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 significantly enhance the speed, security, and convenience of online travel tax refunds for Filipino travelers.

 

Through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in Makati City, TIEZA will now adopt the GCash Funds Disbursement Service (FDS) to facilitate the real-time crediting of approved travel tax refunds directly into the GCash wallets of eligible passengers.

 

This modernization initiative aligns with Executive Order No. 170, which mandates the adoption of digital payment systems across government, and Republic Act No. 9593 (Tourism Act of 2009), which empowers TIEZA to institute systems and partnerships that ensure the efficient administration of travel tax collection and refund services.

 

Making digital refunds seamless for Filipino travelers

 

Through the integration of the secure disbursement technology of GCash, passengers approved for refunds will now receive their travel tax reimbursements instantly and seamlessly, eliminating the need for on-site claims or manual bank processing. Notably, the service is offered at no cost to both TIEZA and its clients.

 

“This partnership underscores our commitment to building tourism together by elevating the quality and efficiency of every touchpoint in the Filipino travel experience,” said TIEZA chief operating officer Mark Lapid. “By integrating sophisticated digital solutions like GCash, we are not simply streamlining the refund process—we are advancing transparency, reinforcing institutional accountability, and setting a higher benchmark for how government and industry can collaborate to meet the expectations of today’s discerning travelers.”

 

A collaboration for seamless, digital-first government services

 

Under the partnership, G-Xchange, Inc. will provide the secure digital infrastructure that enables real-time disbursement, supported by robust prefunding and reconciliation mechanisms to safeguard the integrity of public funds.

 

Cleo Celeste C. Santos, vice president and head of GCash public sector, emphasized the value of accessible and efficient financial services and the partnership’s impact on public sector digital transformation. “We are proud to support TIEZA in digitizing one of the most important touchpoints for travelers. Real-time refunds through GCash deliver unmatched convenience, speed, and reliability—empowering passengers with a truly modern and frictionless experience.”

 

“This collaboration reinforces the mission of GCash to make digital financial services easily accessible for every Filipino. By embedding secure, seamless payouts into TIEZA’s processes, we are helping advance a more inclusive, responsive, and future-ready government service ecosystem,” Santos added.

 

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A more convenient, future-ready refund system

 

As global and domestic travel continue to rise, the TIEZA–GCash partnership ensures that public-facing services evolve in step with traveler expectations—reflecting a shared commitment to innovation, efficiency, and good governance in the delivery of essential tourism services.

 

For more information, visit [https://tieza.gov.ph] and follow @TIEZAOfficial on Facebook and @tiezagovph on Instagram and X.

 

TIEZA’s 16-Year Legacy of Transforming the Travel Tax Into Tourism Development

18 November 2025, Pasay City, Philippines — 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.

Pioneering World-Class Health & Wellness Event in January ‘24 Set to Lead the Philippines Globally

A pioneering event promoting the Philippines as a world-class health and wellness destination will have a rerun on January 26-28, 2024, at the SMX Convention Center at the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City. 

Dubbed the Health & Wellness CONFEX 2024, the three-day event will gather under one roof the stakeholders of the multi trillion-dollar health and wellness industry – from award-winning wellness resorts to globally accredited hospitals that provide medical tourism packages, all the way to organic farms and specialty shops that offer a wide array of innovative, sustainable and eco-friendly health and wellness products and services. 

With the theme “Go & Get Better,” the event highlights the promotion of regenerative tourism, which, in essence, is a strong call for making the places we visit better than we found them and pursuing economic growth while managing the social and environmental impacts of our visit. The event is, in fact, the centerpiece of a global multi-media campaign that aims to showcase the country’s many health and wellness destinations and will feature an exhibit, a conference, business matching sessions, and various experiential activities. It is considered the the only trade fair in the Philippines promoting health and wellness tourism, products, and services. 

The ConFex will also launch its innovative television travel show-vlog that will allow the viewers to explore the fascinating world of health and wellness amid the breathtaking natural wonders of the Philippines. Called OTW, the acronym for “On Travel & Wellness,” it will take viewers on a virtual trip to the country’s many tourist spots while highlighting, at the same time, the importance of wellbeing, of keeping healthy and safe while leading an active lifestyle. The 13-episode show will provide stunning views of the sun-kissed beaches, magnificent dive sites, towering mountains and verdant woodlands that the Philippines is famous for, and it will also provide an in-depth look at the country’s diverse wellness practices – including traditional healing arts – through compelling anecdotes and discussions with regional experts. OTW will air on GMA 7’s GTV. 

On its third day, the event will likewise hold a Wellness Festival called Masigabo with various programs and activities that pay tribute to the industry and sacrifices of the migrant workers, better known as overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). On hand activities are designed to make them feel better, relaxed and loved. Health and wellness experts will also deliver talks about financial health, physical wellness, beauty, sustainability, environmental protection, government regulations, and more.

Health & Wellness CONFEX 2024 is co-presented by the Department of Tourism (DOT), in partnership with the Department of Health DOH), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), Duty Free Philippines (DFP), and Tourism Promotions Board (TPB). 

The event is likewise supported by the following: 

Sponsors: Lifecore Bio Integrative Inc., Dean and Deluca Philippines, The Zen Institute, Enjoy Health, Aba Padres Hydroponics, Conrad Manila; 

Event Partners: Philip Dizon, Ark of Dreams, Market Social, Tourism Congress of the Philippines, Wellness Tourism Association of the Philippines, Philippine Green Building Initiative, SMX Convention Center, IQ Capture Printing Corporation, and DigitalCircles; 

Media Partners: GMA Network, ABS-CBN Corporation, GMA 7 GTV, Aliw Channel 23, Business Mirror, and DOOH PH 

The Health & Wellness CONFEX is spearheaded by a team of seasoned event organizers, wellness advocates, travel & tours agencies, and marketing & communication professionals, as headed by the country’s wellness guru, Cory Quirino, its Executive Director. 

For any inquiries or to participate at Health & Wellness CONFEX 2024, you can reach its Secretariat by email at secretariat@wellnessconfex.com or by phone at 09277227670 (attention: Sarah Timonera).

- - end - -

PRIMER

January 26-28, 2024

SMX Convention Center 

Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay 

City, Philippines 

The Health & Wellness CONFEX  is the only international B2B2C  trade fair, sourcing platform,  business matching, knowledge  exchange, and brand showcase  exclusively focused on  sustainable wellness & lifestyle  products and services with one  objective of promoting the  Philippines as a world-class destination for health & wellness. It was launched in  partnership with the Philippines'  Department of Tourism and the Tourism Promotions Board in  April 2018 at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai, UAE, the biggest travel show in the Middle East, alongside a festivity for Filipinos dubbed as "Kabayan Fiestahan." 

The event was held in 2019 at the SMX Convention Center participated by key players in the wellness & medical tourism sectors and by various related industry stakeholders. It is considered the pioneer and the only trade fair of its kind in the Philippines. 

A series of webinars dealing with the virus and health & wellness, in general, took the place of this modest wellness tourism campaign during the pandemic, together with the television program “Graceful Living” aired on ANC Channel and hosted by Cory Quirino, focusing on the hows and whys of healthy living. 

The 2024 event will even be a greater version with the following segments: ● Conference and Exposition (ConfEx) on January 26-28, 2024 at SMX Manila ● On Travel & Wellness (OTW), a TV-Vlog Travel Show on GMA 7's GTV ● Philippine Wellness Festival dubbed Masigabo in honor of Filipino Migrants

2024 Theme: “Go & Get Better: 

Regenerative Tourism 

Recharges All” 

With its theme “Go & Get Better:  Regenerative Tourism Recharges  All”, this event will raise  awareness of the criticality of traveling with a mission to contribute to regenerative tourism. It urges everyone to be cognizant in having more purposeful intentions as they travel. Embracing a contributive mindset to support regenerative tourism enables us to help communities & tourist sites recover and progress as we explore them. 

“Go & Get Better Metaverse 

App” Powered by Ark of 

Dreams (AOD) 

The Health & Wellness 

CONFEX 2024 is supported by 

Ark of Dreams (AOD), a technology company that levels up brand user’s experiences with its interactive rewards platform, allowing the customers in engaging quests to redeem rewards from partnered brands. By downloading the “Go & Get Better Metaverse App”, the visitors at the Media Launch and at the ConFex proper will be asked to explore the attractions or exhibitions, take part in the described quests, and earn points that entitle them to getting the rewards from the participating exhibitors. 

“Go & Get Better”: The Deca-Wellness Tenets 

The idea of taking responsibility not only for one’s own well-being but that of a community and nature may be challenging, if not down-right daunting. For this reason, the Health & Wellness CONFEX with its “Go & Get Better” campaign has come-up with a lifestyle guide to wellness that is easy to understand and follow. Dubbed The Deca-Wellness Tenets, 10 key steps towards a better you and a better world are propounded for people to observe.

 Why Support This Noble Initiative 

The global wellness economy  according to Global Wellness  Institute was valued at US$4.9 trillion in 2019. It slowed down to US$4.4 trillion in 2020 due to the  widespread impact of COVID-19  pandemic. In 2022, the industry  posted US$5.6 trillion, and is  predicted to grow by an average of  9.9% per year to reach nearly US$7.0 trillion in 2025. 

In 2020, the Philippines ranked 

#21 in the Global Wellness Economy Country Rankings, behind our ASEAN neighbor Indonesia (#19), but ahead of Thailand (#24), Malaysia (#26), Vietnam (#33), Singapore (#44), Myanmar (#71), Cambodia (#85), and Laos (#113). This shows that the country has the potential to rank among the Top 10 Wellness Economy Markets soon with the strong support of the government and the collective efforts of the private stakeholders. 

 

“On Travel & Wellness” (OTW)

OTW is an innovative television 

travel show-vlog that takes the 

viewers on a fun, vibrant, and 

informative virtual trip to the 

country’s breathtaking tourist 

spots while highlighting the 

importance of well-being, 

maintaining health, and staying 

safe while leading an active life. 

Apart from captivating the viewers 

with stunning views of the sun-kissed beaches, magnificent dive sites, towering mountains, and verdant woodlands that the Philippines is famous for, it also takes an in-depth look at the country’s diverse wellness practices – including traditional healing arts – through compelling anecdotes and discussions with experts. In short, OTW shows how travel can be a way to refresh, revive, and bring back balance and harmony to one’s life. This 30-minute, 13-episode show will be aired on GMA 7's GTV.

 

The Philippine Wellness Festival: "Masigabo" 

The Philippine Wellness Festival 

dubbed "Masigabo" is a 

celebration of life, love, 

togetherness, and family. 

Envisioned to be a campaign for 

Filipinos to start living a healthy 

lifestyle, it is a program educating 

the people on the basics of a 

healthy lifestyle, like eating the 

right food, getting enough sleep, 

and doing simple exercises, 

among others. The expected 

result of this campaign is 

“wellness of community” where love abounds and people grow as one happy individual. Forming part of the Health & Wellness CONFEX, "Masigabo" pays tribute to Filipino Migrants in recognition of their sacrifices and contributions to strengthening our economy and securing the well-being of their families back home. “Masigabo” is a Filipino word for loud and hearty that is often used in the phrase “masigabong palakpakan”, which means a loud and cheerful round of applause - and that is exactly what Filipino migrant workers, better known as Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW), deserve. Aptly referred to as the Philippines’ new heroes, OFWs have for years been faithfully sending money to their families back home, which immensely contributed to the Philippine economy with their remittances reaching US$36.14 billion in 2022 alone. 

Our vision is to reach out to as many Filipino migrants as we can beyond Philippine shores through a wellness tourism roadshow, a global campaign that seeks to promote the country as a world-class health and wellness center. With so many Filipinos living, residing, or working abroad, "Masigabo" seeks to encourage our Filipino migrants to become our country's active tourism ambassadors to help speed up realizing our goal.