing to boost its marketing initiatives for ten tourism products, an official of the agency said.
Tourism sector contributed to Philippines' 4th fastest growing economy
MANILA, Philippines — The rise of the tourism sector's contribution to the Philippine economy in 2021 helped the country rank as the world's fourth fastest-growing economy last year.
How does the Philippines envision tourism after the pandemic?
Tourism revenue also rose, reaching a record $9.3bn, up 20.8% from $7.7bn in 2018. Higher levels of spending and revenue had a trickle-down effect, increasing the number of jobs in the sector from 5.4m to 5.7m, with 14% of employed Filipinos working in tourism-related industries.
'Green infrastructure,' new tourism products may boost inbound arrivals
AS the local tourism industry continues to grapple with global and local travel restrictions due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the Department of Tourism (DOT) has drawn up new strategies and ...
Philippine tourism sector must develop destinations, high value products
The STAR / Miguel De Guzman, File. MANILA, Philippines — The development of more destinations as well as high value products are some of the opportunities the Philippine tourism sector should ...
The Philippines: A rising tourism destination in a post-Covid world
The "Surfing Capital of the Philippines," its Cloud Nine, a dramatic and powerful reef break, was recently dubbed as the Top 8 among the World's Best Surfing Spots by CNNGo, a travel site of ...
PDF Philippine Tourism Industries, acts August 2023
Table 1 shows that Philippine tourism continues to recover as its TDGVA rebounded by as high as 36.9% in 2022—almost four times the recorded 9.6% in 2021. ... Figure 1 confirms that tourism characteristic products (TCP or products/services produced by activities in the tourism industry) in 2022 account for 84.9% of the total
Home
the philippines vies for 7 wards as asia's best for the 2024 world travel awards April 9, 2024 Manila, Philippines—The Philippines continues to be recognized as one of Asia's best country destinations for tourism as it competes...
The future of farm tourism in the Philippines: challenges, strategies
1. Introduction. The Philippines has one of the fastest growing economies in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region, with an average growth rate of 6.3% (i.e. 2010-2016 coverage) and a 6.7% growth rate in 2017, as reported in the ASEAN Economic Integration Brief (2019).As an agricultural country, 47% of its land area is intended for agriculture OECD (2017) with a recent ...
Tourism in the Philippines
Tourism in the Philippines. Palawan, which includes Coron, is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Tourism is an important sector for the Philippine economy. The travel and tourism industry contributed 6.2% to the country's GDP in 2022; [1] this was lower than the 12.7% recorded in 2019 prior to the COVID-19 lockdowns. [2]
25 Philippine Souvenirs to Bring Home From Your Trip
23. Refrigerator magnets. Relive the summer vibes from your trip to the Philippines with these endearing magnets! Take your pick from an exciting collection of sailboats, electric guitars, seahorses, fish, whale sharks, slippers, jeepneys, and other pocket-sized souvenirs that celebrate the Philippine Islands.
Tourism product development and product diversification in destinations
1. Introduction. Destinations depend on their primary tourism products as key pull factors motivating tourists to visit them. The paper's analysis focuses on primary tourism products rather than on products which are less likely to provide a substantial tourist draw to specific destinations, such as accommodation, food services and transportation (Jansen-Verbeke, 1986).
Sustainable Tourism in the Philippines: How to be a Responsible
2. Stay at eco-friendly hotels and resorts in the Philippines. Photo by El Nido Resorts group. Your choice of accommodations is also another way how to practice sustainable tourism. Staying at some of the best eco-friendly resorts in the Philippines allows you to reduce your carbon footprint when traveling.
Sustainable Tourism in the Philippines
The Tourism Knowledge Center (TKC) is a digital one-stop shop for information and documents pertaining to travel and tourism in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. It serves as a repository of wealth on Industry practices and knowledge which can be used as vital and significant source for business planning, product development, intelligence, and marketing at the enterprise and local government ...
DOT welcomes positive tourism figures for FY2022; vows sustained
Apart from continuing existing tourism circuits in regions across the country, the DOT also launched the Philippine Experience: Heritage, Culture and Arts Caravans, a nationwide program across all regions of the country highlighting key, emerging and lesser-known destinations, and featuring various tourism products such as pilgrimage tourism ...
Sustainable Tourism in the Philippines: Balancing Nature and
April 12, 2023. Nature and Wildlife. Sustainable tourism is crucial for the Philippines, a country known for its natural beauty and biodiversity. Balancing development with nature is a challenge, but eco-tourism, community-based tourism, and responsible tourism practices are being implemented. In this blog post, we'll explore why sustainable ...
Taking the Philippines Towards a More Sustainable and Responsible ...
Bernadette Romulo-Puyat - Philippines Department of Tourism Minister - has a hefty task as she prepares the industry for the new normal. The Philippines is looking towards the restart of travel. The nation's recent campaigns on domestic tourism are focused on how travel can be enjoyed while following stringent parameters to ensure safety.
What kind of tourism is in the Philippines?
The Philippines offers a wide variety of tourism, including eco-tourism, cultural and historical tourism, adventure tourism, food tourism, religious tourism, and health and wellness tourism, each providing unique and immersive experiences. Unique Aspects of Philippine Tourism The Philippines, with its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, presents a unique tourist experience ...
27 Incredible Filipino Souvenirs & Gifts to Bring Back from the Philippines
Guitar music is a tradition brought to the Philippines by the Spanish. You can find locally produced guitars, from professional instruments to small souvenir guitars. These make great items to bring back as Filipino gifts for kids. Filipino Pearls. The waters around the Philippines produce beautiful pearls.
Philippine Air Sets $450 Million of Spending as Tourism Rebounds
Philippine Airlines Inc. has set a spending budget of $450 million for this year, more than double the $170 million allotted in 2023, as it gears up for the continued recovery in tourism as well ...
A Guide to Eco-Tourism Spots in the Philippines
1 Key Takeaways. 2 Eco-Tourism in Puerto Princesa Underground River (Palawan) 3 Iloilo City Carbon Offset Tour. 4 Masungi Georeserve Hike (Rizal) 5 Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park Diving (Sulu Sea, Palawan) 5.1 Diverse Marine Life. 5.2 Conservation Efforts.
15 LGUs win tourism champions challenge, get budget for infra projects
MANILA - President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the Department of Tourism (DOT) on Monday awarded the top 15 local government units (LGUs) that won in the Tourism Champions Challenge (TCC). The TCC is the DOT's response to Marcos' vision for the Philippines to become a tourism powerhouse in Asia.….
Go Negosyo to award inspiring tourism entreps, influencers in May
April 13, 2024 | 12:00am. MANILA, Philippines — Inspiring travel content creators and tourism entrepreneurs are set to be given recognition by non-profit organization Go Negosyo as it continues ...
The Philippines vies for 4 major awards at the prestigious World Travel
Manila, Philippines— With four nominations under its belt this year, The Philippines is defending its back to back title as the World's Leading Beach Destination and World's Leading Dive Destination at the prestigious World Travel Awards (WTA), dubbed as the Oscars of the travel industry. The Philippines' track record of excellence in the travel and tourism industry continues to earn ...