PH strengthens golf, dive tourism ties with Taiwan

The Philippines is set to boost its golf and dive tourism by enhancing its partnership with Taiwan, as the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) explore joint promotional efforts.

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco and MECO Chairperson Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil discussed potential collaborations during a courtesy visit on Tuesday, focusing on increasing inbound tourists from Taiwan through strategic marketing campaigns and improved travel policies.

The DOT said the meeting served as a platform to strengthen tourism cooperation, including the possibility of renewing and updating the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Tourism Cooperation between the two entities.

Garafil emphasized MECO’s commitment to deepening tourism ties with Taiwan, citing opportunities to attract more Taiwanese travelers through joint marketing, policy support, and enhanced connectivity.

Both officials also agreed to develop policies that would facilitate seamless travel and expand tourism opportunities between the two destinations.

With the upcoming launch of the Taipei-Bohol direct flight in April 2025, the DOT expects a surge in Taiwanese visitors. Taiwan ranked as the Philippines’ seventh-largest source of tourists in 2024, with 213,833 arrivals recorded.

The DOT and MECO aim to leverage this momentum to further position the Philippines as a premier golf and diving destination for Taiwanese travelers.