Manila: The number of travelers from the Philippines visiting Taiwan in 2025 reached a record high, prompting Taiwan's Tourism Administration to hold a one-day promotional event in Manila on Monday. More than 30 Taiwanese organizations, including the Taoyuan City government, leisure farms, travel agencies, hotels, and airlines, engaged with over 150 Philippine tourism operators at a business-to-business (B2B) promotional event. The gathering aimed to showcase Taiwan's latest travel offerings and deals, with the goal of strengthening bilateral tourism ties and expanding business opportunities.

According to Focus Taiwan, Dustin Yang, deputy head of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines, highlighted that Taiwan welcomed nearly 630,000 Filipino visitors in 2025, a record high. He noted that 67 percent of these visitors came for tourism, while 33 percent visited relatives, emphasizing Taiwan as both a travel destination and a place for personal connections.

Huang Shih-fang, the agency's deputy director, mentioned to CNA that the Philippines represents a high-potential market for Taiwan due to short flight times, attractive airfares, and natural landscapes that appeal to Filipino travelers. The focus of Taiwan's tourism development is not solely on increasing visitor numbers but also on enhancing travel quality and experiences. The aim is to provide Filipino travelers with a high-quality, comfortable leisure environment, rather than just maximizing tourism revenue, Huang said.

In addressing concerns about Taiwan's policy of not providing single-use amenities at accommodations, Huang remarked that this move aligns with a global trend and demonstrates the tourism industry's commitment to environmental protection. While some initial impact may be expected, travelers can still purchase or request such items at hotel counters if needed, ensuring convenience is maintained.

Jaison Yang, head of the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA), stated that tourism ties between the Philippines and Taiwan extend beyond business, reflecting a close partnership founded on shared development goals. The Tourism Administration plans to hold another Taiwan tourism promotion event in Clark, central Luzon, on Feb. 10.

Taiwan and the Philippines enjoy reciprocal visa-free travel, and six airlines currently operate direct flights from Taipei or Kaohsiung to major Philippine cities, including Manila, Clark, and Cebu.