Duty Free Philippines Corp. (DFPC) is realigning its long-term strategy toward high-traffic airport locations, a move that includes a potential departure from its long-standing Fiesta Mall in Parañaque.
The government-owned corporation announced Friday that it is in discussions regarding the future of the mall's lease. Officials cited the site's aging layout and increasing maintenance costs as factors in the review, noting that global duty-free trends have shifted toward modernized, airport-based retail and digital upgrades.
"We want to grow the footprint of Duty Free and revive its glory days through expansion and new offerings," the DFPC leadership said in a statement. "There is strong potential in what’s coming with these changes."
The modernization roadmap includes significant upgrades at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, particularly at Terminals 1 and 3. At Terminal 3, the corporation plans to expand its retail space to as much as 6,000 square meters, which would make it one of the largest duty-free areas in the country’s airport network.
The expansion comes as international tourism continues to rebound. Nearly 6 million foreign tourists visited the Philippines in 2024, followed by approximately 4 million recorded in the first eight months of 2025.
Beyond increasing its physical footprint, the corporation is refreshing its product mix. The new store formats will include an expanded lineup of luxury labels and international brands alongside Filipino-made goods and traditional pasalubong items. The agency is also opening its outlets to more concessionaires and brand partners to create a more diverse retail environment.
Officials stressed that the shift is intended to reflect the evolving habits of Filipino travelers and the broader tourism ecosystem.
"This is not just expansion — it’s transformation," officials said. "We’re building stores that reflect how Filipino travelers move, shop, and expect service today."