The Department of Tourism (DOT) lauded new measures discussed during the recent Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) meeting chaired by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
A key focus is on easing visa restrictions to attract more international visitors. The DOT said it is advocating for an electronic visa system and extended stay periods for tourists from key markets like the United States, Japan, Australia, Canada and the European Union.
“The Philippines needs to be able to run an electronic visa system that removes inconvenience and favors ease of access, with the right security measures in place. We welcome the President’s directive to the Department of Foreign Affairs to carry this out at the soonest possible time as the difficulty of entry of obtaining visas has already heavily affected and continues to be one of the biggest challenges to our international arrivals targets,” said DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco. Othel V. Campos
Frasco said DOT is also thankful for the President for allowing longer stay of AJACS (American, Japanese, Australian, Canadian and Schengen countries) and AJACSUK (American, Japanese, Australian, Canadian, Schengen countries, Singapore and United Kingdom) visa holders from seven to 30 days.
“This will increase tourism spending and redound to the benefit of our local businesses and tourism stakeholders with more revenues spent at our destinations,” she said.