TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Tourism Administration announced at a one-day promotional event in Manila on Monday that the number of Filipino visitors to Taiwan reached a record high of nearly 630,000 in 2025.
To build on that growth, the Tourism Administration said it will strengthen bilateral tourism exchanges through initiatives such as business-to-business promotion events. Representatives from 30 organizations, including the Taoyuan City Government, leisure farms, travel agencies, hotels, and airlines, met with more than 150 Filipino tourism operators to explore further cooperation, per CNA.
Dustin Yang (楊登仕), deputy head of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines, welcomed Filipino tourists to visit Taiwan to enjoy its cuisine, festivals, and natural scenery, or simply to slow down and explore the country.
Citing Tourism Administration data, Yang said 67% of Filipinos traveled to Taiwan for tourism. In comparison, 33% visited relatives and friends, showing that Taiwan is not only a travel destination but also a place where visitors feel personal connections.
Huang Shih-fang (黃勢芳), deputy director-general of the Tourism Administration, said the Philippines is a market with strong potential for Taiwan. He cited short flight times and competitive airfares as appealing to Filipino travelers.
Huang said Taiwan’s tourism development focuses not only on increasing visitor numbers and revenue but also on improving quality and overall travel experience.
Jaison Yang (楊傑森), president of the Philippine Travel Agents Association, praised tourism ties between the Philippines and Taiwan, saying they represent not just business exchanges but also a sense of brotherly friendship.
A Tourism Administration delegation also took part in the 33rd PTAA International Travel Fair in Manila over the weekend, following up with a Taiwan tourism promotion event in central Luzon on Monday.
Six airlines operate direct flights from Taipei or Kaohsiung to major Philippine cities, including Manila, Clark, and Cebu. The Tourism Administration said the establishment of its service branch in Manila in 2024 has contributed to a significant increase in two-way tourist visits in recent years.
