Press Release - PH expected to benefit from VAT refund measure ahead of year-end holidays --Gatchalian

Senator Win Gatchalian expressed optimism that the Philippines will generate more tourist arrivals ahead of the seasonal peak during Christmas and New Year festivities, as the enactment of Value-Added Tax (VAT) refund for tourism draws nearer.

"I am hopeful that the measure will be enacted into law in time for the year-end holidays, when many tourists come to the country to experience our Christmas and New Year festivities," he said. The Senate recently approved the proposed measure on third and final reading.

Gatchalian noted that the enactment of the proposed measure is expected to improve the country's tourism competitiveness among its Asian peers and is likely to revitalize the local tourism industry, as many of the Philippines' Asian neighbors have long implemented a similar measure.

"Tiwala tayo at umaasa na ang panukalang ito, kapag naisabatas, ay lalong magpapalakas sa turismo ng bansa na siya namang makakatulong para magkaroon ng trabaho ang marami sa ating mga kababayan at magpapalakas pa ng ating ekonomiya," Gatchalian said.

Based on data from the Department of Tourism (DOT), international visitor arrivals for the first half of the year reached over 3 million, reflecting about a 7% increase from a year earlier. The tourism department reported that South Korea remains the top source market with 824,798 South Korean visitors entering the Philippines, accounting for 26% of the total number.

South Korea is followed by the United States with 522,667 or 16.7%; China with 199,939 or 6.3%; Japan with 188,805 tourists or 5.9%; and Australia with 137,391 or 4.3%.

PH makikinabang sa panukalang VAT refund sa turismo habang papalapit ang 'year-end holidays' --Gatchalian

Nanniwala si Senador Win Gatchalian na makakaakit ng mas maraming turista ang Pilipinas sa inaasahang pagsasabatas ng Value-Added Tax (VAT) refund para sa turismo habang papalapit ang tinatawag na seasonal peak sa panahon ng Pasko at Bagong Taon.

"Umaasa ako na ang panukala ay maisasabatas pagdating ng year-end holidays kung kailan maraming turista ang pumupunta sa Pilipinas upang maranasan ang pagdiriwang natin ng Pasko at Bagong Taon," ani Gatchalian. Kamakailan lamang ay inaprubahan ng Senado