HOSPITALITY and property executives said infrastructure investments and expansion into regional destinations are expected to support the Philippines’ tourism industry, citing major transport projects and growing hotel developments outside Metro Manila.

Speaking at the recent Philippine Hospitality for Sustainable Tourism Summit, the executives said the country’s tourism fundamentals remain resilient despite fluctuations in visitor arrivals.

Chantale Wong, former US executive director at the Asian Development Bank (ADB), said tourism receipts reached P760.5 billion in 2024, up 26.7% from pre-pandemic levels, reflecting continued visitor spending despite global headwinds.

The panel identified the government’s Build Better More infrastructure program as a key driver of tourism growth. Ms. Wong said the Philippines became ADB’s largest borrower during her tenure, securing about $4 billion annually to finance infrastructure projects.

Ms. Wong cited the Metro Manila Subway, North-South Commuter Railway, and Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge as projects expected to improve tourism and broader economic activity.

“That is going to make a huge difference to the economy [and] the economic activities that are going to be coming in, not just tourists,” she said.

Torre Lorenzo Development Corp. Chief Executive Officer Tomas Agustin Lorenzo said improved connectivity has already changed the visitor profile of the company’s resorts in Davao, with direct flights attracting more international travelers.

The executives also said developers are increasingly expanding into secondary and tertiary cities to capture tourism demand beyond Metro Manila.

Megaworld Hotels & Resorts Managing Director Cleofe Albiso said the company is “growing purposefully” by developing integrated regional estates. Megaworld is developing about 700 room keys in Palawan while expanding its presence in Iloilo and Mactan.

Ms. Albiso said township developments help strengthen regional economies by generating jobs and supporting infrastructure such as the Mactan Expo, which caters to meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE).

Mr. Lorenzo said Torre Lorenzo is building smaller townships in Mindanao and Luzon to address demographic needs that larger developers may overlook, including premium student residences and hotels in emerging growth corridors.

Looking ahead, Ms. Albiso urged the Department of Tourism to strengthen partnerships with global online travel agencies to expand the country’s international reach.

“We need a lever that’s going to give us an accelerator to give us the numbers on the immediate,” she said.

She said the Philippines should maximize the reach of global online travel platforms to remain competitive as a tourism destination. — Juliana Chloe A. Gonzales