Philippines Invites ASEAN Investors: A New Era in Tourism

Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay presented the Department of Tourism’s strategy to enhance the investability of Philippine destinations for foreign investors. (Photo courtesy: DOT)

Philippines Invites ASEAN Investors: A New Era in Tourism

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | July 27, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines is strategically positioning itself as a prime investment destination for the ASEAN business community, focusing on transforming its vibrant tourism sector into a powerful engine of economic growth. This compelling call was delivered by Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay at a pivotal gathering of ASEAN business leaders, policymakers, and investors.

The exclusive event, hosted at the Bureau of Treasury’s newly converted MICE space in the historic Ayuntamiento de Manila’s Marble Hall, was organized by Ikhlas Capital – a prominent private equity fund operating within ASEAN. This annual forum, co-founded by former Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and chaired by former CIMB Group CEO Nazir Razak, serves as a critical platform for discussing regional growth, sustainability, and cross-border collaborations.

Secretary Angara-Mathay, leveraging her three decades of experience in trade, investment, and industry development at the Department of Trade and Industry, articulated a comprehensive vision for the DOT. She emphasized that tourism transcends mere promotion, viewing it as a robust investment platform integrating infrastructure, connectivity, finance, technology, and private sector engagement to foster sustainable growth.

Catalyzing Investable Destinations

Highlighting the Philippines’ rich natural assets, vibrant culture, and heritage, Secretary Angara-Mathay outlined the department’s strategic intent to enhance the “investability” of its destinations. “When airports are connected to reliable roads, ports, utilities, and digital infrastructure, the impact extends far beyond the airport itself,” she stated. “We aim to create connected, investment-ready destinations, not isolated tourism projects.”

The DOT is adopting a “whole-of-economy” approach, seamlessly integrating physical and digital infrastructure with robust public and private sector partnerships to unlock the nation’s immense tourism potential.

Strengthening Investment Promotion and Facilitation

A cornerstone of this strategy is the immediate transformation of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), the DOT’s infrastructure arm, into a more potent investment promotion and facilitation institution.

“We envision TIEZA becoming for tourism what PEZA and the BOI are to industry: a trusted partner guiding projects from concept to reality,” Secretary Angara-Mathay asserted. To achieve this, the DOT is establishing a high-level working group to optimize and redirect TIEZA’s operations.

Currently, the Philippines boasts five flagship Tourism Enterprise Zones (TEZs): master-planned, government-designated areas of historical, cultural, or natural significance designed as integrated leisure complexes with dedicated infrastructure to attract visitors and stimulate socio-economic tourism. These include the pristine beaches of San Vicente, Palawan; Mt. Samat in Bataan; Panglao Island Bay in Bohol; Corregidor Island in Cavite; and the Rizal Park Complex in Manila.

The Tourism Chief also advocated for significant expansion within the hospitality sector, urging the development of next-generation Philippine tourism assets. This includes branded luxury and upscale hotels, integrated tourism developments, wellness and longevity destinations, convention and exhibition facilities, sustainable resorts, and new TEZs that can anchor regional growth.

Elevating Visitor Experiences and Market Capture

To capture larger foreign markets, particularly in cruise tourism, the Secretary articulated the DOT’s goal: “To make cruise passengers stay longer, spend more, and experience more of the country.”

Under its newly launched nationwide tourism and economic activation, “Discover More To Love,” beneath the “Love The Philippines” brand, the DOT’s objectives are clear. The focus is not solely on increasing visitor arrivals but on expanding higher-value segments such as MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), education, wellness and longevity, retirement, sports tourism, Halal, and farm and eco-tourism. Concurrently, the department is committed to continuously pushing for a more digitalized and seamless travel experience across the Philippines.

“As the Philippines navigates its future with ASEAN, we look forward to navigating that journey with you—not only as investors but as partners in building a stronger Philippines and a more connected region,” Secretary Angara-Mathay concluded, emphasizing a shared trajectory of growth and connectivity.

Guests were also treated to an awe-inspiring performance by Filipino world-class talent El Gamma Penumbra, renowned for their shadow play. Their breathtaking presentation underscored the creativity and innovation of the Filipino people, highlighting the DOT’s ongoing efforts to showcase exceptional Filipino talent as part of its initiative to elevate meaningful visitor experiences. The performance, featuring the iconic “Piliin Mo Ang Pilipinas,” served as a powerful invitation for foreign investors to discover the Philippines as a dynamic and worthy capital for tourism investment.

*         *         *

Influence the Influential. Power Truth. TheNATIONWEEK.com

More than news: we are a defining force in independent journalism, delivering rigorous, unbiased reporting to an engaged, opinion-shaping audience that values integrity. Partner with us to align your brand with trust, reach discerning leaders, and amplify your impact. Your message. Our mission. Unrivaled engagement. Email nationweek@yahoo.com today.