Philippines, Taiwan boost tourism ties via Iloilo, Cebu

The Philippines and Taiwan have further deepened their tourism partnership through back-to-back workshops held in Iloilo and Cebu, aimed at building stronger ties between travel stakeholders from both countries.

Organized by the Taiwan Tourism Administration and the Taiwan Tourism Information Center in Manila, the 2025 Taiwan Tourism Workshop brought together travel agencies, tour operators, and airline partners to explore new collaborations and promote Taiwan’s expanding tourism offerings.

Cindy Chen, Director of the Taiwan Tourism Information Center in Manila and of the Taiwan Tourism Administration’s Bangkok Office, officially opened the Iloilo event, while Wallace Minn-Gan Chow, Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines, led the Cebu leg.

“The Philippines is one of Taiwan’s most important source markets in Southeast Asia,” said Chen. “I want to express our sincere gratitude to both Taiwanese and Filipino travel agencies and airlines for your invaluable contributions to promoting tourism to Taiwan. Your hard work and dedication are truly making a difference to boost this growth and further enhance Taiwan’s appeal as a top destination.”

Taiwan welcomed more than 470,000 Filipino visitors in 2024, making the Philippines its largest tourist source in Southeast Asia and fifth worldwide.

To further support this upward trend, the Taiwan Tourism Administration is offering a series of incentives including subsidized group tours, corporate travel support, the Lucky Draw campaign, and complimentary pocket WiFi for visiting travelers.

Filipino travel agencies are encouraged to apply for these benefits through the Taiwan Tourism Information Center in Manila, which opened in December 2024 to serve as a hub for bilateral tourism support.

In Cebu, Chow praised the impact of the workshops and highlighted the value of visa-free entry policies in building people-to-people connections.

“Tourism is not just a business. It’s a bridge that connects people across cultures and continents,” Chow said.

The Philippines also saw strong inbound tourism from Taiwan, with 220,000 Taiwanese visitors in 2024. From January to May 2025 alone, arrivals reached over 86,000, placing Taiwan as the eighth top foreign source market nationwide and fourth in Western Visayas.

With Taiwan’s reinstatement of 14-day visa-free entry for Filipinos and the Philippines offering reciprocal visa-free access to Taiwanese citizens starting July 1, both governments have paved the way for expanded tourism flows.

Department of Tourism Region VI Director Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez welcomed the Taiwanese delegation to Iloilo, citing the city’s accessibility and prominence as a Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) hub.

“We believe this workshop is a meaningful step forward,” said Rodriguez. “As we look to the future, may our tourism ties ride on waves of wonder and continue to grow stronger through shared experiences, mutual respect, and lasting friendships. Let us bring more visitors to discover the beauty, the warmth, and the vibrant cultures of both our nations.”

Rodriguez also expressed optimism for the launch of a direct flight between Iloilo and Taiwan in the near future.

The Department of Tourism Region VII likewise extended its support during the Cebu leg of the event, with Regional Director Judy Gabato underscoring the importance of cooperation in tourism, trade, and cultural exchange.

“This workshop not only showcases the collaborative spirit between our two countries, but also highlights the shared commitment to fostering mutual growth in tourism, trade and cultural exchange,” Gabato said.

Currently, over 250 flights operate weekly between Taiwan and the Philippines, reflecting strong demand for culinary, educational, and outdoor experiences, and signaling continued momentum in tourism exchange.