PH as prime destination for hospitality

The Philippines: A prime investment destination for hospitality growth

The Mindanao Times
By Contributor 
March 22, 2025

THE PHILIPPINES boasts natural wonders that serve as the foundation of its thriving tourism industry—pristine beaches, a rich and diverse culture, and the warm, genuine hospitality of the Filipino people. As a world-class destination, and with the emergence of a new generation of travelers seeking immersive and meaningful experiences, the country stands at a pivotal moment to capitalize on its tourism potential. Now more than ever, private investments play a crucial role in fueling growth, innovation, and sustainability in the hospitality sector.

Coron Palawan-Discovery Resorts

A booming tourism industry with high investment potential

In 2024, the Department of Tourism reported that the country welcomed approximately 5.95 million international visitors, generating a record-breaking PHP 760 billion in tourism revenue—marking a 119% recovery from 2019. The sector also supported 16.4 million Filipinos, accounting for 34% of total employment in the first quarter of 2025 alone. This trajectory highlights the remarkable resilience and expansion of the Philippine tourism industry.

With these strong fundamentals, Discovery Hospitality Corporation (DHC), a proudly Filipino homegrown brand, is leading the charge in shaping the future of tourism. Through high-value investments, world-class service, and a deep understanding of the local market, DHC is expanding into new and emerging destinations, attracting significant interest from private investors who recognize the profitability and charm of the local tourism industry.

Colliers’ latest projections further reinforce this opportunity, anticipating growth in upscale and luxury hotels in urban areas in 2025, alongside increased development of hotels and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) facilities in key tourist destinations. These factors make now the perfect time for investors to capitalize on the hospitality sector’s momentum.

Strong market demand and investment growth

Sunrise coffee service

DHC’s impressive performance across its portfolio—including luxury resorts, urban hotels, and lifestyle-oriented properties—demonstrates that the market is evolving and ready for high-quality, innovative, and sustainable investments. The group’s growth strategy focuses on new establishments in developing tourist hotspots, addressing the increasing demand for well-designed lodgings that blend local character with international standards.

“We have observed a rising number of private investors constructing and developing properties for tourism, which underscores strong confidence in the nation’s hospitality sector,” said Lynette Ermac, senior vice president and head of sales and operations at Discovery Hospitality. “These strategic investments not only deliver significant returns but also enhance the Philippines’ global tourism competitiveness, drive economic progress, and foster community development.”

The discovery advantage

Manami Resort The First and Only Luxury Resort in Sipalay Negros Occidental

As a premier Filipino luxury hotel and resort group beloved by both local and international travelers, Discovery Hospitality provides investors with deep industry expertise and operational excellence. The company’s comprehensive hospitality solutions—including digital marketing, revenue optimization, and curated guest experiences—reduce risks and enhance profitability, ensuring strong and sustainable performance across its portfolio.

“Beyond our reputation for exceptional service, Discovery Hospitality has cultivated an organization of industry experts across key disciplines, enabling us to remain competitive and efficient in an evolving landscape,” added Ermac.

Through strategic collaborations with leading global suppliers and technology firms, DHC integrates artificial intelligence, machine learning, and digital innovations to enhance operations and guest experiences. The company’s APAC-renowned digital marketing expertise is performance-driven, ensuring that engagement directly translates into bookings and revenue growth.

Additionally, DHC’s advanced revenue management strategy combines technological insights with human expertise, ensuring that pricing strategies remain competitive and cost-effective, maximizing value for both guests and investors.

“Ultimately, our brand’s strength is a testament to our operational excellence,” continued Ermac. “At Discovery Hospitality, our brand reputation is our brand equity. A Discovery hotel is synonymous with Filipino service excellence and premium value—an advantage we are eager to share with investors and business leaders.”

Seizing the future of hospitality investments

As the Philippine tourism sector continues its upward trajectory, Discovery Hospitality is committed to working alongside investors, developers, and property owners who share the vision of elevating Filipino hospitality on the global stage.

“Now is the best time to invest in Philippine tourism,” concluded Ermac. “The industry is growing, evolving, and attracting an increasing number of travelers seeking authentic and meaningful experiences. At Discovery Hospitality, we have the expertise to help investors maximize this extraordinary opportunity.”

With a proven track record, deep local expertise, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Discovery Hospitality Corporation is the ideal partner for investors looking to tap into the limitless potential of the Philippine tourism and hospitality industry.

Philippines made a powerful impact at ITB Asia 2024

The Philippines Shines Bright at ITB Asia 2024 in Singapore with Unprecedented Growth and Record-Breaking Sales Leads

Travel and Tour World
16 November 2024

The Philippines made a powerful impact at ITB Asia 2024, achieving record sales leads and showcasing its diverse tourism offerings to global buyers.

The Philippines, represented by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), made a remarkable impression at the Internationale Tourismus Borse (ITB) Asia 2024, which took place from October 23-25 at the Sands Expo Convention Centre in Singapore. The Philippine delegation, comprising 29 exhibitors, achieved an impressive PHP 721,649,741.20 in sales leads, marking a phenomenal 378.34% growth compared to last year.

The pavilion featured an exceptional range of tourism offerings, from renowned hotels and resorts such as Solaire Resort Entertainment City, Dusit Thani Manila, City of Dreams Manila, and Fili Hotel – Nustar Resort Cebu, to unique experiences provided by companies like GI Philippines Corporation (Biyaheko), Boracay Adventures Travel N Tours, and Luxure Holidays Inc. The display also included options for both leisure and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) travel, with notable participants like Philippine Airlines, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, and the Philippine Retirement Authority emphasizing the Philippines as a top choice for both business and vacation travel.

TPB COO Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles emphasized the event’s importance, stating, “ITB Asia is a key platform for strengthening the Philippines’ position as a world-class tourism destination. Our participation helps drive sustained growth and establish valuable partnerships that translate into long-term success.”

“Whether it’s for leisure or MICE, we aim to ensure that the Philippines remains a preferred and competitive choice on the global stage, driving sustained growth and transforming interest into tangible sales and partnerships,” Nograles added.

ITB Asia, one of Asia’s premier B2B travel trade shows, serves as a key platform for connecting international buyers and exhibitors. It offers an ideal setting for the Philippines to build enduring partnerships and showcase its wide array of tourism experiences.

The impressive outcomes this year highlight the increasing global interest in Philippine travel, reinforcing the country’s status as a leading destination for both leisure and business tourism.

Angeles named Asia’s best emerging culinary destination

Angeles named Asia’s best emerging culinary destination

Ghio Ong 
Philippine Star
06 October 2024

MANILA, Philippines — Angeles City in Pampanga, the birthplace of Filipino favorite sisig, was recognized as “Asia’s best emerging culinary city destination” for 2024 by the World Culinary Awards 2024.

Angeles City bested nominees for the said award such as Hanoi in Vietnam, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, Kyoto in Japan and Taipei in Taiwan.

The “Asia’s best emerging culinary city destination” award conferred on Angeles City “underscores the exceptional talent, creativity and dedication of its local chefs and food artisans,” said Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco.

“The city’s rich culinary heritage, led by its iconic dishes like sisig, continues to captivate food enthusiasts not only in the Philippines but across the world, showcasing the power of Filipino cuisine on the global stage,” she added.

She also said the efforts of the local government unit of Angeles City, particularly enacting an ordinance that declared “sisig babi” or pork sisig as an “intangible heritage,” helped “preserve and promote the city’s culinary legacy,” resulting in the award.

DOT’s Central Luzon regional director Richard Daenos accepted the award on behalf of Angeles City during the gala ceremony of the World Culinary Awards 2024 held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Oct. 3.

The World Culinary Awards is part of the World Travel Awards that bestowed many recognitions on the Philippines in the past.

Meanwhile, DOT’s attached agency Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) was hailed as “best national tourism organization in Asia” at the 33rd Annual TTG Travel Awards in Bangkok, Thailand on Sept. 26.

Before the award, the TPB promoted the Philippines as a destination of choice for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions through the “MICE Philippines: We Take Your Business to Heart program” at the Incentive Travel & Conventions Meetings Asia from Sept. 24 to 26.

The presentation resulted in generation of P1.7 billion worth of initial sales leads, said Frasco.

Philippine Tourism Board wins best nat’l tourism organization in Asia

TPB wins best nat’l tourism organization in Asia

Philippines News Agency
October 5, 2024

BANGKOK, THAILAND – For the second year in a row, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, the marketing arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT), has been named the Best National Tourism Organization in Asia at the 33rd Annual TTG Travel Awards.

The prestigious event, held in Bangkok on Sept. 26, 2024, brought together the region’s top industry leaders to celebrate travel and tourism excellence.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco expressed immense pride in the award, highlighting the commitment of the DOT and TPB to elevate the Philippines as a world-class destination.

"This prestigious award is a true reflection of the Department of Tourism’s and the Tourism Promotions Board’s unwavering dedication to positioning the Philippines as a premier destination in Asia, fully supporting President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s vision of transforming the country into a tourism powerhouse. Under the leadership of COO Marga Nograles, the TPB team’s tireless efforts have been pivotal in elevating Philippine tourism on the global stage," Frasco said in a DOT news release issued on Friday.

"Their success at the Incentive Travel & Conventions Meetings Asia (IT&CMA), generating over PHP1.7 billion in initial sales leads, further highlights our commitment to establishing the Philippines as a leading destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE)."

The award culminated TPB’s participation in the IT&CMA from Sept. 24-26, alongside 21 key players from the Philippine MICE industry.

The MICE Philippines: We Take Your Business to Heart program was prominently featured, further solidifying the country’s status as a premier MICE destination.

“We are extremely honored and grateful to be named ‘Best National Tourism Organization’ once again this year. This recognition serves as a testament to the trust and confidence that travel agents around the world have placed in the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines," Nograles said.

"Your votes inspire us to continue showcasing the beauty, culture, and potential of our beloved country.”

The Philippines has been joining IT&CMA since its inception in 1993 to ensure the country’s positioning at the forefront of Asia-Pacific MICE and Corporate suppliers.

TPB’s participation in the IT&CMA underlines the organization’s steadfast commitment to promoting the country on a global scale.

Notably, this year’s delegation was the largest that TPB has led for the three-day event organized by TTG.

The TTG Travel Awards, established in 1989, stands as one of the most prestigious honors in the Asia-Pacific travel industry, celebrating excellence across numerous categories, including travel suppliers and outstanding achievements.

The 33rd Annual TTG Travel Awards 2024 recognized 106 winners, including Fairmont Makati for the Best Hotel in Manila, Conrad Manila for the Best Business Hotel in the Philippines, Okada Manila for the Best Meetings and Conventions Hotel in the Philippines, and SMX Convention Center for the Best Convention and Exhibition Center in the Philippines.

The TTG Travel Awards honor both well-established and emerging leaders in the industry, further underscoring the dynamic landscape of travel and tourism in the region. (PNA)

Seizing the Philippines’ tourism potential

Seizing the Philippines’ tourism potential

Presented by: Tourism Promotions Board Philippines

on GMA News
September 11, 2024 

The Philippines is among the top tourist destinations in the world, making tourism a major contributor to its economy. In 2023, the tourism sector posted an 8.6% contribution to the Philippine Gross Domestic Product. The number not only show tourism’s impact, but it also affirms the potential of the Philippines as a prime hub for meetings, incentive travel, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) tourism industry.

Expanding horizons with MICE

The MICE industry is geared towards planning, organizing, and implementing business events.

Leveraging its status as an outstanding travel hotspot, the Philippines has been actively positioning itself as a premier destination for MICE. Aside from its popular tourism offerings, the country is also home to numerous convention centers located in strategic areas across the nation. May it be for small groups or large-scale receptions, organizers and venue seekers have many options ready for the task.

Some MICE destinations that the Philippines has to offer include Manila, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Bacolod, Clark, and the Subic Bay Freeport. These hotspots offer exceptional tourism products and services, as well as vast opportunities for business. Not only that, they also have consistently growing local economies that attract investors.

Other localities are also working hard to seize opportunities in the MICE industry. For instance, Iloilo has been gaining ground by building roads, a modern airport, and multiple commerce spaces in the last two decades. In 2015, it established the Iloilo Convention Center, fostering the growth of the MICE industry in the city.

Central Luzon is not one to get left behind. In fact, the recently concluded Philippine MICE Conference 2024 (MICECON 2024) was held at the SMX Convention Center Clark in Pampanga from July 10 to 12. Following the theme “MICE XD: Xperience Diversified”, the event underscored the significance of technology, inclusion, and diversity in shaping the industry’s future.  Subject experts led discussions and covered topics including artificial intelligence, crisis recovery and reputation management, inclusive event planning, digital marketing and the appeal of in-person experiences, as well as training and upskilling of the tourism workforce.

Spotlight on Clark

This is the second time that Clark hosted the prestigious convention. In her opening message, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said: "Clark’s selection as the host of MICECON 2024 is a recognition of its readiness and potential as a premier MICE destination. The Clark Freeport Zone’s accessibility, state-of-the-art conference venues, and comprehensive support services are very well prepared to welcome all the participants of MICECON 2024.”

It first hosted the event in 2014, an experience which planted the possibilities for its economic future with tourism and MICE. Poised as the ultimate tourism destination in Central Luzon, the 4,400-hectare Clark Freeport Zone was developed with business and tourism as its primary goals.

Location played an important role in its positioning as a prime MICE hub. Strategically situated only 80 kilometers north of Metro Manila, Clark is accessible via the North Luzon Expressway. It also serves as a gateway to Northern and Central Luzon via the Clark International Airport, which currently flies to ten international and six domestic destinations. Being only two to four hours away via air travel to other major Asian destinations, this aerotropolis is also a natural entry point to the Asia Pacific Region.

Infrastructure-wise, Clark is home to an assortment of facilities that are up-to-spec for high-end and IT-enabled industries, aviation, logistics enterprises, and tourism—including MICE. It currently has 80 convention or meeting facilities, 3,608 rooms and villas, and 146 dining establishments. To improve Clark’s portfolio, expansion of existing facilities and construction of new ones are either being planned or already in progress. A train system connecting Clark to its adjacent regions is also underway.

Clark today is the result of years of careful planning and painstaking work by everyone who collaborated for its development—the locals, the government, and the public and private sectors. A showcase of success, Clark leads the way for other localities that also hold the potential to succeed with MICE.

Go for MICE

For our local economies, the MICE industry brings employment opportunities, profit, and business growth. But more importantly in the grander scheme of things, it helps put the Philippines in the global spotlight, opening more opportunities for international trade, as well as knowledge and technology exchanges.

According to Grand View Research, a market research and consulting company based in India and the US, the Asia-Pacific MICE market in 2023 was valued at $183.47 billion, and projections expect it to grow 10% by 2030. This shows that there is much to gain from developing the Philippines’ capability to host the MICE sector.

Acknowledging its valuable contributions, Tourism Secretary Frasco emphasized: "By positioning the Philippines as a premier MICE destination, we foster economic growth and provide invaluable opportunities for our people.”

With sufficient support and collaboration between stakeholders, the future is bright for the Philippines as a premier MICE destination.

M.I.C.E.CON is organized by the Tourism Promotions Board, an attached agency of the Department of Tourism, that is tasked to promote the Philippines as a world-class tourism and MICE destination. The event gathers MICE professionals for an opportunity to learn new global trends in business meetings, to network with other MICE experts, and to explore the host location’s facilities.

Philippines is hosting World Travel Awards for first time

Philippines is hosting World Travel Awards for first time

ABS-CBN News

Aug 29, 2024

The Philippines is set to host the World Travel Awards (WTA) Asia and Oceania gala ceremony for the first time, solidifying the country's position as a destination for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE). 

Organized by the Department of Tourism, the red-carpet event will be held on September 3 at City of Dreams Manila. 

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said this does not only mark a milestone for the country, but also "serves as a testament to the Philippines' growing prominence and readiness to host high-caliber international events."

"We are glad that esteemed global organizations like the World Travel Awards are recognizing our capacity to deliver world-class hospitality, superior event management, and unparalleled tourism experiences," she said in a statement. 

Established in 1993, the WTA recognizes outstanding players in the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries.

The Philippines is vying for 7 awards in WTA this year: Asia's Leading Beach Destination, Asia's Leading Dive Destination, Asia's Leading Island Destination, Intramuros as Asia's Leading Tourist Attraction, Boracay as Asia's Leading Luxury Island Destination, Cebu as Asia's Leading Wedding Destination, and the Department of Tourism as Asia's Leading Tourist Board. 

"Each of these nominations signifies recognition of the unique and diverse offerings of our beautiful archipelago -- from our pristine beaches and world-renowned dive sites to the vibrant culture and food and the innate hospitality and friendliness of the Filipino people," Frasco said. 

Aside from the WTA, the Philippines has also been recognized by different publications and award-giving bodies this year. Among these are the 23rd Annual Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards by United Kingdom's Wanderlust Travel Magazine, the 2024 International Travel Awards, and the Asia Best of Best Awards. 

"The Philippines' beauty and the warmth of the Filipino people make tourism a natural endeavor," said Frasco. 

"The challenge lies in envisioning a future that transcends mere visitor arrivals, focusing instead on tourism revenues that provide livelihood and employment, instituting the necessary infrastructure and improvements in connectivity, as well as valuing heritage preservation, community upliftment, and fostering a deep appreciation for our culture."