TOURISM Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco on Thursday made a pitch to investors to take advantage of the strong economic gains posted by the tourism sector.
Frasco said tourism has emerged as one of the country’s big economic gainers, contributing nearly 9 percent to gross domestic product amid sustained travel demand.
“The foundations of Philippine tourism are firm, and the demand for it is real, therefore the opportunity to invest is open,” she said.
Every peso invested in tourism could generate an estimated 450-percent return, Frasco said.
She said that while the country has 335,592 hotel rooms, projections show a shortfall of more than 120,000 rooms by 2028 due to rising demand.
“This investment gap is an invitation for smart, sustainable and regionally dispersed investments,” she said.
Frasco invited investors “to partner with us as opportunities expand in accommodations, integrated resorts, medical and wellness tourism, gastronomy-led destinations and experience-based tourism products.” She also underscored the need for more investments in aviation and airport infrastructure as domestic and international travel continue to grow.
In 2025, international visitor arrivals reached 6.48 million, while inbound tourism spending peaked at an estimated P694 billion, despite calamities and a sharp cut in the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) promotions budget.
“The objective of the Marcos administration is clear: to enable the right projects in the right locations with long-term value for investors and communities alike,” Frasco said.
