The Philippines has announced a value-added tax refund programme for foreign tourists by 2024 to attract more visitors. The government collects a 12% VAT on goods consumed within the Southeast Asian country, and now the plan is to allow foreigners to get a VAT refund on items they are taking out of the Philippines. This move is in line with what many other countries are offering.
The PCO released a statement stating that the measure is among the proposals a private sector advisory council presented to President Ferdinand Marcos to boost the tourism industry, including improving airport infrastructure and operations and promoting tourism investment.
President Marcos has reportedly approved the launch of an online visa this year for Chinese, South Korean, Indian, and Japanese tourists. With the opening for international travel, the Philippines managed to record 2.65 million international visitors last year, which brought an estimated $3.68 billion in revenue, thereby exceeding its 2022 target of 1.7 million tourists. These records are as per the Department of Tourism. The government is now aiming to boost visitor arrivals this year to 4.8 million tourists.
Participants discussed the boundary between nature and ecotourism, whether mass visits to unique areas can remain safe, the responsibilities of investors, and how to prepare tourists for visiting specially protected natural areas.
The head of state expressed confidence that the Forum will be held at a high level, and that its results will contribute to the development of tourism in Russia and the expansion of humanitarian and business ties.
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