MANILA – The Philippines is looking to strengthen its pull for Taiwanese tourists to boost its golf and dive tourism.

The Department of Tourism (DOT), in a news release on Wednesday, said it would work with the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) to increase inbound tourists from Taiwan, including through possible joint tourism marketing campaigns.

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco and MECO Chairperson and Resident Representative Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil discussed the partnership during the latter’s courtesy visit on Tuesday.

The meeting, the DOT said, served as a platform to discuss strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing tourism cooperation between the two destinations.

It also explored the possibility of renewing and updating the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Tourism Cooperation between MECO and the DOT to further solidify tourism collaboration.

Garafil, for her part, said the MECO will continue advancing tourism cooperation with Taiwan as she highlights the opportunities in tapping into the Taiwanese travel market.

She said collaborative efforts in marketing, policy support, and enhanced connectivity would further position the Philippines as a top destination for Taiwanese travelers.

Meanwhile, the two officials agreed to develop policies that will facilitate seamless travel and destination opportunities between the Philippines and Taiwan.

With the upcoming launch of the Taipei-Bohol direct flight in April 2025, the DOT anticipates an increase in Taiwanese arrivals in the country.

Based on its data, Taiwan is one of the Philippines’ top source markets, ranking seventh in visitor arrivals in 2024 with 213,833 Taiwanese tourists recorded. (PNA)