Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco welcomed a delegation from the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO), led by Chairperson and Resident Representative Atty. Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil, during a courtesy visit at the DOT Office on February 18, 2025. The meeting served as a platform for advancing strategic initiatives to enhance tourism cooperation between the Philippines and Taiwan.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening tourism exchanges, with Secretary Frasco highlighting the DOT’s key initiatives aimed at positioning the Philippines as a leading tourism destination in Asia. She expressed appreciation for MECO’s continuous support in fostering people-to-people ties and facilitating tourism programs that benefit both nations.
Taiwan remains a vital source market for Philippine tourism, ranking seventh in visitor arrivals in 2024, with 213,833 Taiwanese tourists recorded. The DOT anticipates further growth in tourist exchanges, particularly with the upcoming launch of the Taipei-Bohol direct flight in April 2025 and Taiwan’s extension of its visa-free policy for Filipino travelers until July 2025.
Discussions also covered collaborative tourism marketing campaigns and the promotion of niche tourism segments, including golf tourism and dive tourism. Additionally, both parties explored the possibility of renewing and updating the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Tourism Cooperation between MECO and the DOT to further solidify bilateral tourism collaboration.
Secretary Frasco emphasized MECO’s vital role in strengthening tourism and economic ties between the Philippines and Taiwan. She noted the increasing number of Taiwanese visitors and their growing interest in Philippine tourism offerings, expressing optimism about deepening the partnership and fostering greater connectivity.
Echoing this sentiment, MECO Chairperson Garafil reiterated MECO’s dedication to advancing tourism cooperation, emphasizing Taiwan’s proximity to the Philippines and the immense potential of the Taiwanese travel market. She highlighted the importance of collaborative marketing efforts, policy support, and improved connectivity in further positioning the Philippines as a premier destination for Taiwanese travelers.
The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to expanding tourism collaboration and developing policies that will facilitate seamless travel and destination opportunities between the Philippines and Taiwan.
