Chinoy group backs tourism continuity

The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) called for continuity in the tourism projects of Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, citing the sector’s role in economic growth and job generation.

“We propose a focused national agenda of comprehensive reforms: Implement an ‘ASEAN-competitive’ visa regime. We must immediately benchmark and match the most visitor-friendly visa policies in our ASEAN region, choosing to make the Philippines an easy choice,” FFCCCII President Victor Lim said in a statement Sunday.

The Department of Tourism (DoT) has urged the Department of Foreign Affairs to push for the eVisa program for Chinese nationals, citing China as a major tourism market.

In November 2025, the Philippine Embassy in China launched an eVisa system for Chinese nationals.

That month, the Philippine Embassy in Beijing and the consulates in Chongqing, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Macau, Shanghai, and Xiamen began issuing Philippine electronic visas to qualified applicants residing in mainland China and its special administrative regions.

The system allows applications to be processed online.

Chinese nationals traveling to the Philippines for tourism or business can apply for an eVisa for a non-extendable stay of 14 days. Entry is through the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Metro Manila or the Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

Lim also urged the government to prioritize airport modernization and connectivity, saying gateways shape travelers’ first impressions. He called for improvements in inter-island travel infrastructure, describing it as non-negotiable for the industry.

“The first and last impression must be one of efficiency and ease,” Lim said.

Curated experience

The DoT has supported the ongoing modernization of NAIA, the country’s primary gateway, and the establishment of cruise ports by the Philippine Ports Authority.

Last month, Frasco, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos launched the Transit Tours and Medical Concierge at the NAIA Terminal 3 arrival area. The initiative allows tourists in transit to explore Metro Manila during layovers and provides assistance for travelers seeking medical services.

“Instead of spending hours confined to the terminal, travelers are now given a chance to enjoy a curated glimpse of the Philippines. With the launch of the Medical Tourism Concierge area, we take another important step toward people-centered service. It is designed to receive and assist patients with both efficiency and with compassion,” Marcos said during the 16 December launch.

Lim also urged the DoT to continue promoting The Philippine Experience program, which was launched in October 2022 and highlights local heritage and culture as part of tourism marketing. He said promotions should focus on culture, cuisine, and hospitality, not just scenery.

In December 2025, FFCCCII officials met with Frasco and pledged support for tourism initiatives. Among the group’s proposals are hosting the World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention, and revitalizing the Chinese Garden in Rizal Park into a cultural venue for concerts, art exhibitions, and martial arts performances.

FFCCCII said it also plans to leverage its business networks to help attract more visitors from China and nearby markets. In 2024, the Philippines welcomed 313,000 Chinese tourists, far behind Thailand’s 6.3 million and Malaysia’s 4 million.

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported that it processed 15.6 million passenger arrivals nationwide in 2025, reflecting continued growth in international travel.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said immigration officers at all international ports of entry recorded 15,608,868 arrivals from January to December 2025, including 6,704,007 foreign nationals. The figure was nearly 6 percent higher than the 14,733,597 arrivals recorded in 2024.

“We are aggressively modernizing our immigration processes — expanding automated systems, upgrading facilities, and strengthening our manpower — to ensure faster, more secure, and more convenient immigration services for travelers,” Viado said.

“These reforms are essential to facilitating legitimate travel for tourists and other travelers,” he added.