TIEZA strengthens its commitment to building Tourism Together in 2026

The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) today underscored its strengthened commitment to “building tourism together with communities, local governments, private sector partners, and national agencies as it accelerates major infrastructure, heritage preservation, and sustainable development projects across the country in 2026.

As the primary agency mandated to develop, manage, and supervise tourism infrastructure nationwide, TIEZA continues to shape a more dynamic, inclusive, and future-ready tourism landscape—anchored on collaboration and shared growth, and all in line with the National Tourism Development Plan of 2023-2028.

A Unified Approach to Tourism Development

Guided by the Republic Act 9593 (Tourism Act of 2009), TIEZA is driving a comprehensive portfolio of initiatives that uplift tourism destinations, preserve cultural assets, and equip communities with world-class facilities that support increasing visitor demand.

“Building tourism together requires partnerships rooted in trust, shared responsibility, and a unified vision for national development,” said TIEZA Chief Operating Officer Mark Lapid. “Every project we undertake—from heritage restoration to sustainable utilities and large-scale convention facilities—is designed to empower local communities, strengthen tourism competitiveness, and ensure that the benefits of tourism are felt by more Filipinos.”

Meanwhile, TIEZA’s work in safeguarding national heritage goes hand in hand with modernization. The 3D Laser Scanning of the Philippines’ UNESCO Baroque Churches showcases this fusion—digitally preserving structures such as San Agustin Church, Miagao Church, Santa Maria Church, and Paoay Church for future restoration and disaster resilience.

Nationwide, TIEZA continues to lead major restoration and revitalization projects including the Nuestra Señora del Pilar Parish in Sibonga, Cebu, the Bacolod Heritage Plaza and Government Center in Negros Occidental, Magellan’s Landing Site in Homonhon Island, Eastern Samar, Burnham Park in Baguio City, and the Quezon City Memorial Circle Redevelopment in Metro Manila.

TIEZA’s sustainability agenda also includes the construction of critical sewerage and wastewater treatment facilities in Puerto Galera and Coron; scientific coastal monitoring such as the Boracay Green Tide Chronicles; and nationwide solar lighting projects that support eco-friendly tourism circuits. These investments secure environmental resilience while protecting the long-term viability of high-value destinations.

Strengthening Tourism Enterprise Zones and Investment Pipelines

Through Flagship Tourism Enterprise Zones (TEZs) and assets such as the Mt. Samat Flagship TEZ, , San Vicente Flagship TEZ, Iloilo Convention Center, Paoay Sand Dunes, and the Paoay Golf Course Rehabilitation, TIEZA continues to expand high-impact tourism infrastructure that positions local economies for growth.

As the lead Investments Promotion Agency for Philippine tourism, TIEZA is intensifying the TIEZA Registration Process under CREATE Act to provide assistance to a broader range of enterprises under the CREATE Act. These include medical and wellness tourism, accommodation, integrated tourism estates, ecotourism and adventure attractions, agritourism, tourist transport services, and technology-enabled tourism enterprises.

Strategic pipeline of initiatives for tourism enterprises include the forthcoming Philippine Tourism Investment Roadmap, one of TIEZA’s flagship initiatives for 2026 It lays the foundation for a more competitive tourism investment landscape. It will identify priority development areas, outline strategic investment directions, and unify national and local tourism goals into a cohesive, forward-looking framework. By strengthening policy alignment, enhancing investor support systems, and promoting bankable, sustainable tourism projects, the Roadmap is poised to unlock new markets, catalyze major developments, and drive long-term economic growth.

To operationalize the Roadmap, TIEZA is launching the Philippine Tourism Investment Portfolio, a structured platform that highlights priority tourism projects across the nation. The Portfolio guides investors toward viable opportunities while improving coordination among government agencies, LGUs, and private sector partners—ensuring that investments are sustainable, inclusive, and aligned with market needs.

Complementing these initiatives is the TIEZA RBE Awards, which recognizes Registered Business Enterprises (RBEs) for excellence in service quality, sustainability, and economic contribution. The Awards celebrate outstanding efforts that advance inclusive, regenerative, and high-impact tourism development.

Ongoing TEZ developments further demonstrate TIEZA’s commitment to building tourism together. In the San Vicente Flagship Tourism Enterprise Zone, TIEZA is implementing the ₱365-million Design and Build of the CBDC River Water System to secure long-term potable water supply for tourism establishments and local communities across the Long Beach area. Meanwhile, at the Mt. Samat Shrine Flagship TEZ, the development of a world-class Visitors Complex—featuring an upgraded Visitors Center, Tourism Assistance Center, and Multi-Purpose Building—aims to elevate visitor experience and strengthen economic participation for Pilar, Bataan.

Building Tourism Together

TIEZA’s unwavering commitment to excellence continues to earn national and international recognition, underscoring its role as a leading force in the country’s tourism development agenda. The agency has been consistently acknowledged as a Top-Performing GOCC (2022), received an Unqualified Opinion from the Commission on Audit for 2022–2024, and maintained ISO Certification since 2015—affirming its strong governance, operational efficiency, and adherence to global standards. TIEZA was also honored with the Infrastructure Project of the Year (Tourism) at the GovMedia Awards 2024 and recognized for Leadership in Tourism Development at the World Leaders Summit in the United Kingdom, demonstrating its growing influence in shaping resilient, future-ready tourism ecosystems.

As global competition intensifies and travel demand continues to rise, TIEZA remains steadfast in its mission to ensure that tourism growth is sustainable, inclusive, and transformative. “We invite tourism developers, innovators, and investors to take part in shaping the future of Philippine tourism. Together, we will continue building tourism together—one project, one partnership, and one destination at a time,” says COO Lapid.

For more information on TIEZA’s projects and investment incentives, visit https://tieza.gov.ph or follow @TIEZAOfficial on Facebook and @tiezagovph on Instagram and X.