How San Vicente, Palawan is building the country's model for sustainable tourism

Property Report visited San Vicente, Palawan—a destination quietly shaping a new story for Philippine tourism. It was a short stay, but one that left a lasting impact. On our last morning, I walked toward Long Beach and was moved by its pristine beauty—something that made me feel part of something far greater and more important.

- Pamela Imperial

Walking back to the resort, I was joined by one of the staff who spoke with quiet pride about his hometown and how he hopes more people will discover San Vicente. That same pride was evident everywhere—in how locals talk about what they're building together: progress that welcomes visitors while keeping San Vicente grounded in what makes it special—its protected natural beauty.

San Vicente, described by government planners as "Palawan's next tourism frontier," is more than a scenic stop between Puerto Princesa and El Nido. It holds a distinction unlike any other, the country's first master-planned municipality, declared in 2018 as the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority's (TIEZA) flagship Tourism Enterprise Zone (TEZ).

The TEZ designation ensures that development follows a deliberate framework built on collaboration among local government, residents, and private investors. Zoning, incentives, and environmental safeguards are guided by shared accountability, while the town's master plan divides San Vicente into ecotourism, residential, and commercial clusters, encouraging growth that remains in harmony with nature.