President Marcos Grants Travel Tax Exemption for Mindanao and Palawan Travelers to EAGA Destinations

MANILA — In a significant move to boost economic development and enhance connectivity within the region, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has approved a travel tax exemption for travelers departing from international airports and seaports in Mindanao and Palawan bound for East ASEAN Growth Area (EAGA) destinations.

According to Philippines News Agency, signed on August 6 and published in the Manila Bulletin, the exemption is effective immediately and will remain in place until June 30, 2028, unless revoked earlier. The order specifies that travelers with confirmed connecting flights from Mindanao and Palawan to destinations within the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) are eligible for this tax relief, provided they depart within 24 hours on the same day.

The policy aims to stimulate economic activity and attract more investment to the Philippines’ EAGA routes by making them more accessible and less costly for travelers. This initiative is part of broader efforts to promote tourism and reduce trade and investment barriers as outlined in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.

Travelers can secure their travel tax exemption through the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority. This move follows a series of similar exemptions and reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening regional ties and economic collaboration within the ASEAN subregion.