MANILA — The Private Sector Advisory Council for Tourism (PSAC-Tourism) has proposed an Executive Order (EO) for the swift implementation of nomad visas without tax incentives, aiming to attract long-stay foreign visitors.
Lucio Tan III, Vice Chairperson of LT Group, highlighted the urgency, noting that other Southeast Asian nations like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia are already benefiting from similar initiatives.
President Marcos endorsed this interim solution and instructed the Office of the Executive Secretary to draft the EO and identify a pilot country for the program. The PSAC-Tourism is optimistic that these efforts will enhance the tourism sector and promote travel to and within the Philippines.
Joji Gotianun Yap, President and CEO of Filinvest Development Corporation, emphasized the need for industry-specific training to prepare individuals for immediate employment in tourism-related jobs.
She noted that 80% of the tourism workforce holds Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) certifications, advocating for an increase in these certifications to meet industry demands.
President Marcos stressed the importance of aligning training programs with industry needs, highlighting the role of short-term courses in facilitating quick employment.
J. Prospero de Vera III, Chair of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), supported this approach, pointing out that top institutions offering degrees in Tourism and Hospitality Management are now integrating TESDA certifications, providing students with flexible educational pathways.
PSAC-Tourism is confident that these initiatives will position the Philippines as a prime tourist destination, enhance the quality of its tourism workforce, and drive economic growth.
In a related move to boost tourism, the Department of Tourism (DOT) announced efforts to streamline e-visa processing for Indian nationals, recognizing India as a key source market.
The DOT expressed commitment to working with stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of e-visa reforms and strengthen cultural and economic ties with India.
The DOT has urged the Department of Foreign Affairs to actively support these e-visa reforms to create a more welcoming environment for Indian visitors and stimulate tourism growth.
(el Amigo/mnm)
