Philippines promoted as digital nomad hub 

The Philippines is positioning itself as a premier destination for digital nomads and long-stay travelers, with the Department of Tourism (DOT) highlighting the country’s growing appeal at the Skift Asia Forum 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, speaking to an audience of top executives and tourism leaders, emphasized the Philippines’ newly launched Digital Nomad Visa (DNV), which was formalized through Executive Order 86 signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in April. The visa allows foreign remote workers to live and work in the country legally.

“Our focus is to have strong infrastructure that supports digital nomads, from safety and connectivity to rich cultural experiences,” Frasco said. She noted that the DOT works closely with regional offices and local governments to ensure visitor safety and access to immersive tourism circuits.

Frasco underscored the advantages that set the Philippines apart, including affordable living, a warm and English-speaking population, and a variety of cultural and eco-tourism offerings. Destinations such as Palawan, Boracay, and Siargao continue to attract remote workers seeking work-life balance in scenic, tropical settings.

The DOT also promotes sustainable tourism practices, targeting “respectful travelers” whose presence benefits local communities through higher spending and repeat visits. “The vision is to attract quality travelers who respect our sustainable tourism framework and support community livelihoods,” Frasco said.

Beyond the digital nomad market, the Philippines is also enhancing its Special Resident Retiree’s Visa program to invite more foreigners seeking long-term stays in the country.

To support the rise of remote work, the DOT is collaborating with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to expand Wi-Fi coverage in over 90 tourist destinations nationwide.

The Skift Asia Forum is one of the region’s premier gatherings of tourism stakeholders, featuring discussions on emerging trends, technological innovations, and global best practices across airlines, hospitality, tourism boards, and travel tech platforms.