A Public Statement by Victor Lim, President of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII)
Our nation is blessed with unparalleled natural beauty and resources. Yet, as our ASEAN neighbors celebrate a robust tourism recovery, the Philippines is charting a dissimilar and concerning course. We are at a pivotal time where decisive, comprehensive reform is not just an option—it is an urgent economic imperative. We, the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), urge immediate decisive and comprehensive tourism reforms.
The statistics reveal a stark reality. In the first eleven months of 2025, the Philippines recorded only 5.24 million international arrivals, a decline of 2.2% from the previous year and a concerning 37% below the pre-pandemic 2019 level.
This Philippine tourism decline is a direct blow to our national economic well-being. Tourism is our economy’s low-hanging fruit, it is the most accessible engine for inclusive economic growth—a sector that directly creates jobs and sustains the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). To revive our economy from the grassroots up, we must first reform and revive tourism.
Our challenges are clear and must be met with equal clarity of action:
1. The “Hassle” Factor: The journey to and within our islands is often fraught with friction. Congested gateways, logistical hurdles, and unreliable connectivity create a barrier that deters the mainstream traveler, limiting our appeal to only the most adventurous.
2. Uncompetitive Access: While regional ASEAN competitors streamline entry, our visa processes remain an obstacle. We are losing visitors to neighbors who make access effortless.
3. A Fragmented Story: We sell magnificent sights but often fail to craft compelling, holistic experiences. Our rich culture, history, and world-class cuisine remain underutilized pillars of our tourism narrative.
A Blueprint for Immediate Reform
The time for incremental change has passed. We propose a focused national agenda of comprehensive reforms:
· Implement an “ASEAN-Competitive” Visa Regime: We must immediately benchmark and match the most visitor-friendly visa policies in our ASEAN region, making the choice to visit the Philippines an easy one.
· Launch a “Gateways and Connectivity” Revolution: Modernizing our primary airports and improving inter-island travel infrastructure is non-negotiable. The first and last impression must be one of efficiency and ease.
· Champion “The Philippine Experience”: Our global promotion must move beyond scenery. We must train our industry and tell stories that connect our landscapes to our living heritage, our flavors, and our famed hospitality.
The FFCCCII stands ready to partner in this crucial endeavor. Our nation’s potential is boundless, but realizing it demands collective will and decisive action. Let us rebuild our tourism industry that is the pride of our people and a powerhouse for our shared prosperity.
—Victor Lim
President, Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII)
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