The post The pros and cons of a regional unified visa appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The concept of a unified visa is not a new one, seeing how the European Union (EU) has been offering them for a while, much to the benefit of EU member nations, for three decades.

However, with the Philippines becoming the latest nation to show support for the unified ASEAN Visa proposed by the Thai government in 2024, perhaps it is time to take a closer look at what such a visa would mean for the regions that offer them in terms of both tourism and economics.

In this article, we define what exactly is a unified visa, what are the parameters governing its issuance and use, and how it may (or may not) benefit its issuing region.

What exactly is a unified visa?

Simply put, a unified visa is a form of travel documentation that gives a traveller access to more than one country within a specific region.

Rather than apply for a separate visa for a specific nation, this simplifies the process by allowing access to both the destination of choice as well as its regional neighbours if they, too, are covered under the visa.

The oldest unified visa currently in use is the EU’s Schengen Visa which was initially issued in 1995, following the ratification of the Schengen Agreement ten years earlier.

Per the Agreement, the Schengen Visa enables foreigners to travel to or through any country privy to the Agreement using a single visa as opposed to applying for individual visas with member states.

The same principle is set to govern the use of the GCC Grand Tours Visa and the proposed ASEAN Unified Visa.

The benefits of a unified visa for a region

To see what the benefits of a unified visa may deliver to its issuing region, let’s take a look at the one that is slated to be offered under the GCC’s Grand Tours programme.

While the GCC Grand Tours Visa has yet to be implemented, those behind it are already touting its merits in the form of the following regional benefits:

Greater economic impact through tourism

The introduction of the visa is likely to boost tourism and lead to increased spending in local economies, job creation, and increased development in the hospitality and service sectors, all of which will have significant positive impacts on the local economies.

Fostering cultural exchange through multi-border access

The multi-country travel and the likely increase in tourism encourages interactions between visitors and local communities which encourages greater understanding and appreciation of the region’s rich heritage and diverse cultures.

Also, regardless of which region issues a unified visa, there are significant benefits to the travellers who avail of them. 

These include:

Seamless travel across numerous nations

Tourists can enjoy the freedom to travel seamlessly across several countries with a single visa. This eliminates the need for multiple applications and allows travelers to visit more of a given region with fewer administrative difficulties.

A far simpler application process

Rather than compiling several batches of the same documents for several visas, travellers need only compile one and fill out a single form. Thanks to modern technology, there may not even be a need to fill out a physical form as the process can smoothly be done online.

A more cost-effective way to travel

Plus, given that one only needs to fill out a single application rather than several, the process is also less costly and more manageable, allowing travellers to have more funds to spend on their trips.

So, what are the disadvantages of a unified visa?

Where there are benefits, there are also disadvantages, and even a document as vital as a unified visa has its flaws.

Among the potential disadvantages of a unified visa are the following

Unresolved security issues and differing security policies

One of the key matters that regional associations need to address is that of security, especially within ASEAN given the political volatility of several member nations and the high possibility of conflict among GCC nations and their neighbours. At the same time, a policy that may work in one country may not necessarily work with its neighbour, thereby leading to further discussions regarding border control and safety.

Issues related to data sharing and immigration control

Implementing a unified visa requires seamless data sharing between member countries, which can be challenging due to varying data privacy laws and security protocols. Likewise, uneven immigration control systems across member countries can create loopholes and undermine the effectiveness of a unified visa. Involved nations also need to discuss parameters with which to prevent the use of such visas for illegal activity, particularly human trafficking.

Cost will always be an issue

Implementing a unified visa requires substantial investment in infrastructure, data sharing mechanisms, and security protocols. This, in turn, poses a serious challenge with regions wherein two or more nations are undergoing economic instability and may be unable to hold up their end of the funding.

Processes and procedures

At the same time, let’s not forget that the implementation of a unified visa (an initiative on such a massive scale) requires governments to do all the paperwork from legal issues to the implementation of governing rules and regulations. It is a process that cannot be completed overnight and requires time, effort, and resources. Also, nations need to wrangle among themselves to find common ground with regard to visa validity, the types of visas to be offered, and a single list of requirements to be submitted by applicants.

These disadvantages notwithstanding, the benefits of a unified visa may far outweigh them in the long run, leading to greater economic success within a region and the wider exchange of cultural knowledge among nations.

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The post Koh Samui’s Golden Lotus Villas are now part of Elite Havens appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Asian luxury villa management and rental provider Elite Havens recently expanded its portfolio in Koh Samui with the addition of Golden Lotus Villas.

The Golden Lotus Villas are a stunning new  collection of high-end residences perched in the lush hills of Koh Samui that pair refined contemporary design with panoramic ocean views.

That said, the Golden Lotus Villas set a new benchmark in private tropical escapes.

According to Elite Havens’ cluster country director for Thailand and Japan Femke Beekers: “At Golden Lotus Villas, we’ve created a sanctuary that celebrates the beauty of Koh  Samui through contemporary architecture, world-class comfort, and personalised Elite  Havens service. It’s a place to slow down, reconnect, and indulge in the essence of island luxury. Yet, it’s just moments away from the vibrant energy and bustling scenes for those seeking  a livelier pace.” 

The jewel of the headland

Located on the prestigious Bophut headland and overlooking the shimmering coastline  from Bophut to Chaweng, this exclusive estate features six meticulously designed villas: The Blossom, The Flourish, The Harmony, The Purity, The Tranquil, and Villa Vie.

Each one offers an elevated experience of privacy, comfort, and sophistication. 

Golden Lotus’ showcase villa in the estate is Villa Vie, a six-bedroom residence that offers a refined  take on island living, with seamless indoor-outdoor spaces and panoramic sea views from  every vantage point. 

The expansive outdoor area features an infinity pool, ample lounge  seating, and a picturesque setting for enjoying sunsets with family and friends.

Inside, the villa boasts a spacious open-plan layout, thoughtfully designed with high  ceilings, floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, and contemporary furnishings that create a  bright, welcoming atmosphere. 

Designed for modern travellers seeking understated elegance, each of the Golden Lotus  villas boast expansive indoor-outdoor living spaces, minimalist architecture, and sleek  interiors inspired by Thai design aesthetics. 

With configurations ranging from two to six  bedrooms, the villas cater to families, groups of friends celebrating a milestone, couples in search of a secluded getaway, or corporate escapes. 

What to expect from each of the Golden Lotus Villas

• Villa Vie: Perched high above the lush, tropical landscape of Koh Samui, Villa Vie  offers an unrivaled vantage point from its eagle’s nest setting in the mountains.  This six-bedroom sanctuary is a visual feast from every angle, with panoramic sea  views that unfold in every room. 
• The Blossom Villa: A three-bedroom retreat with captivating ocean views,  designer furnishings, and curated artwork throughout. 
• The Harmony Villa: Spread across three levels, this four-bedroom villa is ideal for  larger groups and can be split into two independent units. 
• The Flourish Villa: Intimate yet spacious, this three-bedroom villa features a long  plunge pool and a seamless flow from interior to terrace. 
• The Purity Villa: Nestled next to The Blossom, this three-bedroom villa mirrors the  estate’s serene design ethos with its artistic touches and rainforest backdrop. 
• The Tranquil Villa: A flexible four-bedroom layout with modern design, perfect for  families or friends travelling together. 

The Golden Lotus Villas estate also provides a host of thoughtful amenities including private pools, daily housekeeping, optional private chef services, and airport transfers.

Guests are never  far from Koh Samui’s vibrant culinary and nightlife scene yet enjoy total seclusion and  serenity within their villa. 

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The post IWTA Roundtable – Women leaders push boundaries despite structural, personal barriers appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

 

IWTA Roundtable – Women leaders push boundaries despite structural, personal barriers

 

IWTA Roundtable with Michaela Connor: Sumi Soorian, Natcha Charoenwai & Dr. Nisha Abu Bakar – Women Shaping Tourism

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you know of any female leaders or up and coming superstars in the Travel and Hospitality industry you would like to hear their story, please visit our page and complete a nomination form!

 

NOMINATE SOMEONE

 

NOMINATE YOURSELF

 

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The post Sports Events Fueled £2.2 Billion in UK Spending from April to October: Data Appeal appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

An exclusive report by The Data Appeal Company, part of Almawave Group, reveals that between April and October, sports events in the UK generated over £2.2 billion in spending, spanning more than 3,200 events and attracting nearly 25.6 million attendees.

The Data Appeal Company – Almawave Group, a leader in tourism data analysis, has unveiled a comprehensive report that explores the broader impact of major UK sporting events on local economies, tourism, and spending. The report Wimbledon and Beyond: A Data Snapshot of UK Sports Events and Their Impact, offers a deep dive into how iconic events like Wimbledon, the British Grand Prix, and the London Marathon drive visitor spending, accommodation trends, and overall economic growth across the UK.

The UK’s reputation as a global sports hub is undeniable, but the financial impact of its sporting events is equally significant. With the sports events sector alone contributing almost £9.753 billion to the UK economy in 2024 according to UK Events Report, Data Appeal’s study uncovers the effects of these events on local economies through various lenses, including visitor spending, accommodation trends and sentiment and popularity.

“These events offer cities a unique opportunity to drive short-term revenue and long-term visibility,” says Mirko Lalli, CEO & Founder of Data Appeal. “But capturing that value requires understanding not just attendance, but how people travel, spend, and experience the destination. For destinations and organisers, the insight is strategic: curating the right mix of events—those that attract high-value audiences or generate broad public engagement—can be far more effective than simply aiming for crowd numbers.”

Top events in the UK: Festivals vs. Sports Events

Data reveals a clear distinction between festivals and sports events in terms of attendance and economic impact. While festivals like the Notting Hill Carnival and Pride in London draw huge crowds, sports events such as Wimbledon and the British Grand Prix generate significantly higher spending per visitor:

• Wimbledon is predicted to generate over £224 million from 526,000 attendees, with significant contributions from hospitality services.
• The British Grand Prix also leads in total spending, with £188 million forecasted.
• The Gemini Boat Race ranks as a high-spend event, despite lower attendance, due to its exclusive audience.

 

Top-Spender sports events and their economic impact
Between April and October 2025, Wimbledon leads UK sports events in predicted spending with £224.8M, followed by the British Grand Prix (£188.6M) and the Gemini Boat Race (£175.2M)—the latter notable for its high per capita spend despite a smaller crowd. The Open Championship (£82.1M in hospitality) and the TCS London Marathon (£60M in F&B) round out the top five, with the marathon drawing the largest attendance (800,000) and broader city-wide impact. Overall, elite events drive higher per-person spend, while mass events boost urban tourism and public engagement.

 

Flight data and regional impact
Despite a slight drop in arrivals the week before Wimbledon, the event still saw a net increase of over 3 million travellers compared to the same period in 2024, highlighting its strong global appeal and the behaviour of high-spending, late-booking audiences. Similarly, the British Grand Prix is expected to triple arrivals into Birmingham on July 4, boosted by overlapping U.S. holiday travel. Events in remote areas like Derry also show sharp international spikes when backed by the right infrastructure and visibility. In contrast, events like the Gemini Boat Race and London Marathon show limited air travel impact, likely due to their local reach and reliance on domestic ground transport—still valuable for regional planning and mobility strategies.

Accommodation trends: Understanding OTA saturation
Accommodation data shows key contrasts in booking behaviour and pricing around major events: for instance, by March 2025, OTA saturation for Wimbledon was already high, yet rates remained unexpectedly low—likely due to high-spending travellers booking via private channels, corporate packages, or exclusive clubs. This suggests that traditional OTA data may underestimate true economic impact. Events like The Open Championship boost OTA rates and saturation even in remote areas, benefiting surrounding towns if infrastructure and marketing align. In contrast, the London Marathon contributes to a steady seasonal uplift in rates, offering cities the chance to build loyalty around predictable demand. Lack of OTA data for events like the British Grand Prix or Gemini Boat Race may signal blind spots in regional markets, underlining the need for broader data partnerships.

Sentiment and public perception: A mixed bag
The area of Wimbledon saw a notable sentiment increase from 85 to 92, reflecting its strong emotional and reputational impact driven by world-class competition, tradition, and premium experiences—positioning it as a cultural highlight of the UK summer.

 

In contrast, events like the London Marathon, Boat Race, and British Grand Prix showed no measurable sentiment uplift, which, while less headline-grabbing, still represents a success given the operational pressures high-traffic events can bring. These results underline that positive sentiment hinges not just on attendance, but on curated experiences and effective infrastructure, highlighting the need to balance crowd appeal with community well-being and event quality.

In conclusion, the data underscores how top-tier sporting events are not only cultural milestones but also powerful economic engines, driving multimillion-pound impacts across travel, accommodation, and hospitality sectors. By combining granular insights—from flight patterns to booking behaviours and sentiment trends—the report offers destination managers, event organisers, and tourism boards a clear roadmap to maximise both revenue and resident satisfaction. With strategic planning and data-led decisions, cities can turn peak moments into long-term value. 

 

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The post Averill Hospitality unveils plans to remodel, rename, and rebrand The Pine Lodge as ‘Whitefish Riverfront Hotel’ appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Whitefish-based, family-owned Averill Hospitality, whose portfolio already includes two of Whitefish’s most celebrated properties – The Lodge at Whitefish Lake and The Firebrand Hotel – has announced plans to remodel, rename, and rebrand The Pine Lodge as Whitefish Riverfront Hotel. 

Phase one of renovations is already underway at the property, which Averill Hospitality acquired in October 2024. These upgrades are expected to be completed in June, ahead of the busy summer travel season.

As the new name implies, Whitefish Riverfront Hotel boasts an ideal location along the Whitefish River, just blocks from downtown and conveniently located for accessing Glacier National Park, Whitefish Lake, and Whitefish Mountain Resort. Bringing together modern comfort and the authentic charm of the Montana mountain lifestyle, Whitefish Riverfront Hotel is guided by the vision of affordable luxury. The rebranded hotel will still offer guests that deep connection to Whitefish’s natural beauty, culture, and welcoming spirit with an elevated twist.

“The heart and spirit of the property will remain at the core, with thoughtful, modern upgrades and new amenities that enhance the sense of community and place our

guests have come to love,” says Brian Averill, President of Averill Hospitality. “The first phase of improvements began in March and is on track for completion by mid-June. Phase two will commence this fall. It’s an exciting time, and we look forward to welcoming guests to a refreshed and elevated experience at this popular property.”

Working in collaboration with award-winning Colorado-based OZ Architecture – whose notable projects include the Telluride Four Seasons, Grand Hyatt Deer Valley, and The Stockman Hotel in Steamboat Springs – the transformation touches nearly every aspect of the guest experience while maintaining the warm, approachable personality that has defined The Pine Lodge for years.

Among the notable changes guests can expect to enjoy at Whitefish Riverfront Hotel include:

• Lobby Expansion & Modernization: The hotel lobby has been completely reimagined as a vibrant social hub, with a newly added wine and beer bar, expanded space, on-the-go food and beverage offerings, and retail.
• Exterior Facelift & Signage: A refreshed arrival experience, including exterior, porte cochère, and improved signage, will enhance the guest experience and ensure a seamless arrival process.
• Upgraded Game Room: Families and friends can gather in a refreshed space featuring fun for all ages, including a pool table, video games, and a side room for small group seating.
• Hallway Refresh: The freshly painted hallways offer a cleaner, more modern aesthetic.
• Fitness Center Expansion: A larger, better-equipped fitness center allows guests to stay active even on rest days with added cardio, plyometric equipment, weights, televisions, and expanded space.
• Breakfast Experience: The lobby expansion will allow us to offer guests improved seating along with hot breakfast options as part of the lodging experience.
• Gear Room: Fully equipped to support enthusiasts of Whitefish’s year-round outdoor recreation with gear for a variety of adventures.

While new enhancements are being introduced, the property continues to offer its signature amenities, including convenient ski storage and ski shuttle service to Whitefish Mountain Resort. Summer brings even more ways to explore, with complimentary town bikes, kayaks, and paddleboards for guests as well as e-bikes available for rent.

Whether guests are visiting Whitefish for the slopes, trails, or town charm, Whitefish Riverfront Hotel will be ready to welcome them—with more comfort, style, and soul than ever before.

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The post Preferred Hotels & Resorts Announces 2025 GIFTTS Pineapple Award Winners at 2025 Global Conference in Singapore appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Preferred Hotels & Resorts announces Rosen Hotels & Resorts, Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa, Kasbah Tamadot, and Inn by The Sea as the winners of the 2025 GIFTTS Pineapple Awards. As a key event of the 2025 Preferred Global Conference, The GIFTTS Pineapple awards ceremony took place during a celebratory dinner at Gardens by the Bay, the iconic landmark of Singapore and celebrates these hotels that showcase an outstanding commitment to philanthropy, sustainability, and social responsibility.

“We are incredibly proud to recognize those who are setting the standard in our industry through their dedication to purpose-driven leadership and impactful community engagement,” said Lindsey Ueberroth, Chief Executive Officer at Preferred Hotels & Resorts. “These trailblazers continually inspire us with their commitment to initiatives that create lasting value for both people and the planet. The GIFTTS program aligns closely with our Climate Action Plan, and together with our exceptional hoteliers around the world, we are advancing meaningful progress toward a more sustainable future.”

Every year Preferred Hotels & Resorts recognizes member hotels that take the meaning of genuine hospitality beyond the lobby and into their communities by showcasing an outstanding commitment to philanthropy, sustainability, and social responsibility as part of its GIFTTS program, which stands for Great Initiatives for Today’s (Tomorrow’s) Society. With nearly 100 property submissions across four categories, the 2025 winners are as follows:

• Philanthropy: Kasbah Tamadot (Asni, Morocco), Legend Collection
• Sustainability: Inn by The Sea(Cape Elizabeth, United Sates), L.V.X. Collection & member of Beyond Green
• Overall Hotel: ErinvaleEstate Hotel & Spa (Cape Town, South Africa), L.V.X. Collection
• Overall Corporate Entity: Rosen Hotels & Resorts, including Rosen Plaza Hotel(Lifestyle Collection), Rosen Shingle Creek (Lifestyle Collection), Rosen Centre Hotel (Lifestyle Collection).

 

 

 

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The post Delta to introduce booking experiences tailored to travellers needs appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

 

Starting 15 May, customers shopping and booking tickets for travel on or after 1 Oct will start to see a new shopping experience when on Delta.com and in the Fly Delta app – one that lets them shop for and select the travel that best suits their needs and preferences. 

As Delta looks ahead to the next 100 years of flight, they are updating the way you shop for flights – offering more choice and greater clarity, aiming to provide travel experiences that can be customized to your personal preferences.

As part of this evolution, they’re refreshing their product names and introducing booking experiences tailored to your travel needs and priorities.

What’s changing?  

Starting 15 May for flights on or after 1 Oct, they’ll begin offering a combination of products and experiences that give you more choice and control over your journey than ever before.

Delta’s seat products will now be classified into the following categories: Delta Main (formerly Main Cabin), Delta Comfort (formerly Delta Comfort+®), Delta First (Formerly First Class), Delta Premium Select, and Delta One.

You’ll no longer see “Basic Economy” – instead, that base-level fare class has been folded into Delta Main, which now includes three experience options allowing you to better tailor your journey: Basic, Classic and Extra.

• Delta Main Basic (formerly Basic Economy): Their lowest-cost fare is the perfect entry point to travel with Delta. Delta Main Basic offers you the essentials, just as a Basic Economy ticket did before. You’ll enjoy the core Delta experience, with restrictions: seat assigned after check-in, Zone 8 boarding priority, cancellation with a fee for a partial eCredit, no mileage or MQDs earned for your trip, and no entry into Delta Sky Clubs (even with credentials).
• Delta Main Classic: For customers who want a little more – think MQD earn, 5 miles per dollar (excluding taxes), eCredit if you cancel, better boarding priority, same-day standby options, added flexibility to choose your seat – a Delta Main Classic option might be more appealing.
• Delta Main Extra: And customers who want even more – even higher boarding priority, base mileage earn at 7 miles per dollar (excluding taxes/fees), easy refundability back to your form of payment, plus same-day standby, as with Classic – can unlock those benefits with a Delta Main Extra fare.

All other seat products will include “Classic” and “Extra” tiered experiences for greater choice and more customization. (In some markets, customers may be offered “Refundable” options in place of “Extra,” which will allow flexibility and trip cancellation for a refund at any time prior to departure.*)

The new products and experiences are available via a modernized shopping layout on Delta.com and Fly Delta app—one that will allow you to see key fare attributes at a glance and compare experiences across fares.

“As we listen and learn about what our customers want when it comes to their travel, we know that clarity and choice are paramount,” said Eric Phillips, S.V.P. and Chief Digital Officer. “Our reimagined shopping experience gives customers more options and flexibility to pick the travel experience that works best for them, and a full picture of all the benefits of flying with Delta.”

Curate your journey based on what matters most to you  

Travel needs and tastes evolve over time, or even from trip to trip. Travel priorities on a business trip might be different than your priorities for your family vacation. With Delta’s new booking experience, you can tailor your experience to your budget and priorities, getting the value that works for you.

 

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The post Brad Sheehan appointed as new S.V.P. of Corporate Safety, Security and Compliance in Delta Air Lines appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Delta Air Lines announces the appointment of Brad Sheehan as the new S.V.P. of Corporate Safety, Security and Compliance, effective 2^nd June. Brad is a seasoned aviation safety leader with over 25 years of industry experience. He will succeed David Garrison, who has decided to retire after an illustrious 34-year career at Delta.

Brad currently serves as V.P. of Flight Operations, and he flies as an A320 captain. His extensive background overseeing training, technology and flight standards also includes leading Delta’s Flight Safety team.  During his tenure, he has furthered our safety culture and worked collaboratively with industry partners and the FAA to bring about national airspace improvements.

Before joining Delta, Brad held senior leadership roles in operations and safety at several other airlines. His expertise and dedication to safety have earned him appointments to five FAA-required positions, including Director of Operations and Director of Safety at other airlines and his current role as System Chief Pilot for Delta. In his new role, Brad will serve as the FAA-designated Director of Safety, advising Delta leadership and liaising with regulators on all safety matters.

“In 2017, Delta became one of the first airlines to have our safety management system approved by the FAA,” said Delta’s E.V.P. and Chief of Operations John Laughter. “Brad has been a key leader in turning that system into a culture here at Delta.”

Brad graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University and holds several certificates in business management from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School.

David Garrison will retire at the end of June following a one-month transition period. He has been a cornerstone of Delta’s safety initiatives throughout his career, leading efforts to lower injury rates, secure significant operational safety investments and foster Delta’s safety culture.

 

 

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The post Philippines open to possibility of One ASEAN Visa appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) strongly supports the proposed unified ASEAN visa.

Tourism secretary Christina Frasco pointed out that a single regional visa would help position ASEAN as a key global tourism destination.

This proposed visa will be modelled after the current Schengen Visa of the European Union and the joint visa of the Gulf Cooperation Council in the Middle East.

In recent months, the proposal has gained support from ASEAN member-states.

“A destination for every dream”

Frasco remarked in a statement released yesterday, 18th May, that ASEAN tourism’s overarching tagline is “a destination for every dream,’ and that a unified visa would help make the dream come true for many global travellers.

Frasco said: “To be able to unify the ASEAN as a destination is an aspiration for us in the Philippines.”

The tourism secretary added that neighbouring countries have likewise expressed strong interest in carrying the proposal.

She said: “We are very hopeful that the subject matter will again come up as the Philippines hosts the ASEAN next year.”

Frasco also pointed out the potential of enhanced regional cooperation despite existing competition among ASEAN countries.

As she puts it: “Competition is always very healthy, but collaboration is healthier in a sense that ASEAN coming together to work as a force for good for the world would really benefit all of our countries.”

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The post DOT Chief invites digital nomads to The Philippines appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Philippines is positioning itself as an appealing destination for long-stay travellers and digital nomads, emphasizing not just affordable living but also high-value cultural experiences and exceptional hospitality.

Representing the Philippine government, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco was among the preeminent lineup of speakers in this year’s Skift Asia Forum 2025 held in Bangkok, Thailand

To differentiate itself in a competitive market with countries like Thailand and Indonesia, Secretary Frasco highlighted the Philippines’ ease of travel, English-speaking population, and strong infrastructure for digital nomads.

To recall, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. signed Executive Order 86 in April 2025, authorizing the issuance of the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV). This initiative is designed to attract long-term travelers seeking immersive cultural experiences while working remotely in the scenic islands of the Philippines.

“Long-stay travelers from all over the world work in paradise, where the value proposition that the country offers is not just a low cost stay, but one that is of high value, that provides cultural and immersive experiences, a population that is unparalleled in terms of its hospitality, warmth, and proficiency for English, as well as a host of islands that are ready to have these digital nomads enjoy their experience while working and traveling across the Philippines,” said Secretary Frasco.

“Our focus as well is really to be able to have a strong infrastructure in terms of assisting our digital nomads in the country. And so we work very closely with our regional offices as well as our local government units across the country to make sure that tourism safety is of top priority, as well as opportunities to have cultural experiences in the country are present through our tourism circuits,” added the tourism chief.

The government is focusing on safety, cultural engagement, and support for longer stays through initiatives like the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa.

“We’re also laying the groundwork to ensure that, longer term stay in the Philippines is possible. This has already been institutionalized by way of our Philippine Retirement Authority, which offers a Special (Resident) Retiree’s Visa for those that may wish to stay beyond the one year that is allowed in the digital nomad space,” added Frasco.

The Philippines, Secretary Frasco noted, aims to attract respectful tourists who contribute positively to local communities through sustainable tourism practices.

“We’ve heard of world-renowned Philippine islands like Palawan—which has just been declared as the World’s Best Island, Boracay, Siargao, just to name a few, where we are welcoming people who seek to have immersive adventures as well as cultural experiences while they’re able to work, and the vision for the country is to be able to attract travelers that are quality in terms of their respect for our framework towards sustainable tourism as well as travelers that are able to benefit our communities by way of higher tourism spendings as well as repeat visits. So, overall, our approach is really to be able to ensure that the Philippines develops in a manner that provides unforgettable, immersive, and cultural experiences but also safeguards the longevity of our destinations,” she added.

Frasco stressed that the Marcos Administration is working to improve digital connectivity across the country by partnering with the Department of Information and Communications Technology to enhance Wi-Fi services in over 90 destinations.

Held annually, the Skift Asia Forum convenes the travel industry’s top executives, decision-makers, and thought leaders to explore the most pressing developments shaping the sector through keynote talks, exclusive panels, and high-level networking opportunities. It serves as a critical touchpoint for those driving transformation across airlines, hospitality, tourism boards, tech platforms, and more.

Other distinguished speakers include Laura Houldsworth, Managing Director and Vice President, Asia Pacific of Booking.com; Dave Stephenson, Chief Business Officer of Airbnb; Nadia Omer, CEO of AirAsia MOVE; Boon Sian Chai, Managing Director and Vice President, International Markets of Trip.com Group; Wilfred Fan, Chief Commercial Officer of Klook; Bill Bensley, Creative Director and Founder of BENSLEY; Fazal Bahardeen, Founder and CEO of HalalTrip/CrescentRating; Hannah Pearson, Director of Pear Anderson; Chai Eamsiri, CEO of Thai Airways;  Wong Kar Ling, Chief Strategy Officer and Managing Director Southeast Asia of The Ascott Limited; Song Hoi-see, CEO and Founder of Plaza Premium Group; Deepak Ohri, CEO and Founder of Luxury Atelier Maison Happiness (LAMH), and Gary Bowerman, Asia-based Travel Economist.

 

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