FFCCCII pushes for reforms to revive tourism

Upgrade to High-Speed Internet for only ₱1499/month!

Enjoy up to 100 Mbps fiber broadband, perfect for browsing, streaming, and gaming.

Visit Suniway.ph to learn

January 12, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Business group Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) is urging the government to implement reforms to revive the country’s tourism industry.

While the Philippines is blessed with natural resources, FFCCCII president Victor Lim said the country’s tourism industry is charting a concerning course compared to its neighbors, making reforms urgent.

The Philippines recorded 5.6 million international tourist arrivals as of Dec. 20, 2025.

In 2024, the Philippines’ international tourist arrivals reached 5.9 million, below the 7.7 million target.

“To revive our economy from the grassroots up, we must first reform and revive tourism,” Lim said.

Part of the reforms being pushed by FFCCCII is to step up tourism promotion efforts by going beyond the country’s scenery.

Lim said Philippine tourism promotion efforts fail to show compelling, holistic experiences,  as well as the country’s rich culture, history and world-class cuisine.

“We must train our industry and tell stories that connect our landscapes to our living heritage, our flavors and our famed hospitality,” Lim said.

FFCCCII is also pushing for the implementation of a competitive visa regime by matching the most visitor-friendly visa policies in the Southeast Asian region and making it easier to visit the Philippines.

“While regional ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) competitors streamline entry, our visa processes remain an obstacle. We are losing visitors to neighbors who make access effortless,” Lim said.

He also said cited the need to modernize the country’s airports and improve inter-island travel infrastructure.

“The journey to and within our islands is often fraught with friction. Congested gateways, logistical hurdles and unreliable connectivity create a barrier that deters the mainstream traveler, limiting our appeal to only the most adventurous,” he said.

He said tourism is a low-hanging fruit that can support the push for inclusive economic growth.

FFCCCII is ready to work with the government in reforms to promote the tourism industry’s growth.

“Our nation’s potential is boundless, but realizing it demands collective will and decisive action. Let us rebuild our tourism industry that is the pride of our people and a powerhouse for our shared prosperity,” Lim said.