The Department of Tourism (DOT) said the latest recognition bestowed on the Philippines as Asia’s Best Retirement Destination at the 11th TripZilla Excellence Awards will reinforce the country’s position as a top retirement haven globally.
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said the award is a testament to the Marcos administration’s whole-of-government approach in making retirement tourism a key pillar of the country’s tourism portfolio.
“Retirees choose the Philippines because the warmth of our country goes beyond our destinations and is deeply rooted in our culture of care, hospitality and compassion,” Frasco said.
“We take this recognition as a call to further strengthen world-class programs and services that uphold the dignity, comfort and well-being of those who choose to spend the best years of their lives here,” she said.
TripZilla, a leading Southeast Asian online travel platform, also recognized the Philippines as the Best Dive Destination and Destination of the Year.
The DOT said it is working closely with the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) to enhance the global appeal of the country’s retirement offerings.
Earlier this year, the two agencies met to improve the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) program, a flagship incentive for foreign nationals and returning overseas Filipinos.
PRA general manager Roberto Zozobrado is spearheading the “We Create an Amazing Retirement Experience (WE CARE)” campaign, aimed at increasing the Philippines’ share of the global retirement market.
“The Philippines offers something truly rare—retirement that feels like coming home,” Zozobrado said.
“Through the ‘WE CARE’ campaign, we want retirees to know they are not only welcomed here but valued, supported and embraced as part of our communities. This recognition reflects our commitment to providing an enriching, worry-free and meaningful retirement experience,” he said.
The Philippines hosts more than 83,000 holders of the SRRV.
