The Philippines is setting its sights on attracting long-stay travelers and digital nomads by offering not only affordable living but also rich cultural experiences and outstanding hospitality.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco represented the Philippines at the Skift Asia Forum 2025, recently held in Bangkok, Thailand. She outlined the nation’s strategies to stand out against competitors like Thailand and Indonesia, indicating the ease of travel, English-speaking populace, and strong support systems for digital nomads.

In a notable move, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order 86 in April 2025, introducing the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV). This visa is aimed at luring long-term travelers seeking both adventure and work while immersing in Filipino culture.

Frasco emphasized, “Long-stay travelers from all over the world work in paradise, where the value proposition that the country offers is not just a low-cost stay, but one of high value, providing immersive experiences amid unmatched Filipino hospitality.”

The government is laser-focused on ensuring safety and cultural engagement through initiatives such as the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa.

Frasco added, “We’re committed to enhancing infrastructure that supports our digital nomads and ensuring safety and cultural experiences remain a priority across our tourism circuits.”

Other esteemed speakers at the forum included leadership from Booking.com, Airbnb, and AirAsia MOVE, highlighting the opportunities for collaboration in advancing the travel sector.