Department of Tourism Endorses CREATE More Bill to Boost Tourism Investments in the Philippines

MANILA — The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Monday expressed its support for the passage of the CREATE More bill, a legislative effort aimed at expanding tourism investments across the nation. This initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s recent State of the Nation Address, where he emphasized tourism as a pivotal sector for job creation.

According to Philippines News Agency, the CREATE More bill—formally known as Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy—proposes enhancements to the fiscal landscape for service-oriented businesses, particularly in the tourism sector. Frasco highlighted the bill’s potential to provide targeted incentives to meet the operational needs of the industry, fostering growth and expansion through private sector investments. These efforts are managed by DOT’s investment promotions arm, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority.

The bill was designated as a ‘top priority’ by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council in June and aims to refine the existing regulatory framework by improving tax and administrative incentives for businesses, and clarifying rules on implementing VAT incentives.

Secretary Frasco further emphasized the administration’s broader tourism strategy which includes advancing infrastructure development, implementing e-Visa systems, and introducing E-gates at airports, thereby boosting the Philippines’ competitiveness as a tourism destination. She also touched on modernizing Philippine airports, which she believes will enhance service quality and solidify the country’s status as a premier tourism spot in the region.

During his address, President Marcos underscored the potential of ‘experiential tourism’, which leverages the rich Filipino culture, food, heritage, and arts to attract tourists. He advocated for a ‘multifaceted strategy’ to navigate the evolving challenges facing the tourism sector, echoing the DOT’s National Tourism Development Plan 2023 to 2028.

The DOT has been actively promoting the Philippines through various programs aimed at showcasing the country’s diverse attractions. These include the Philippine Experience Program, The Philippine Eatsperience, and specialized tourism segments such as Dive Tourism, Gastronomy Tourism, Cruise Tourism, and Halal Tourism.

“Through these endeavors, and collaborative initiatives under the inspiring leadership of President Marcos, we are dedicated to showcasing to the world the many reasons to Love the Philippines,” Frasco concluded.