Philippines: Taiwan targets travel trade at Manila’s Travel Sale Expo - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

Taiwan is stepping up its tourism marketing in the Philippines with a dedicated pavilion at the Travel Sale Expo 2026 in Manila. The Taiwan Tourism Administration will participate in the event from October 2 to 4 at the SM Megamall Megatrade Hall, combining destination promotion with direct booking opportunities and incentives for leisure and business travellers.

The Philippines is regarded by Taiwan as an important Southeast Asian source market. At the three-day event, the destination will therefore focus not only on inspiration but also on converting interest into bookings. Three Philippine travel agencies will join the Taiwan pavilion and offer consultation as well as flight and package holiday sales.

Travel agencies bring bookable products to the pavilion

The Taiwan presentation will highlight destinations and products considered particularly relevant to Philippine travellers, including seasonal flower attractions, hot springs and theme parks. Practical information on visa-free entry for Philippine citizens and current transport promotions will also form part of the presentation.

One of the offers being promoted is a buy-one-get-one-free deal for Taiwan’s High Speed Rail, providing an additional incentive for travellers planning to explore several parts of the island.

Visitors purchasing a Taiwan package or airline ticket during the Travel Sale Expo will also be eligible for a limited tourism gift set from the Taiwan Tourism Administration.

Taiwan encourages repeat visits

Alongside the trade fair campaign, Taiwan is preparing additional incentives aimed at returning independent travellers. Under the “Return to Taiwan, Double Your Luck” programme, eligible international visitors who have travelled to Taiwan since January 1, 2023 and return between October 10, 2026 and March 31, 2027 can register for weekly prize draws.

Winners receive NT$5,000 in stored-value credit for systems including EasyCard, iPASS or icash2.0. Travelling together with a first-time visitor can generate an additional NT$3,000 credit for the companion. Registration is scheduled to open on October 1.

The scheme applies to eligible independent international travellers staying in Taiwan for between three and 90 days.

Additional incentives target MICE business

Taiwan is also using financial incentives to encourage international corporate and MICE travel beyond the most established destinations. Eligible overseas incentive groups staying in licensed accommodation south of Taichung, in Hualien or Taitung, or on Taiwan’s offshore islands can receive an additional NT$1,000 per person and night, up to NT$4,000 per participant, on top of existing support.

International short-term visitors attending MICE events can also receive selected Taiwan Tour Bus excursions or a TAIWAN PASS package that includes a three-day High Speed Rail pass.

The measures are designed to spread international tourism more widely across the destination while strengthening Taiwan’s position in the regional meetings and incentive travel market.

Consumer activities support destination marketing

The Manila pavilion will combine sales activities with entertainment and destination information. Filipino travel content creator Kyle Vergara is scheduled to present his experiences in Taiwan on October 3, while interactive activities will introduce visitors to Taiwanese culture and attractions.

For the tourism industry, however, the commercial element is particularly significant. By bringing local travel agencies, bookable products, transport offers and destination incentives together at the same event, Taiwan is linking consumer promotion directly with distribution in one of Southeast Asia’s important outbound travel markets.

Image Credit: © AI generated illustration