Manila Times
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Monday, May 19, 2025
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Philippines Enhances Tourism Appeal for Digital Nomads and Establishes Protected Marine Areas
This initiative includes a new Digital Nomad Visa and the creation of a protected reef in Cebu City to promote sustainable tourism and marine conservation.
At the Skift Asia Forum 2025 in Bangkok, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco highlighted the Philippines as an attractive destination for digital nomads and long-stay travelers.
With the country’s affordability, English-speaking populace, rich cultural heritage, and scenic destinations, Frasco emphasized the Philippines as offering high-value experiences.
The tourism push aligns with Executive Order 86, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in April 2025, which authorizes a Digital Nomad Visa aimed at tapping into the increasing global remote work market.
Frasco stated that the Department of Tourism is collaborating with local government units and regional offices to enhance support infrastructure, safety, and tourism systems for long-term visitors.
The Skift Asia Forum serves as a platform for tourism industry leaders to discuss emerging trends and innovations affecting the global tourism landscape.
In a complementary conservation effort, Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia has established the Cebu City Protected Reef, located along the Mactan Channel.
This effort, formalized by Executive Order 15 in 2025, addresses the critical need to conserve marine resources amid concerns over overexploitation and environmental degradation.
The reef, the only confirmed natural underwater ecosystem of its kind in Cebu City, aims to restore fish populations and safeguard marine biodiversity.
The establishment of the protected reef is the result of collaborative initiatives involving the Bantay Dagat Commission and local academic institutions.
The Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office oversees the administration of the reef, which is subject to strict regulations prohibiting unauthorized fishing activities.
Violations will incur penalties ranging from fines to revocation of licenses.
The protected reef initiative is a significant step towards enhancing marine conservation in Cebu.
It establishes a framework for the sustainable management and protection of marine resources, underscoring the ecological importance of the reef as a habitat for a diverse range of marine life, despite ongoing environmental challenges.
With the country’s affordability, English-speaking populace, rich cultural heritage, and scenic destinations, Frasco emphasized the Philippines as offering high-value experiences.
The tourism push aligns with Executive Order 86, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in April 2025, which authorizes a Digital Nomad Visa aimed at tapping into the increasing global remote work market.
Frasco stated that the Department of Tourism is collaborating with local government units and regional offices to enhance support infrastructure, safety, and tourism systems for long-term visitors.
The Skift Asia Forum serves as a platform for tourism industry leaders to discuss emerging trends and innovations affecting the global tourism landscape.
In a complementary conservation effort, Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia has established the Cebu City Protected Reef, located along the Mactan Channel.
This effort, formalized by Executive Order 15 in 2025, addresses the critical need to conserve marine resources amid concerns over overexploitation and environmental degradation.
The reef, the only confirmed natural underwater ecosystem of its kind in Cebu City, aims to restore fish populations and safeguard marine biodiversity.
The establishment of the protected reef is the result of collaborative initiatives involving the Bantay Dagat Commission and local academic institutions.
The Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office oversees the administration of the reef, which is subject to strict regulations prohibiting unauthorized fishing activities.
Violations will incur penalties ranging from fines to revocation of licenses.
The protected reef initiative is a significant step towards enhancing marine conservation in Cebu.
It establishes a framework for the sustainable management and protection of marine resources, underscoring the ecological importance of the reef as a habitat for a diverse range of marine life, despite ongoing environmental challenges.
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