Cebu hosts global education agents to boost ESL tourism

Over 100 international education agents from eight countries converged in Cebu as part of a major initiative to promote the Philippines as a leading destination for English as a Second Language (ESL) education.

- - Ehda M. Dagooc

Delegates from Japan, Korea, Taiwan, China, Mongolia, Thailand, Brazil, and Italy participated in the 2nd Grand International Familiarization Tour held from March 23 to 29, 2025.

The weeklong event, organized by the Cebu Association of Language Academies (CALA) and supported by the Department of Tourism (DOT), showcased eleven DOT-accredited ESL academies across Cebu province.

The familiarization tour is part of a broader push to position ESL learning as a core component of the country's education tourism strategy.

According to DOT officials, the Philippines continues to gain traction in global ESL markets, with Central Visayas emerging as a key hub for international learners.