foreign tourists – Page 7 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Vietnam Collects Over $9 Billion From Foreign Tourists In First Half Of 2026

July 13, 2026July 6, 2026carlocarrasco

Following its current success on attracting tourists from around the world during the first half of this year, Vietnam raked in $9 billion in the said period, according to a news report by VnExpress.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of VnExpress. Some parts in boldface…

Vietnam collected more than US$9 billion from foreign visitors in the first six months, while Vietnamese spent $8 billion abroad in the same period.

The country recorded a tourism trade surplus of $950 million, compared with a surplus of $480 million in 2025 and a deficit of $380 million in 2024, according to the General Statistics Office.

Vietnam’s Party General Secretary and President To Lam, in a meeting with government bodies on Saturday, called for a more detailed analysis of the country’s services trade balance and urged the development of a strategy to rebalance Vietnam’s tourism sector in the coming years.

He said achieving a larger tourism surplus would require upgrading the industry so that international visitors spend more during their stays, while encouraging more Vietnamese travelers to choose domestic destinations.

The country welcomed nearly 12.3 million international visitors in the first six months, up 14.9% year-on-year.

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Lam Thi Phuong Thanh said the government would continue efforts to develop tourism into a genuine key economic sector.

She said the mutually supportive relationship between tourism and related industries should be strengthened, with the sector shifting from a growth model focused on scale and visitor numbers to one emphasizing quality, higher value-added services, creative products, and distinctive travel experiences.

Vietnam’s tourism industry will also target higher-spending visitors and longer-stay travelers, she added.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? With tourism booming in their country, do you think Vietnam can collect at least $20 billion from foreign tourists by the end of this year?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Philippines Supreme Court Upholds Law Granting VAT Refund To Foreign Tourists

July 12, 2026July 6, 2026carlocarrasco

Remember the law granting value-added tax refund (VAT refund) to foreign tourists signed a few years ago? That law was challenged and recently the Supreme Court of the Philippines upheld the constitutionality of Republic Act 12079 (the act creating a VAT refund mechanism for non-resident tourists), according to a news report by GMA News.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the report of GMA News. Some parts in boldface…

The Supreme Court (SC) has upheld the constitutionality of a law that grants value-added tax (VAT) refunds on select local purchases by non-resident foreign tourists.

In a 30-page decision, the SC En Banc dismissed a petition challenging the validity of Republic Act 12079, or an act creating a VAT refund mechanism for non-resident tourists, adding Section 112-A to the National Internal Revenue Code.

“Granting VAT refund to foreign tourists was not arbitrarily done. It is a policy decision based on legitimate state interests, i.e. the need to remain competitive as a global tourist destination,” the SC said.

“In fine, foreign tourists may be granted privileges and benefits that are not extended to Filipino citizens, so as long as these distinctions are based on reasonable and justifiable classifications, as in here,” it added.

According to the SC, the VAT refund applies to goods brought from duly accredited stores and taken out of the country within 60 days from purchase. The goods must be priced at least P3,000 per transaction.

Meanwhile, the SC said Section 5 of the law’s implementing rules and regulations limit the refund to retail and tangible goods, including clothing, apparel, electronics, gadgets, jewelry, accessories, souvenirs, food or non-food consumables, and other items intended for personal use.

The petitioner, however, argued that the law violates the constitutional guarantee of equal protection as it excludes Filipino citizens.

For its part, the SC said equal protection does not require identical treatment for all persons.

It said the act also distinguishes foreign tourists from Filipino citizens.

According to the SC, the VAT refund system follows the basic rule of VAT that goods are taxed where they are consumed. If the goods are consumed in the Philippines, they remain subject to Philippine VAT.

Meanwhile, the SC added that VAT refund for foreign tourists is a well-established international practice.

“The Philippines is among the last few countries in Asia to adopt such a system. Our Asian neighbors, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, China, and Japan have long implemented this VAT refund mechanism for foreign tourists,” it said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you agree with the Supreme Court’s decision on the law about VAT refund for foreign tourists? Apart from the VAT refund for foreign tourists, what problems that plagued the Philippine tourism industry should the government solve this year?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Vietnam Attracts 12.3 Million Foreign Tourists In 1st Half Of 2026

July 10, 2026July 4, 2026carlocarrasco

Tourism in Vietnam continues to boom as the nation attracted more than twelve million foreign tourists in the first half of this year, according to a news report by VnExpress.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of VnExpress. Some parts in boldface…

Vietnam received 12.3 million international visitors in the first six months of the year, a 14.9% increase from the same period last year, fueled by the country’s reputation as a safe destination amid global geopolitical uncertainty.

In the second quarter alone, the number of foreign visitors to Vietnam reached 5.49 million, up 18.2% year-on-year, according to the General Statistics Office.

Mainland China remained the largest source of visitors so far this year with 2.69 million, followed by South Korea with 2.1 million. The rest of the top 10 were Russia, Taiwan, the U.S., Cambodia, India, Japan, the Phillippines and Australia.

The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism attributed the strong growth to the country’s reputation as a safe and stable destination amid global political uncertainty.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? What do you think makes Vietnam very attractive to visitors from around the world? Have you thought about visiting Vietnam soon?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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New Philippines Domestic Tourism Program Launched With Over 3,000 Travel Deals

July 4, 2026July 2, 2026carlocarrasco

In what is clearly a serious attempt by the Department of Tourism (DOT) to boost domestic tourism a lot, the new program Discover More To Love was recently launched with more than three thousand travel deals from varied hotels, tour operators and airlines, according to a news report by the Manila Standard.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the report of the Manila Standard. Some parts in boldface…

The Department of Tourism (DOT) launched a new campaign offering more than 3,000 travel deals from hotels, tour operators, and airlines to boost domestic travel during off-peak months and support local businesses.

The campaign, named “Discover More to Love,” runs from July to November 2026 to stimulate year-round travel, sustain bookings, preserve jobs, and strengthen local economies during the industry’s traditional lean period.

The initiative serves as an extension of the country’s official tourism brand, “Love the Philippines,” rather than a replacement.

Travelers can access discounts of up to 70 percent from more than 70 hotels and resorts through the Hotels Sales and Marketing Association. The campaign also features more than 250 nationwide travel packages alongside discounted fares from carriers Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, AirAsia Philippines, and Sunlight Air.

Online platforms AirAsia MOVE and Klook are providing exclusive deals, while Mastercard offers special payment privileges for cardholders. Travelers can access the promotional room packages, staycation deals, dining credits, and flexible booking options directly through the department’s enhanced website at http://www.tourism.gov.ph.

Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay said the agency wants to evolve the initiative through feedback from travelers and industry partners.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you support the DOT’s renewed focus on domestic tourism?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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American Investors To Explore Mega Infrastructure, Energy Deals And Other Opportunities In The Philippines

July 4, 2026July 3, 2026carlocarrasco

Several business executives and investors from the United States are set to visit the Philippines next week to explore investment opportunities in the nation’s infrastructure sector, energy sector, and more, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin. The American investors will engage with their Filipino counterparts during the planned 5-day trade mission.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…

More than 25 American business executives and investors will visit the country next week for a business mission as the United States (US) seeks to deepen its economic ties with the Philippines, which recently secured upper-middle-income status.

In a statement, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said the US business delegation would mount a five-day trade mission across major economic areas in the Philippines from July 6 to 10.

The delegation includes business leaders and investors from the Northeast and Midwest regions of the US. The mission is organized by the DTI’s Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in New York and the Philippine Consulates General in New York and Chicago.

The DTI said the business mission aims to strengthen economic ties between the two longtime trade partners while also encouraging US companies to invest more in the country’s growing economy.

Based on the latest country income classifications of the World Bank, the Philippines has moved up from lower-middle-income to upper-middle-income status. This was based on the country’s gross national income (GNI) per capita estimate for 2025, which reached a record $4,850.

The DTI noted that the upcoming visit also comes at a time when the Philippines is actively positioning itself as a key partner for US companies looking to expand in Asia.

During the business mission, the US delegation will meet with Philippine government leaders and local business owners to explore business, tourism, and investment opportunities.

The US business leaders will also attend business meetings, informational briefings, and tours of key economic areas in Manila, Clark, Subic, and Corregidor.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you see a promising future between the United States and the Philippines when it comes to economics and investment under the leadership of US President Donald Trump? Are you convinced the corruption within the Philippines is no longer a turn-off for American investors?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Higher Departure Tax And Visa Fees In Japan Implemented

July 3, 2026July 2, 2026carlocarrasco

Since July 1, the departure tax in Japan has been raised significantly covering both Japanese and foreign travelers in what is clearly a move to fund measures against the rising number of issues related with the surge of inbound tourism, according to a news report by Kyodo News. At the same time, visa fees were also raised dramatically.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the report of Kyodo News. Some parts in boldface…

The Japanese government on Wednesday tripled the departure tax to 3,000 yen ($18) per person to fund measures against issues arising from the surge in inbound tourism.

Fees for foreigner visitors who need visas to enter Japan were also hiked on Wednesday, rising fivefold to 15,000 yen for single-entry and 30,000 yen for multiple entries. Meanwhile, on the same day, the government reduced passport application fees for Japanese nationals to make up for the added burden from the departure tax.

The tax is collected through travel ticket purchases, regardless of the passenger’s nationality. The government will use the tax income primarily to finance measures aimed at easing congestion, such as setting up designated areas at popular photo spots that are often crowded with foreign tourists.

It will also support regional tourism initiatives, such as turning local railways into tourist attractions and renovating station buildings, in an effort to attract visitors away from heavily congested areas.

Travelers transiting through Japan and staying less than 24 hours in the country, as well as children under the age of 2, are exempt from the tax. Passengers who purchased their travel tickets by Tuesday were charged the original departure tax of 1,000 yen.

Known officially as the international tourist tax, it raised about 49 billion yen in fiscal 2025 ended March and is expected to generate around 130 billion yen in fiscal 2026.

The tax is collected by airlines, cruise lines and travel agencies upon purchase of air and sea tickets departing Japan and remitted to the government, according to the Japan Tourism Agency.

The hike in entry visa fees was the first increase since 1978.

Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said earlier the fees were raised to reflect inflation and the yen’s depreciation, and that the move is not expected to have an immediate impact on inbound tourism.

Japan’s visa fees had been considered low compared with those charged by other Group of Seven countries.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? What can you say about the hiked fees regarding Japanese visa and the departure tax? Do you plan to visit Japan very soon?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Japanese Embassy Confirms Temporary Visitor Visas Remain Free For Filipinos

June 28, 2026June 25, 2026carlocarrasco

Following the recent announcement of significant increases of foreigner entry visa fees that will take effect on July 1, the Japanese Embassy in the Philippines confirmed that the temporary visitor visas (good up to 90 days maximum) are still free of charge for Filipinos, according to a GMA News report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the report of GMA News. Some parts in boldface…

Temporary visitor visas for Filipinos remain “gratis” or free of charge, the Japanese embassy in Manila announced on Thursday.

The embassy’s announcement came in the wake of the Japanese government’s announcement that single-entry visa fees for foreign nationals will increase fivefold, from 3,000 yen (about P1,170) to 15,000 yen (around P5,850), for applications filed starting July 1.

“Please note that a temporary visitor visa (for a stay of a maximum of 90 days) for a Philippine national remains gratis,” the embassy announced on its website and on Facebook.

The Japanese embassy in Manila also announced the “Cabinet Order on Fees Collected by Consular Officers,” which sets forth visa fees, has been amended and comes into effect on July 1, 2026.

“For visa applications accepted at overseas diplomatic missions on or after that date, the fee, converted into Japanese yen, will be approximately 15,000 yen for a single-entry visa and approximately 30,000 yen for a multiple-entry visa,” the embassy said.

“As a general rule, payment shall be made in the local currency of the country (region) where the Embassy or Consulate-General of Japan issuing the visa is located,” it added.

The embassy said fees may not be required or the amount may differ, “depending on the purpose of your visit and your nationality.”

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think this good news will encourage more Filipinos to visit Japan using the temporary visitor visa? Do you know anyone who applied for a Japanese visa lately?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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New Campaign To Boost Domestic Tourism In The Philippines

June 25, 2026June 22, 2026carlocarrasco

In a serious attempt to boost domestic tourism in the Philippines, the Department of Tourism (DOT) has a new campaign titled “Discover More to Love”, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

This new move by the DOT makes sense since it is very difficult for the nation to attract foreign tourists. The DOT admitted that Vietnam and other destinations of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are more affordable for foreign travelers.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is leading a new campaign called “Discover More to Love” to boost domestic travel within the Philippines.

Among its major features is the introduction of curated and discounted travel-related packages by local tourism stakeholders, including several hotels from across the country.

In an interview over the weekend, Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay said the campaign would not replace but instead complement the DOT’s primary tourism branding “Love the Philippines,” with the intention of allowing tourists to define their travel experience in their “own personal way.”

“(The thrust is) local muna pero hopefully, we will expand that to international (The thrust would be initially domestic, but hopefully, we will expand that internationally),” she said.

“The Filipinos love to travel, especially Gen Z and the others, it’s an adventure for them, and we want them to be sound board on what else we can do to improve.”

Domestic travel remains a strong driver of tourism in the Philippines. Last year alone, it generated at least PHP3.26 trillion in tourist spending, up by 3 percent from PHP3.16 trillion in 2024.

Beyond strengthening local travel, Angara-Mathay said the DOT is also stepping up efforts to recover the decrease in Korean travelers, while continuing to woo the rest of its top source markets.

She admitted that the competitive pricing in other Southeast Asian destinations is pulling in more Koreans, which traditionally has been the Philippines’ number one source market for foreign visitors.

“South Korea’s population is declining, but they’re travelers. Ngayon, ‘yong slot natin kinuha ng Vietnam, kinuha ng other ASEAN countries kasi kalahati lang ang kanilang cost to go there (Now, our slot has been taken by Vietnam and other ASEAN countries because it only costs half to go there),” she explained.

The DOT, for its part, she said, would continue engaging stakeholders to introduce and craft new “tour bundles” to make the cost of travel to the Philippines more affordable and “predictable.”

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the DOT’s new campaign will significant boost domestic tourism which itself has been thriving? Do you think it is possible for domestic tourism spending to reach P4 trillion this year?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Subic Bay Port Operations Revenue Jump 20% To P389 Million In 1st Quarter Of 2026

June 23, 2026June 17, 2026carlocarrasco

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) recently announced that the port operations revenue reached P389 million in the first quarter of this year which reflects a 20% jump compared to the previous year.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the SBMA’s official announcement. Some parts in boldface…

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) generated PHP 389 million in revenues from port operations during the first quarter of 2026, with a 20 percent increase from last year’s PHP 324 million.

SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Port Operations Ronnie Yambao disclosed that the Seaport Department alone generated PHP 302 million of the said amount, the Airport Department with PHP 50 million, and the Trade Facilitation and Compliance Department (TFCD) at PHP 36 million.

According to Yambao, the Seaport Department generated PHP 302 million from higher Vessel and Cargo Charges which increased by 31 percent, while the number of ship calls also increased by 20 percent.

The Port of Subic recorded a total of 463 ship calls by foreign and domestic vessels, 171 of which were bulk and break-bulk vessels, recording a 29 percent increase. Meanwhile, there was also an 18% increase in recorded port calls with 159 liquid bulk vessels.

“Consequently, revenues from SBMA’s share in Pilotage Services also increased by 20 percent, while Tugboat Services posted a significant 75 percent growth,” he said.

Revenues from wharfage fees also escalated by 24 percent with an increase in total volume of containerized cargo by 3 percent. This was driven mainly by a 5 percent growth in imports, equivalent to 28,070 TEUs.

Major contributors included assorted food products from Ecossential Foods Corp., and rubber products from Yokohama Tires Philippines Inc. Export cargoes likewise grew substantially by 31 percent, reaching 15,757 TEUs, primarily contributed by DSV Air and Sea Inc. and Yokohama Tires Philippines Inc.

Meanwhile, non-containerized cargo volume posted a remarkable 30 percent increase, mainly driven by bulk and break-bulk cargoes, which rose by 47 percent. Key commodities contributing to this growth included rice (up by 331 percent), corn (up by 571 percent), soybeans (up by 15 percent), wheat (up by 16 percent), and liquid bulk petroleum products (up by 11 percent).

Yambao added that revenues from SBMA’s share in Cargo Handling Services increased by 22 percent, largely from Amerasia International Terminal Services Inc., Mega Subic Terminal Services Inc., and Subic Bay Freeport Grain Terminal Services Inc.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the port of Subic Bay will be able to exceed 2025’s revenues by the end of this year?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Vietnam Deploys Hundreds Of Soldiers To Work On New International Airport

June 22, 2026June 16, 2026carlocarrasco

To ensure the completion of the ambitious Long Thanh International Airport, Vietnam deployed hundreds of soldiers to work on it as a shortfall of workers was realized, according to a VnExpress news article. The new international airport has been scheduled for a December 2026 opening and it has been anticipated to handle most flights in 2027.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of VnExpress. Some parts in boldface…

Vietnam has deployed hundreds of soldiers to help build its largest airport, the VND336.63 trillion (US$12.8 billion) Long Thanh, as contractors scramble to cover a shortfall of nearly 2,000 workers before a year-end deadline to open the country’s new aviation hub.

The deployment signals the urgency around a flagship project that has already slipped past its original 2025 opening date.

Hundreds of officers and enlisted soldiers have been brought onto the site in Dong Nai City in the country’s south to reinforce a civilian workforce that has struggled to keep pace with one of Southeast Asia’s biggest construction projects.

The move was confirmed during a June 13 inspection by Construction Minister Tran Hong Minh, who was told by an Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) representative that more than 76% of the total project value had been completed.

The workforce has been topped up in recent weeks but still falls nearly 2,000 short of the roughly 9,000 workers the site needs, with several units calling in military personnel to bridge the gap.

The labor crunch reflects a wider squeeze in southern Vietnam, where a cluster of megaprojects is competing for the same pool of skilled construction workers.

The nearby Bien Hoa-Vung Tau expressway and the expansion of the Ho Chi Minh City-Long Thanh-Dau Giay expressway are pulling engineers and machine operators away from the airport, and the harsh conditions across the vast, largely open site have made workers hard to retain.

To claw back time before the rainy season, contractors have added engineers, workers and equipment and moved to round-the-clock construction in three shifts and four rotating crews, part of a 180-day campaign to accelerate to the finish.

The airport is now expected to be substantially complete and to begin trial operations in September, with commercial flights targeted for late 2026.

ACV said finishing work on the passenger terminal still lacks skilled technical labor, while other packages are short of machinery operators.

The investor has ordered contractors to staff up for day-and-night work, prioritizing foundation and stone-base work to limit disruption when the rains peak.

At the terminal, which Minh called the project’s “heart,” he urged crews to complete each task definitively, down to the smallest item, and to push outdoor work first to stay ahead of the weather.

The schedule could not slip, he said, and crews had to race against time.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think having hundreds of Vietnamese soldiers will be effective on completing the new international airport ahead of the December 2026 launch?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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