The Philippines | Tourism Sector Projected to Achieve a Record - Breaking Economic Contribution this Year

The Philippines's tourism sector is projected to achieve a record - breaking economic contribution of PHP 5.9 trillion to the national economy this year, representing 21% of the national GDP, underscoring the tourism industry's vital role in the country's economy.

The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC),  has released its 2025 EIR, Economic Impact Research forecast, highlighting the anticipation growth of the South East Asian country, marking a 13.5% increase compared to 2019 levels, setting a new record and highlighting the sector's robust recovery and growth.

The report developed by WTTC also forecasts significant growth in employment, the tourism sector is expected to support 11.7 million jobs, accounting for a 23.8% of the national workforce.

In terms of spending, international visitor expenditure is projected to reach PHP709.2 billion, a 2.1% increase over the previous peak in 2019. Domestic traveller spending is also expected to rise, reaching PHP 4.1 trillion, a 9.3% increase from its previous high.

This impressive forecast is attributed to a strategic shift by the DOT, the Department of Tourism to elevate the Philippines as a tourism powerhouse in Asia. 

The Department of Tourism's focus on leveraging the country's culture, diversifying tourism products, introducing innovations, emphasizing quality and sustainability has yielded very positive results, with tourism spending and employment reaching record levels.

2024 marked a significant recovery phase for the Philippines Travel & Tourism sector. The sector contributed PHP 5.3 trillion to the national economy and supported 11.2 million jobs.

Domestic spending surged to PHP 3.6 trillion, while international spending grew to PHP 644.8 billion. These figures undoubtedly indicate a robust recovery trajectory, setting the stage for the projected record – breaking performance expected in 2025.

The World Travel and Tourism Council anticipates that by 2035 the Travel & Tourism Sector to the Philippine economy could reach PHP 9.2 trillion, accounting for 19.8% of the national economy. Over the next decade, the tourism sector is expected to create 2.5 million jobs, bringing total employment to 14.1 million. 

The WTTC emphasizes the importance of continued investment in infrastructure, air connectivity, and destination to sustain this notable growth.

 Policymakers are encouraged to support this trajectory through clear regulations, workforce development, and global promotion of the Philippines as a premier travel destination and a tourism hub in the region. 

The WTTC's projections highlight the critical role of the Travel & Tourism sector in the Philippine's economic future. With strategic investments and supportive policies, the sector is poised not only to grow but to transform the national economy, providing substantial economic benefits and employment opportunities.

Link
https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article136966.html

Brazil | Strategic Action to Reinforce Tourism Security

Brazil is strengthening tourism security through a new agreement signed by the Ministry of Tourism (MTur) and the Federal Police. This collaboration aims to enhance safety measures for both domestic and international tourists, focusing on areas like airport security and combating organized crime and terrorism, aligning with a broader international effort to improve security cooperation.

This strategic action to reinforce travellers safety and modernize tourism management will allow the exchange of key data between both institutions with the objective to protect tourists, prevent crimes and improve public policies in the sector.

In essence, this agreement is a proactive step by Brazil to address safety concern and further solidify its position as a popular and safe destination.

The signing of the agreement was in charge of the Minister of Tourism, Celso Sabino, and the Director General of the Federal Police, Andrei Rodrigues. As they explained, the initiative will allow real - time sharing of information on accommodations, passports, and migratory movements, in line with the principles of the General Law on the Protection of Personal Data (LGPD).

During the signing ceremony,the Minister described the agreement as a milestone in the protection of visitors, stating that with this system the country will have more effective tools to combat crimes such as trafficking and sexual exploitation, especially women and children and it is a victory for the international image of Brazilian tourism.

The Minister of tourism also pointed out that this agreement is the result of months of joint work between the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Justice and the Federal Police, and that it will accompanied by new technological tools, such as the electronic check – in through the gov.br platform. 

For his part, the Director of the Federal Police highlighted the magnitude of the challenge stating that at airports alone the Federal Police controlled 25 million entries and exits last year, and issued more than 2 million passports. This type of alliance allows the institution to act more effectively, protecting travellers and contributing to economic development.

The agreement is structured around four main axes : 

•    The integration of databases (Cadastur, FNRH, STI, SINPA) 
•    The strengthening of public security
•    The improvement of strategic planning and institutional development
•    The technical training of the teams involved

Transparency in the processing of data is also guaranteed, in accordance with Brazilian laws on data protection and access to information and the authorities stressed that information security is a pillar of this cooperation.

The Executive Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Ana Carla Lopes, said that the agreement represents a structural advance for the country, a historic step that strengthens the Brazilian institutional capacities and reaffirms tourism as a strategic public policy.

From the private sector, the President of the Brazilian Association of Travel Agencies (ABAV), Ana Carolina Medeiros celebrated the initiative, commenting that the association has always promoted responsible tourism and this type of action gives support and confidence to the body work.

Closing the event, the Ministry of Tourism Celso Sabino reiterated the government commitment to tourism based on reliable data and international standards, staing that tourism is today one of Brazil’s economic engines, and the institution duty is to ensure its growth with security, intelligence and transparency.

Link 
https://infoturlatam.com/brasil-refuerza-la-seguridad-turistica-con-acuerdo-del-mtur-y-la-policia-federal/

Morocco | Tourism Revenues in the Country Exceed €5 Million in the 1st Half of the Year

 Morocco | Tourism Revenues in the Country Exceed €5 Million in the 1st Half of the Year 
Morocco’s tourism sector is experiencing a significant boom, with record - breaking visitor numbers and revenue in 2024 and strong performances this year. The North African country is on track to surpass its 2026 tourism target ahead of schedule. 

By the end of June 2025, revenue generated from travel to the Maghreb country reached 54 billion dirhams equivalent to €5.1 billion, an increase of 9.6% compared to the same period in 2024, results that represents a gain of 4.7 billion dirhams, driven by a significant increase of 19% in tourist arrivals, numbers that reflects the relevant appeal of the North African Kingdom as a leading destination in the region.

Morocco’s successful tourism industry is driven by a combination of factors including strategic investments in infrastructure, diverse and authentic experiences, targeted marketing campaigns, and improved air connectivity. The country also has leveraged its unique cultural heritage, geographical variety, and favourable weather to attract a wide range of tourists.

Minister of Tourism, Handicrafts and Social and Solidarity Economy, Fatim – Zahra Ammor, in a meeting with the Moroccan press, said that these results reinforce the vision of 2023 – 2026 plan. 

The Minister stated that this dynamic reinforces the ambition to position Morocco as a high value - added destination. Therefore the investment in tourism promotion is an essential lever to stimulate spending, extend stays and retain tourists.

To meet the expectations of an increasingly demanding international public, the Moroccan authorities have launched two major priority objectives. The first aims to improve furthermore the country’s air connectivity, the second focuses to accelerate the development of the hotel offer to provide quality hospitality in all regions. 

These initiatives are accompanied by a diversificatoion of destinations to offer a varied tourist experience, ranging from the Moroccan Sahara to the High Atlas, including bathing, cultural, sports and wellness tourism.

Link 
https://www.publituris.pt/2025/07/30/receitas-do-turismo-em-marrocos-ultrapassam-os-5-mil-milhoes-de-euros-no-1o-semestre

Mexico | Launched Electronic Visa and Introducing New Guidelines

Mexico’s Ministry of the Interior and Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 25th July 2025, jointly published updated General Guidelines for Visa issuance “Lineamientos Generales para la Expedición de Visas" repealing the framework established in 2014. These new guidelines will come into effect within 15 calendar days from publication, marking a firm step towards the total digitalization of its immigration processes and introduced the launch of the electronic visa.

Starting in August, Mexico has an electronic visa platform for foreign tourists that will streamline the application process by eliminating the need for in-person visits to consular offices and allowing applicants to complete all requirements online.

The objective of the Mexican authorities is clear :  a digital modernization, reducing times in the operations, and improving the travellers experience.The new digital system seeks to simplifiy the entry of tourists with more agile, secure and modern procedure, the process will be faster, more transparent and safer, aligned with international standards.

In addition the e – visa process will enable the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to create digital files with biometric and electronic data, as well as digital certificates for each traveller.

This notable development in the rollout of the Electronic Visa is designed exclusively for the “Visitor Without Permission to Perform Remunerated Activities” category. This digital option will streamline the application process for eligible visitors,allowing applicants to complete all requirements online and obtaining a digital document with a QR code.

The e-visa is not valid for travel by land or sea. It is intended for foreigners who require a visa to enter Mexico and only applies to foreigners entering via air for tourism, cultural or family purposes. It does not allow any work activities and is valid for a maximum of 180 days.

The process for securing a Temporary Residence Visa with permission to perform remunerated activities has been modified. While specific procedural updates have not yet been detailed, employers and foreign nationals should expect to application steps, supporting documentations, or approval timelines.

Organizations employing foreign nationals in Mexico or managing cross - border assignments should assess the potential operational impacts of these changes. The introduction of the Electronic Visa may simplify short - terms visits, but changes to long term and family related processes may require additional planning or compliances review.

Modifications have also been introduced for Family Unit visas. These may impact how dependents or family members apply for residency based on their relationship to a principal applicant or resident. 

Citizens of exempt countries or with a valid passport from Canada, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom and the Schenghen area, do not need a pre - authorized visa for a tourism visit and are therefore not impacted by the new e - visa.

For visitors from most part parts of Asia and Africa, the e – visa eliminates the need for an interview or a physical stamp in the traveller’s passport. Once approved, the visa can be downloaded online.

The new e – visa will cost 575 pesos, approximately US$32, payable online. Infants under two years old are exempt from the payment.

Link
https://newlandchase.com/mexico-introduces-new-visa-guidelines-and-launches-electronic-visa/