Philippine Enthusiasm for Taiwan Travel Surges as Taiwan Travel Fair Returns to Manila
Taiwan's Tourism Administration is hosting a large-scale Travel Fair in Manila. Driven by visa-free policies and frequent flights, Philippine visitors to Taiwan in Q1 2026 exceeded 210,000, up 43% year-on-year, with the full-year target aiming to break 700,000.
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- 📰 Published: June 12, 2026 at 21:15
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The enthusiasm among the Philippine public for traveling to Taiwan continues to surge. Taiwan's Tourism Administration under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications kicked off a large-scale, three-day "Taiwan Travel Fair" today at a well-known shopping mall in Manila, hoping to attract even more Philippine tourists to Taiwan and deepen bilateral tourism cooperation.
According to statistics from Taiwan's Tourism Administration, the number of Philippine visitors to Taiwan from January to March 2026 has already exceeded 210,000, representing a massive 43% growth compared to the same period last year and solidifying the Philippines' position as Taiwan's largest source of tourists from Southeast Asia. If this growth trend continues, the full-year figure is expected to surpass 700,000, setting a new record high.
Returning to Manila after many years, the Taiwan Travel Fair is being held at the Glorietta shopping mall in Makati, the premier business district. The Tourism Administration gathered nearly 30 organizations and over 50 representatives—including local city and county governments, airlines, tourism associations, theme parks, shopping centers, and travel agencies—to participate as a group, aiming to expand the visibility of Taiwan's tourism in the Philippine market.
The exhibition hall features the theme "Taiwan－Waves of Wonder," utilizing elements like the Alishan Forest Railway and Taiwanese street scenes to create an immersive space. It also arranges brown sugar boba milk tastings, diabolo (Chinese yo-yo) and Zumba fitness dance performances, Taiwan Lantern Festival lantern pendant DIYs, and traditional blessing sachet making experiences, allowing the Philippine public to experience Taiwan's cultural characteristics up close.
Zeny Pallugna, Director of the Office of Product and Market Development at the Philippine Department of Tourism, stated in her opening remarks that Taiwan is an important and highly valued tourism partner for the Philippines. For many years, the two sides have built close ties through travel fairs, promotional events, and industry cooperation.
She noted that 210,000 Taiwanese tourists visited the Philippines in 2025, making Taiwan the Philippines' 7th largest international tourist source market. In the same year, Philippine visitors to Taiwan exceeded 500,000, making it one of Taiwan's largest Southeast Asian source markets, demonstrating the continuous and rapid growth of bilateral tourism exchanges.
Jill and Celine, two Filipinos who have previously traveled to Taiwan, expressed their deep affection for Taiwan in an interview. During their past trips, they visited multiple cultural attractions and were deeply impressed, particularly by Taiwan's culinary and night market culture. "The food is truly amazing, and the night markets are absolutely unforgettable," they said.
The two are currently planning to travel to Taiwan again in a few weeks for a seven-day stay. They are currently organizing their itinerary and, in addition to night markets and shopping, hope to explore more nature spots. Therefore, they paid special attention to the information on Taiwan's flower farms and nature tourism presented at the travel fair, hoping to include hiking and mountain climbing in their plans.
Chen Yi-ting, Director of the Taiwan Tourism Administration's Manila Office, analyzed in an interview that the rapid growth of Philippine tourists visiting Taiwan is primarily driven by factors such as the visa-free policy, frequent flight schedules, and Taiwan's travel environment.
She pointed out that there are currently about 130 round-trip flights between Taiwan and the Philippines every week, making transportation highly convenient. Additionally, Taiwan's safe and friendly environment, accessible public transportation, and distinct four seasons hold a special appeal for Philippine tourists, who experience hot weather year-round.
Chen Yi-ting stated that the Tourism Administration is focusing on four main themes for the Philippine market this year: "Food, Culture, LOHAS, and Transit Tours." She hopes to sustain the momentum of the Philippine travel boom to Taiwan and further deepen Taiwan-Philippine tourism exchanges.
According to statistics from Taiwan's Tourism Administration, the number of Philippine visitors to Taiwan from January to March 2026 has already exceeded 210,000, representing a massive 43% growth compared to the same period last year and solidifying the Philippines' position as Taiwan's largest source of tourists from Southeast Asia. If this growth trend continues, the full-year figure is expected to surpass 700,000, setting a new record high.
Returning to Manila after many years, the Taiwan Travel Fair is being held at the Glorietta shopping mall in Makati, the premier business district. The Tourism Administration gathered nearly 30 organizations and over 50 representatives—including local city and county governments, airlines, tourism associations, theme parks, shopping centers, and travel agencies—to participate as a group, aiming to expand the visibility of Taiwan's tourism in the Philippine market.
The exhibition hall features the theme "Taiwan－Waves of Wonder," utilizing elements like the Alishan Forest Railway and Taiwanese street scenes to create an immersive space. It also arranges brown sugar boba milk tastings, diabolo (Chinese yo-yo) and Zumba fitness dance performances, Taiwan Lantern Festival lantern pendant DIYs, and traditional blessing sachet making experiences, allowing the Philippine public to experience Taiwan's cultural characteristics up close.
Zeny Pallugna, Director of the Office of Product and Market Development at the Philippine Department of Tourism, stated in her opening remarks that Taiwan is an important and highly valued tourism partner for the Philippines. For many years, the two sides have built close ties through travel fairs, promotional events, and industry cooperation.
She noted that 210,000 Taiwanese tourists visited the Philippines in 2025, making Taiwan the Philippines' 7th largest international tourist source market. In the same year, Philippine visitors to Taiwan exceeded 500,000, making it one of Taiwan's largest Southeast Asian source markets, demonstrating the continuous and rapid growth of bilateral tourism exchanges.
Jill and Celine, two Filipinos who have previously traveled to Taiwan, expressed their deep affection for Taiwan in an interview. During their past trips, they visited multiple cultural attractions and were deeply impressed, particularly by Taiwan's culinary and night market culture. "The food is truly amazing, and the night markets are absolutely unforgettable," they said.
The two are currently planning to travel to Taiwan again in a few weeks for a seven-day stay. They are currently organizing their itinerary and, in addition to night markets and shopping, hope to explore more nature spots. Therefore, they paid special attention to the information on Taiwan's flower farms and nature tourism presented at the travel fair, hoping to include hiking and mountain climbing in their plans.
Chen Yi-ting, Director of the Taiwan Tourism Administration's Manila Office, analyzed in an interview that the rapid growth of Philippine tourists visiting Taiwan is primarily driven by factors such as the visa-free policy, frequent flight schedules, and Taiwan's travel environment.
She pointed out that there are currently about 130 round-trip flights between Taiwan and the Philippines every week, making transportation highly convenient. Additionally, Taiwan's safe and friendly environment, accessible public transportation, and distinct four seasons hold a special appeal for Philippine tourists, who experience hot weather year-round.
Chen Yi-ting stated that the Tourism Administration is focusing on four main themes for the Philippine market this year: "Food, Culture, LOHAS, and Transit Tours." She hopes to sustain the momentum of the Philippine travel boom to Taiwan and further deepen Taiwan-Philippine tourism exchanges.
FAQ
How much has Philippine tourism to Taiwan grown?
Between January and March 2026, the number of Philippine visitors to Taiwan exceeded 210,000, showing a massive 43% increase compared to the same period last year.
Why is Taiwan popular among Philippine tourists?
Key reasons include the visa-free policy, about 130 round-trip flights weekly, a safe and friendly environment, and the distinct four-season climate.
What tourism themes is Taiwan promoting?
The Taiwan Tourism Administration is highlighting four main themes: Food, Culture, LOHAS (Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability), and Transit Tours.