Frasco unveils tourism reforms, infra push to boost Cebu's global appeal

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco on Wednesday unveiled a series of transformative reforms and infrastructure initiatives aimed at cementing Cebu’s position as a global hub for tourism and investment.

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Speaking at the Tourism Forum and Experiential Tour held at the Skyhall of SM Seaside City Cebu, Frasco highlighted key national reforms, including the VAT Refund Act for non-resident tourists and the newly signed CREATE MORE Act, which provides tax incentives for tourism-related investments such as lower corporate taxes and import duty exemptions.

“These policies are not mere adjustments—they are levers to position the Philippines as smart, competitive, and future-ready,” Frasco said, urging stakeholders to register with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) to access the benefits.

Frasco also underscored the importance of aligning destination branding with actual visitor experience, acknowledging current challenges in Cebu such as traffic congestion, utility issues, and rising operational costs.

To address these, she said the DOT has implemented over P4 billion worth of tourism road projects in Cebu since 2022 and is proposing an additional P7 billion for 2026 to improve access and ease congestion along key tourism routes.

To meet the basic needs of travelers, the DOT has established Tourist Rest Areas (TRAs) in Medellin, Moalboal, Carcar, and Carmen, offering clean restrooms and tourist information centers.