#Tieza builds vital tourism infra projects such as clean water and drainage systems for destinations like Boracay; restores heritage sites and historic churches; and provides hyperbaric chambers in dive sites such as Coron, Malapscua, and Dauin etc. #travel #tourism #Philippines
Travel tax standard practice across AsPac–Tieza chief | Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2026/02/12/travel-tax-standard-practice-across-aspac-tieza-chief/
TIEZA and GCash partner to streamline online travel tax refunds for Filipino travelers
The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (#TIEZA) has formally partnered with G-Xchange, Inc. (GXI), the mobile wallet operator behind GCash, to s… http://www.appsgadget.com/2026/01/tieza-gcash-partner-online-travel-tax-refunds.html
TIEZA’s 16-Year Legacy of Transforming the Travel Tax Into Tourism Development
Since its establishment in 2009, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) has emerged as a key driver of tourism-led growth, harnessing the power of the Philippine Travel Tax to fund sustainable infrastructure, attract private investments, and uplift local communities across the country.
Over the past 16 years, TIEZA has redefined how tourism development contributes to nation-building and how every traveler’s contribution can transform into lasting impact through projects that enhance accessibility, preserve heritage, and promote inclusive growth.
Building the Foundations of Tourism
Between 2021 and 2025, TIEZA implemented over 200 tourism infrastructure projects nationwide, improving access, safety, and sustainability in key and emerging destinations.
Among its flagship accomplishments is the rollout of 34 Tourist Rest Areas (TRAs) across major travel corridors — modern facilities designed to enhance traveler comfort through clean restrooms, tourism information centers, and spaces that promote local products.
This initiative earned international recognition as the TRAs were named “Infrastructure Project of the Year (Tourism Category)” at the GovMedia Awards 2024 in Singapore.
TIEZA also spearheaded the rehabilitation of heritage and flagship tourism assets, including the Banaue Hotel and Youth Hostel in Ifugao, Mount Data Hotel in the Cordilleras, and the Gat Andres Bonifacio Shrine and Eco-Tourism Park in Cavite.
It likewise preserved historical landmarks such as the Malinta Tunnel in Corregidor and Escuela Pia in Batangas, supporting the growth of cultural and educational tourism.
“Our role as the builder of tourism infrastructure goes beyond construction, enhancement, and rehabilitation. It’s about connection. Every facility we build connects travelers to destinations and communities to new opportunities,” said TIEZA Chief Operating Officer Mark T. Lapid.
Driving Investments and Sustainability
TIEZA continues to strengthen the tourism economy by developing Tourism Enterprise Zones (TEZs) — strategic areas that offer fiscal incentives to tourism-related enterprises.
These incentives include Income Tax Holidays, Gross Income Tax in lieu of national taxes, and VAT and duty exemptions, which create a business-friendly environment that encourages both domestic and foreign investments.
Flagship TEZs in San Vicente (Palawan), Panglao Bay Premiere (Bohol), Rizal Park (Manila), and Corregidor Island (Cavite) are now emerging as sustainable, world-class tourism hubs designed to balance economic growth with environmental responsibility.
In 2024, TIEZA also signed a landmark Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with Premier Islands Management Corporation (PIMC) for the management of the Aquilino Q. Pimentel Jr. International Convention Center (APICC) — a model of efficiency and innovation in government asset management.
That same year, TIEZA’s partnerships generated ₱104 million in revenue, marking a 14.29% year-on-year increase from ₱91 million in 2023. These earnings are reinvested into infrastructure development and community livelihood programs, ensuring that tourism growth remains inclusive and sustainable.
Tourism Assets That Thrive
TIEZA’s own tourism assets have shown exceptional growth, proving the agency’s effective management approach. In 2024, the Club Intramuros Golf Course in Manila generated ₱79.3 million in gross revenue, which marked a 2.98% increase from its ₱76.9 million revenue in 2023, a steady increase since the pandemic.
As one of the oldest golf courses in the country, it stands out as one of the most successful and enduring government assets under the management of TIEZA.
Its status as a thriving tourism asset is deeply grounded not only in its operational strengths but also in its cultural value, accessibility, and its contribution to Manila’s tourism and economic growth.
Other flagship assets including the Zamboanga Golf Course and Beach Park in Zamboanga City and Mount Data Hotel in Bauko, Mountain Province have consistently seen significant performance improvements in recent years driven by upgraded facilities, sustainability measures, and stronger local partnerships.
Recognitions and Reforms in Public Service
TIEZA’s institutional reforms have been recognized nationally and internationally. In 2024, the agency received the Civil Service Commission’s Bronze Award (Level 2 PRIME-HRM) for organizational excellence and achieved ISO 9001:2015 recertification, reinforcing its culture of transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.
That same year, TIEZA co-presented the Philippine Tourism and Hotel Investment Summit 2024, which convened over 200 business and industry leaders to strengthen the country’s tourism investment ecosystem through infrastructure innovation and policy alignment.
A Vision for the Next Decade
Looking ahead to its 20th year and the implementation of the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023–2028, TIEZA is set to expand its portfolio of sustainable tourism projects, modernize travel facilities, and deepen collaboration with the private sector.
“Our story is one of service and sustainability,” Lapid said. “The goal is not just to welcome more tourists, but to ensure that every destination we develop empowers the Filipino communities behind them.”
By turning the Philippine Travel Tax into a force for national development, TIEZA continues to deliver on its mission of Building Tourism Together.
For more information, visit https://tieza.gov.ph or follow @TIEZAOfficial on Facebook and @tiezagovph on Instagram and X for updates on TIEZA’s services and digital initiatives.
#artificialIntelligence #business #event #ewallet #finance #latest #marketing #news #philippines #technology #tieza #travelTax
TIEZA Unveils Enhanced Online Travel Tax Services to Improve Traveler Experience
The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) expresses its appreciation to the millions of Filipino outbound travelers whose travel tax contributions continue to drive infrastructure development, community upliftment, and sustainable growth across the country’s tourism destinations.
In a media briefing held on November 18, TIEZA Chief Operating Officer Mark T. Lapid underscored the vital role of travel tax revenues in advancing the nation’s tourism and economic agenda.
“Each time a Filipino traveler pays the travel tax, they directly contribute to nation-building,” said Lapid. “These contributions fund the development of access roads, ports, water systems, and facilities that make destinations more connected, resilient, and sustainable for the benefit of both visitors and local communities.”
“When we say ‘Building Tourism Together,’ we mean a shared responsibility between government, private partners, and the Filipino traveler,” Lapid added. “Every flight, every trip, and every travel tax payment helps us build a stronger, more inclusive, and globally competitive tourism economy.”
Enhanced Travel Tax Services for Greater Efficiency and Convenience
In line with the government’s Ease of Doing Business (EODB) initiatives, TIEZA continues to modernize the Online Travel Tax Services System (OTTSS) to provide travelers with faster, simpler, and more transparent services.
Aside from online travel tax payments, the enhanced OTTSS now supports online applications for Travel Tax Exemption Certificate and Reduced Travel Tax, streamlining processes for at least 800,000 outbound travelers each year who qualify for these privileges, including Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), infants and minors, government delegates, and other eligible groups.
This platform benefits over 4.6 million outbound travelers annually, enabling them to settle their travel tax obligations and file applications anytime, anywhere, without the need to queue at airport counters.
“Our priority is to make travel tax transactions as effortless as possible,” Lapid noted. “By embracing innovation and digital transformation, we are not only modernizing government systems — we are enhancing the overall travel experience. Every minute saved online translates to more meaningful time spent with family, work, and new opportunities abroad.”
Earlier this year, TIEZA also partnered with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to integrate the OTTSS Full Travel Tax payment service with the eGov Super App and eTravel Systems.
This integration allows travelers to access key components of their pre-travel requirements under a unified digital ecosystem.
Travelers can now pay their full travel tax directly through the eGov PH Super App, with personal information automatically retrieved from their eTravel profiles, resulting in a faster, more secure, and seamless payment experience.
Building Tourism Together Through Travel Tax
Pursuant to the Section 73 of Republic Act No. 9593, fifty percent (50%) of travel tax proceeds go to TIEZA, funding its operations and the development of tourism infrastructure projects across the country, ranging from access roads and water systems to community-based facilities that enhance visitor experience and empower local livelihoods.
The remaining 40% is allocated to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for tourism-related scholarships and education programs, while 10%** supports the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) in advancing cultural heritage conservation and arts development.
“Each peso you contribute travels farther than you think,” Lapid emphasized. “It becomes a road that connects communities, clean water that sustains destinations, or a scholarship that nurtures the next generation of tourism professionals. Every contribution builds a tourism industry that every Filipino can take pride in.”
Through continuous innovation, collaboration, and transparency, TIEZA reaffirms its commitment to its advocacy of Building Tourism Together — a shared national effort that celebrates the contributions of travelers, communities, and partners in strengthening Philippine tourism.
“Government service should be as seamless and dependable as booking your next flight,” Lapid concluded. “Through your continued support, we can keep building a tourism industry that connects, empowers, and inspires — one journey at a time.”
For more information, visit https://tieza.gov.ph or follow @TIEZAOfficial on Facebook and @tiezagovph on Instagram and X for updates on TIEZA’s services and digital initiatives.
#business #event #events #latest #lifestyle #news #philippines #technology #tieza #travel
TIEZA Expands Tourist Rest Areas Nationwide to Strengthen Philippine Tourism Infrastructure
The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) is set to build 40 additional Tourist Rest Areas (TRAs) across key destinations in the Philippines, reinforcing the country’s commitment to improving travel convenience, enhancing visitor experience, and supporting local economic growth through tourism.
According to TIEZA Chief Operating Officer Mark T. Lapid, the expansion of TRAs forms part of the agency’s strategic infrastructure program designed, together with the Department of Tourism (DOT), to make travel across the Philippines more accessible, comfortable, and sustainable for both local and international visitors.
“Tourist Rest Areas serve as essential stopovers for travelers — offering not only clean facilities and rest areas but also a reliable source of local tourism information and a space to showcase regional products,” Lapid said. “Each TRA reflects our goal to make travel in the Philippines more connected, more comfortable, and more community-centered.”
More Tourist Rest Areas, More Connected Destinations
Of the 40 new TRAs in the pipeline, two — located in Kabankalan, Negros Occidental and Lingayen, Pangasinan — have already been completed and are set for turnover to their respective local government units (LGUs).
Meanwhile, 12 TRAs are already operational and currently managed by LGUs in the following destinations:
● Cebu Province: Medellin, Moalboal, Carcar, and Carmen
● Palawan: Roxas and Brooke’s Point
● Davao del Norte: Samal Island
● Bukidnon: Manolo Fortich
● Bohol: Dauis
● Ilocos Norte: Pagudpud
● Camarines Sur: San Jose
● Sultan Kudarat: Tacurong City
The additional TRAs under construction are located in Iloilo, Benguet, Pangasinan, Negros Occidental, Eastern Samar, Misamis Oriental, Tawi-Tawi, Mountain Province, and Batanes, among other major tourism routes and gateway destinations.
Each TRA will feature modern, gender-sensitive restrooms, information desks, parking areas, and dedicated spaces for local product exhibits, promoting regional craftsmanship and entrepreneurship.
A Model for Sustainable Tourism Development
The TRA Program was recognized as the Infrastructure Project of the Year (Tourism Category) at the 2024 GovMedia Awards in Singapore, underscoring TIEZA’s role as a leading implementer of sustainable tourism infrastructure in Southeast Asia.
Lapid emphasized that the project is funded through travel tax collections, ensuring that every peso contributed by outbound Filipino travelers is reinvested into the tourism value chain.
“Every travel tax payment goes a long way,” Lapid added. “It becomes a road, a rest area, or a facility that enhances the visitor experience and creates opportunities for local communities. This is a tangible example of how we are Building Tourism Together — turning contributions into lasting impact.”
Empowering Communities Through Tourism
Beyond infrastructure, the TRAs also serve as economic catalysts for local businesses. By providing curated spaces for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to sell local delicacies, crafts, and souvenirs, each TRA connects travelers directly with community producers — creating inclusive economic opportunities across provinces.
TIEZA continues to partner with LGUs, the Department of Tourism (DOT), and local stakeholders to identify priority sites that align with tourism circuits and road networks under the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023–2028.
“Tourism is a shared responsibility,” Lapid said. “By working with local governments and communities, we ensure that every infrastructure project contributes to inclusive growth, sustainability, and pride of place.”
Launched in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Tourist Rest Area Program is a nationwide initiative that aims to establish world-class, standardized rest stops in major travel corridors.
Each TRA provides clean, accessible facilities, tourist information, and retail spaces for local products — elevating the travel experience and promoting Filipino hospitality at every stop.
For more information, visit https://tieza.gov.ph and follow @TIEZAOfficial on Facebook, and @tiezagovph on Instagram and X.
#business #event #events #latest #lifestyle #marketing #news #philippines #technology #tieza #tourism #travel
Sen. Gatchalian: "We're lighting up Mayon Volcano? Isn't it erupting?" #Tieza cuts congressional initiatives from its projects list. #travel #tourism #Philippines
In 2024, "Tourism Sec Frasco offered #Tieza assistance for tourism infrastructure intervention pertaining to water treatment. Discussions on this have ensued since, with the local govt yet to provide complete documents for Tieza to proceed with procurement." #travel #tourism #Philippines
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/07/16/el-nido-lgu-holding-up-water-cleanup-project/
Also, #Tieza has already awarded the P99.2-M project for a detailed engineering study of the #WestPhilippineSea and neighboring islands to WTA Architecture and Design Studio, the lone bidder. #travel #tourism #Philippines
CHEd: The funds “will also be able to provide more grants for research and development for the enhancement of tourism-related programs and courses. We can send more faculty members to top tourism universities and institutions abroad for upskilling and reskilling programs as instructed by the President so that our faculty members are addressed and upskilled as far as tourism promotion is concerned." #Tieza #DOT #travel #tourism #Philippines
#TIEZA has around 1.2 hectares in #Boracay that is open for private sector development. "Currently, it is pegged for a medical and wellness facility or a trauma response center. We are looking for private partners to develop and operate such a facility to cater to the needs of Boracay tourists.” #PPP #health #wellness #travel #tourism #Philippines
THE Tourism Infrastructure Enterprise Zone Authority (Tieza) has opened up for investment various assets in its possession, including a property on Boracay Island, recognized among the best islands in the world. In Tieza’s recent budget briefing at the Senate Finance Subcommittee G chaired by Senator Loren Legarda, Chief Operating Officer…
Stella Arnaldo
APPSGADGET
Ozymandias