The Taiwan Tourism Administration and the Taiwan Tourism Information Center in Manila further strengthened travel ties between Taiwan and the Philippines through direct engagement with tourism stakeholders in Iloilo and Cebu.
The 2025 Taiwan Tourism Workshop gathered travel agencies, tour operators, and airline representatives from both countries to explore new collaborations, promote Taiwan’s latest tourism offerings, and sustain the momentum of Filipino visits to Taiwan.
Cindy Chen, Director of the Taiwan Tourism Information Center in Manila and the Taiwan Tourism Administration Bangkok Office, formally opened the event in Iloilo. Wallace Minn-Gan Chow, Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines, led the gathering in Cebu.

“The Philippines is one of Taiwan’s most important source markets in Southeast Asia,” said Chen. “I want to express our sincere gratitude to both Taiwanese and Filipino travel agencies and airlines for your invaluable contributions to promoting tourism to Taiwan. Your hard work and dedication are truly making a difference to boost this growth and further enhance Taiwan’s appeal as a top destination.”
Taiwan welcomed more than 470,000 Filipino travelers in 2024, making the Philippines Taiwan’s largest source of tourists in Southeast Asia and the fifth globally.
To encourage further growth, the Taiwan Tourism Administration is offering a suite of travel incentives including subsidized group travel programs, company incentive tours, the Lucky Draw campaign, and free pocket WiFi for visitors.
Filipino travel agencies are encouraged to apply for these programs, with guidance provided by the Taiwan Tourism Information Center in Manila, which opened in December 2024.
On the other hand, Chow praised the workshop’s success and the visa waivers as vital enablers of mutual travel. “Tourism is not just a business. It’s a bridge that connects people across cultures and continents,” he stressed.
Taiwanese visitor arrivals to the Philippines reached approximately 220,000 in 2024. From January to May 2025 alone, over 86,000 arrivals were recorded, placing Taiwan eighth among foreign markets nationwide and fourth in Western Visayas.
With Taiwan reinstating 14-day visa-free entry for Filipinos and the Philippines granting the same to Taiwanese travelers starting July 1, tourism between the two countries is poised for continued growth.
Department of Tourism (DOT-6) Regional Director Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez welcomed the Taiwanese delegation to the “City of Love,” noting Iloilo’s position as a premier tourism hub with multiple daily domestic and international flights.
She underscored the city’s culinary and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) appeal, and expressed optimism for a direct flight between Iloilo and Taiwan in the near future.
“We believe this workshop is a meaningful step forward,” said Rodriguez. “As we look to the future, may our tourism ties ride on waves of wonder and continue to grow stronger through shared experiences, mutual respect, and lasting friendships. Let us bring more visitors to discover the beauty, the warmth, and the vibrant cultures of both our nations.”
The Cebu leg also drew support from the Department of Tourism Region VII, with Regional Director Judy Gabato, emphasizing the event’s role as a platform for building stronger tourism linkages.
“This workshop not only showcases the collaborative spirit between our two countries, but also highlights the shared commitment to fostering mutual growth in tourism, trade and cultural exchange,” she said.
With over 250 weekly flights between the Philippines and Taiwan and increasing demand for culinary, educational, and outdoor travel, the two countries are set to sustain tourism momentum and unlock new avenues for bilateral exchange.