DOT and BOI Finalized Incentives to Tourism Firms’ COVID-19-Proofing Investments

Responding to a request from Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, the Board of Investments (BOI) has approved investment incentives for tourism and tourism-related industries that are upgrading and modernizing their facilities aimed at ensuring the health, safety and wellness of their clients in view of the new normal brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We recognize that the tourism sector has been one of the worst affected of all the major sectors of the economy due to the current health crisis. By way of providing investment incentives, we hope the sector, which was a major driver of the economy’s growth pre-Covid-19, will stay afloat, continue their business operations, and recover the soonest they can,” said Trade Secretary and BOI Chairman Ramon Lopez.

Following discussions with the Department of Tourism (DOT) on the tourism stakeholders’ plea on the possible measures to ensure continuity of their business operations, the BOI crafted and approved the policy to help the tourism sector. The tax incentives to be granted by BOI are income tax holiday for a period of three years and duty-free importation of capital equipment (only VAT will be paid) for tourism projects that will renovate to enhance health and safety features and processes. The income tax holiday to be given will be pro-rated according to the amount of upgrade/renovation.

“Tourist accommodation facilities who would like to undertake improvements to make their facilities COVID-proof may consider registration of such with the BOI as modernization projects subject to qualification requirements,” Secretary Lopez said. “For existing tourism accommodation facilities in Boracay, which is currently covered by the locational restriction policy, the BOI will look into the possibility of likewise qualifying their COVID-proof improvements as modernization projects that may be entitled to a three-year income tax holiday (ITH) incentive.”

“While we currently have locational restrictions for new and expansion of tourism facilities in Boracay, we may qualify modernization of those in the area. All these, to help the tourism industry recover faster and provide comfort/safety in our tourism facilities,” he said.

Tourism enterprises that are eligible to apply for investment incentives include hotels and resorts, meetings, international conventions, and events (MICE) facilities, and tourist transport companies nationwide, including those in Boracay.

For tourist transport, these should be locally-assembled vehicles with sanitation features. The motor vehicles to be acquired or to be upgraded/modernized will have such sanitation and hygiene features including but not limited to barriers, payment portals, deionizers, seat organizers for sanitation kits, and other features that would promote physical distancing.

Examples of renovations/upgrade that can qualify for such tax incentives include renovation of guestrooms, food and beverage outlets, function/meeting rooms, recreation areas and/or other common areas; investment in new or upgrade of laundry, kitchen, housekeeping, employee facilities and other back of house facilities; building of full, partial or movable partitions; installation of built-in thermal scanners, hygiene gates, and/or booths; upgrade or improvement of ventilation, air conditioning, air filtration systems, water systems, water treatment facilities (STP); a mobile check-in system; non-touch or no contact door lock systems and non-touch control panels in elevators and other areas.

“The BOI will continue to work closely with the DOT in the review of our relevant policies to provide the necessary support to our tourism stakeholders and restore industry vigor and growth at the soonest possible time,” Secretary Lopez said.

The BOI has been supportive of the local tourism industry, implementing many initiatives to further improve the sector’s competitiveness. Just early this year, pre-COVID-19, it conducted capacity building activities on securing international certifications for particularly for the medical travel and wellness tourism sector with the aim of making the industry prepared not only for the growing needs of the Filipinos, but also for the growing opportunities in the medical tourism industry. The capacity-building initiatives support and help enable the healthcare facilities and services, especially those licensed by the Department of Health (DOH) and/or accredited by the DOT.

The capacity-building is part of the many initiatives the BOI is implementing to further develop globally competitive industries through its Industry Development Program (IDP). The Roadmap on Medical Travel and Wellness Tourism was completed in 2015 with the active participation of relevant stakeholders.

Among the recommendations in the Roadmap are the implementation of a uniform system of data collection, analysis and dissemination and the development of a brand strategy for the country. The capacity building activities seeks to ensure that the sector, prior to the brand strategy launch, will have the right healthcare facilities that are internationally recognized and accredited that can multiply the people-value the country is known for.

Corregidor Now Urges Us to Relive the History

Corregidor Island holds historical narratives of war that nepresents the tight for the country’s freedom. Known as the “Isle of Valor" or "The Rock”, the 358-kilometer island holds more treasures apart from the history carefully preserved in the island. 

The Corregidor Foundation (CFI), the Department of Tourism through its marketing arm, the Tourism Promotions Board (T PB), and the Tourism Infrastructure and Economic Zone Authority (TIEZA), unveils the new brand of Corregidor Corregidor Now. Corregidor Now seeks to entice tourists to live and experience Corregidor island in more ways than one! Corregidor Now invites guests to learn the unique story of Corregidor Island and explore spots around the island that are waiting to be experienced, making it a unique and exciting tourism destination. 

With the campaign, they seek to actively promote the island’s various attractions, such as middle-side barracks, battery grubs, Pacific war memorial complex, Cine Corregidor, Spanish lighthouse, Japanese garden of peace, Filipino heroes memorial, Malinta tunnel, and Lorcha dock. Beyond historical relics, the island boasts of a multitude of opportunities for every type of traveler to enjoy biking, bird watching, camping, fishing, hiking, island runabout, and kayaking are just some of the fun activities in the island. 

President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed Corregidor Foundation Inc. Chairpeison and CEO Cynthia Carrion in spearheading the new strategic campaign, dubbed “Corregidor Now," which aims to deliver a stronger and unified voice for the whole island, bringing it to greater heights as a tourism attraction. “For years, Corregidor Island seemed to be perceived solely as a popular historical site, with its idyllic features unknown to many,” Carrion said. “With our campaign, we hope that it will usher in a new era for this eco-historical location, making it known as a place of sanctuary where one can enjoy a relaxing opportunity to revel in the past." 

This initiative, according to TPB Chief Operating Officer Marie Venus Tan. aims to attract more domestic and international tourists to visit Corregidor Island. 

In support of this endeavor. TIEZA Chief Operating Officer Pocholo Paragas said they greatly recognize the island’s historical value and strong tourism potential, which can make it a flagship Tourism Enterprise Zone (TEZ). 

TIEZA is developing a comprehensive master plan for the redevelopment of Corregidor and the proposed rehabilitation of the Corregidor South Dock Pier. Under the marketing campaign, they will implement more proactive promotional efforts in various forms of media to inform the public and entice target markets to visit the island. 

Wlth all the tourist destinations in the Philippines, Corregidor Island is the only one where you can truly dive deep into history while enjoying the best of tropical Philippines. it is the picture-perfect showcase of the variety of fun and adventure offered on its land, sea, and air. Carrion invites Filipinos to come together, enjoy, and explore the historical paradise that is an ultimate relaxation and fun adventure sanctuary. 

To book a tour or know more about Corregidor, please email info@corregidorislan­d.com.ph or visit www.corregidorisland­.com.ph or vall +632.8233281 .

The Philippines Makes a Splash at the ATF 2019 in Vietnam

With an estimated US$ 475,000.00 business leads generated during the four-day event, the participation of the Philippines in the recently-concluded ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) in Hanoi, Vietman was a resounding success for the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) with the Department of Tourism (DOT).

A 270 sqm. booth was secured by TPB to showcase the inviting array of local destinations, attractions, and special interest programs the Philippines has to offer. The Philippine Late Night FUNction, held on the third day of ATF, was very well attended, with fantastic prizes raffled off to lucky attendees. A sumptuous spread of favorite local dishes was served at dinner, with talented Pinoy performers providing the evening’s entertainment.

Spearheaded by Tourism Secretary and TPB Chairperson Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, the Philippine contingent to the ATF included DOT Undersecretary Benito Bengzon, Jr., TPB Chief Operating Officer Marie Venus Q. Tan and other officials, representatives from the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), eight hotels/properties, 14 travel agencies/tour operators and an airline.

The TPB’s goal is for visiting tourists to enjoy an optimal travel experience, thus extending their stay and spending more while in the country. To achieve this, their active presence in international forums and events with high attendance of global influencers is deemed imperative.

“Our fruitful participation to the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2019 really got us fired up as we kick-off our various programs for the New Year,” says TPB Chief Operating Office Marie Venus Tan. “We’re totally excited about the many activities we’re rolling out as a revitalized and invigorated TPB, as we ramp up our efforts towards placing the Philippines’ back in the global tourism map through targeted, high-impact marketing, promotional activities, and an array of exciting events.”

Now on its 38th edition, the ATF is a cooperative regional effort, a must-attend tourism event that promotes the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region as one tourist destination, with all the tourist industry sectors of the 10 member nations of ASEAN participating.

With the theme ASEAN: The Power of One, ATF 2019 which drew over 2,000 delegates—including tourism ministers, leaders of national tourism agencies, international organizations and buyers—with the TRAVEX, a platform for the selling and buying of regional and individual tourism with over a hundred booths, serving as one of the major components.

Venus Tan is the New Chief Operating Officer of TPB

The Board of Directors of the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Marie Venus Tan as its Vice Chairperson and concurrently, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the TPB.

Prior to her assumption of office at the TPB, COO Tan was the Director of the Department of Tourism in the Cordillera Administrative Region (DOT-CAR) for three (3) years. In that capacity, she spearheaded several urban rehabilitation tourism initiatives, including her brainchild campaign, Rev Up, Revive, Revisit, Revitalize (REV-BLOOM), Project Stobosa, Project PURAW and the Village Innovation Community Enhancement Project, among others. Likewise, COO Tan held the post National Coordinator for International Marketing and Promotions of North Luzon and Palawan from May 2015 until September 2018.

She is known for her genuine dedication to the cause of sustainable tourism, as attested by her affiliation with notable local and international organizations dedicated to socio-civic causes. COO Tan is a member of the Steering Committee of the United Nations Mountain Partnership in Slow Food International, Chair of the Asia Pacific Government Cluster and the focal person in the Philippines for the UNESCO Creative Cities Network 2017. She is Vice President of the Cordillera Association of Regional Executives (CARE), the founding Chair of the non-governmental organization Inspirational Women of the Cordilleras (IWOC), the International Organization Women in Travel, and Asia Travel Marketing Association.

COO Tan started her career as a Senior Public Relations Officer of the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) from January 1980 to December 1986. She went on and acquired nearly 13 years’ worth of experience as Chief III of the Europe and the Americas Divisions of the then Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation (PCVC), the precursor of the TPB. COO Tan’s hard work lead to a significant contribution to the development of Philippine tourism relations with Western, Central and Eastern Europe for 15 years, serving as Tourism Attaché for these regions beginning 2000 to 2015.

COO Tan is determined to make the TPB the DOT’s best performing agency under her administration. Topmost among her priorities are the development of meetings, incentive travel, conventions and exhibition events (MICE), providing optimal experiences for long-staying guests, and aiming for the Philippines’ high-spending source markets.