Category: Business Mirror

Celebrating a decade of digital marketing innovation, the Digital Marketing Association of the Philippines (DMAP), the leading organization known for its excellence and innovation in digital marketing, will set the stage for unlocking the next evolution of customer engagement at the 10th edition of the annual Digital Congress (DigiCon), with the theme, ‘The Age of ‘i’: The Power of Personalization,’ to be held on October 16 to 17, 2025, at the Manila Marriott Hotel, Pasay City, Metro Manila.

Now in its 10th year, the major digital convention will gather global and local industry experts, thought leaders, and technology pioneers to explore the complexities of personalization in an AI-driven world, unlocking strategies for scalable and impactful connections.

DigiCon ‘The Age of ‘i’ 2025 will offer attendees opportunities to learn, interact, and collaborate through five focused tracks:

Innovation (AI)

Intelligence (Data Science)

Immersive (Retail and Activations)

Impact (Brand Building)

Integration (Business Transformation)

These tracks, along with various practical and immersive activities, aim to enable attendees to explore the latest trends and emerging technologies in personalized marketing, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration among industry professionals.

‘We are entering an era where personalization is paramount. This year’s theme, ‘The Age of ‘i,’ celebrates the transformative power of technology to create unique, meaningful connections with customers. In this rapidly evolving digital landscape, brands must navigate how to cultivate personal experiences in a connected world, driving stronger brand loyalty and effective customer experience. DMAP DigiCon 2025 will be the destination to empower digital marketers to navigate this era and explore the future of personalized experiences,’ DigiCon 2025 Chair Alan Fontanilla said.

Delegates of this year’s event will also get the opportunity to obtain program certifications in partnership with the Certified Digital Marketer (CDM). This initiative aligns with DMAP’s mission to future-proof the industry by providing crucial insights and skills, empowering marketers to stay ahead of the curve in the digital age amid evolving consumer behaviors and rapid technological shifts.

‘Filipinos are even more connected and are changing their habits digitally, so digital marketers must possess new levels of expertise and adaptability. DMAP is committed to leading the industry in navigating this complex landscape, providing the critical insights and skills necessary to thrive in an era of hyper-personalization. We continue to strive towards fostering an ecosystem where innovation thrives, and where professionals are equipped to shape the future of digital engagement,’ DMAP President Miko David said.

Building on past successes, DigiCon The Age of ‘i’ 2025 expects to attract over 2,000 attendees from various sectors, including marketing, advertising, business, academia, media, and innovation.

THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Tuesday said that it has taken into custody an alleged underwater Chinese drone recovered by local fishermen in Palawan waters over the weekend.

‘On Sept. 28, 2025, fishermen from Sitio Tapic, Brgy. New Colaylayan, Linapacan, discovered the approximately 12-foot-long device during routine fishing operations. Later that evening, they turned the AUV [autonomous underwater vehicle] over to Coast Guard personnel,’ it added.

The maritime law enforcement agency also stressed that this alleged UAV had been safely transported and secured at PCG Station Linapacan for further verification, technical examination, and investigation, in coordination with relevant national security agencies.

‘This incident highlights ongoing illegal marine scientific research in Philippine waters, amid a pattern of similar events involving foreign-origin autonomous AUVs,’ it added.

Preliminary observations show that the device features a Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) sensor-a compact probe designed to measure seawater salinity, temperature, and depth, which are key parameters for oceanographic profiling.

The sensor includes Chinese labeling (”) and a serial number (CTD-20090334), along with visible corrosion from prolonged saltwater exposure. It is mounted on a rugged metal frame, typical of components in autonomous underwater vehicles commonly known as ‘underwater drones.’

This recovery fits into a series of similar incidents in Philippine waters dating back to July 2022, including devices found in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte (July 2022); off the Zambales coast (September 2022); Calayan Island, Cagayan (August 2024); Initao, Misamis Oriental (October 2024); and San Pascual, Masbate (December 2024).

At least three of those prior recoveries have been linked to Chinese deployment, based on evidence such as China Telecom SIM cards, iridium transceivers connected to Beijing-based HWA Create (a defense contractor), and battery packs marked by China Electronics Technology Group Corporation.

Previous forensic analyses of similar recovered AUVs have identified them as tools for advanced underwater surveillance and seafloor mapping.

The integrated CTD sensor allows for the collection of data on salinity, temperature gradients, depth, and acoustic propagation-essential for bathymetric charting and environmental monitoring. Recovered units have shown capabilities for autonomous data processing, storage, and satellite transmission, with one case revealing encrypted communications to mainland China during operations.

‘The PCG remains vigilant in safeguarding our maritime domain and protecting the livelihoods of our fisherfolk,’ PCG commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, said.

‘We commend the quick action of the local fishermen for reporting this find. This incident highlights the need for continued community awareness and a whole-of-nation approach to deter unauthorized activities in our waters,’ he added.

The device is undergoing detailed forensic examination to determine its exact origin, operational history, and potential security risks.

The public is urged to report any suspicious maritime objects to the nearest Coast Guard station.

CONVERGE will manage everyone’s expectations in Season 50 of the Philippine Basketball Association that starts with the Philippine Cup on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Head coach Delta Pineda said most teams are competitive and could adjust to the pace of every game prompting his coaching staff to dig into the deepest details.

‘There are very strong teams and veterans so do not expect too much. We have so many young players in our team,’ said Pineda, whose team has an average age of 27 with Kevin Racal (34) and recently signed Rafi Reavis (48) as the veterans.

‘In terms of experience especially in crucial games, veteran players have the experience to take charge, but you’ll never know what may happen,’ the rookie coach who’s also the vice governor of Pampanga, said. ‘We have been together for a few years so we adjusted and corrected some of our mistakes.’

No. 2 draft pick Juan Gomez de Liaño (25) will be joining forces with Schonny Winston (27), Alec Stockton (27) and big men Justin Arana (26) and Justine Baltazar (28).

Converge swept all its four tuneup games against Meralco, Blackwater, NLEX and San Miguel Beer (114-99), but Pineda reminded his players not to be excited.

‘We need everyone’s cooperation and we are doing everything to prepare them so we can achieve our goals,’ Pineda said. ‘We need their hard work. If we do not prepare well, we cannot expect good things.’

The FiberXers couldn’t go beyond the quarterfinals-Governors Cup and Commissioner’s Cup-last year in three seasons in the league.

UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas and National University aim to join idle Ateneo atop the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 88 basketball standings on Wednesday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion Arena.

The game starts at 4:30 p.m.

Eyes will be on Nigerian reinforcement Collins Akowe, a former NU Bullpup, who averaged 24.5 points and 18 rebounds in the victories over defending champion University of the Philippines and last year’s runner-up La Salle.

The Tigers are eyeing their first 3-0 start since 2015, the year UST last reached the finals.

Also expected to deliver are Forthsky Padrigao and Nic Cabañero.

NU coach Jeff Napa says the Bulldogs need to work on a lot of things to challenge for the semifinals.

‘Number one is consistency,’ Napa said.

The Bulldogs will lean heavily on Senegalese center Omar John, who averages 12 points and 5.5 rebounds.

In the 2 p.m. game, La Salle tries to get back on track when it takes on Far Eastern University.

The Green Archers split their first two outings, while the Tamaraws are still winless after two games.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is not singling out Senate President Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero in its investigation of candidates who received campaign donations from government contractors, its chairman clarified on Tuesday.

Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia said the poll body will also look into other donors once the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) confirms how many of the 55 contractor-donors have existing government contracts.

‘With all due respect, the claim that we are singling him out is not true. Senator Chiz was first only because the contractor admitted it, and he himself acknowledged receiving the donation,’ Garcia said in a Zoom interview.

Escudero, in a Senate privilege speech on Monday, questioned why he was the only one being investigated over the alleged campaign donation.

Earlier this month, the Comelec issued a show cause order against Centerways Construction and Development Inc. President Lawrence Lubiano after he admitted during a House hearing on flood control projects that he donated P30 million to Escudero’s 2022 senatorial campaign.

Lubiano later clarified the donation was made ‘personally’ and not through his firm.

Garcia said Lubiano has already appeared before the Comelec, and the next step is to seek Escudero’s side.

He stressed, however, that the senator has the right to decline.

‘That’s fine because it’s part of due process. It’s up to him if he wants to explain and present his defense. We want everyone to be afforded due process so our procedures cannot be questioned later..The candidate doesn’t need to appear personally-his lawyer can represent him,’ Garcia said.

Under Section 95 of the Omnibus Election Code, contractors and suppliers of government projects are barred from contributing to any partisan political activity, directly or indirectly.

The prohibition also covers financial institutions except for legitimate loans, utilities and natural resource extractors, companies with government franchises or contracts, recipients of recent large government loans, publicly funded schools, civil service officials, members of the armed forces, and all foreigners and foreign corporations.

Violators-both donor and recipient-may face imprisonment of one to six years.

The Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) is all set to bring the final leg of its premier Regional Franchise Show, Franchise Negosyo Para sa Region V (Legazpi), on Friday, October 3, 2025, at the Mall Atrium area of SM City Legazpi.

Event highlights that attendees can look forward to:

2-day business matching sessions to connect directly with franchisors and service providers

Free Seminar on ‘How to Invest in the Right Franchise’ (October 3-4, 2025, at the Mall Atrium area), where you can learn the basics of franchising and how to make wise investment decisions.

Paid Seminar on ‘How to Franchise Your Business’ (October 4, 2025, at The Marison Hotel), specially designed for existing business owners who are looking to scale up their business through franchising

This highly anticipated event will bring over 30+ exhibitors representing 200+ proven and successful franchise brands and business solutions. Whether you are looking for an entry point to your entrepreneurial journey or are a seasoned business owner, this 2-day event will serve as a perfect gateway for learning, networking, and discovering the right franchise for you.

‘We are very happy that Franchise Negosyo has finally reached the hands of my fellow Bicolanos,’ PFA Director for South Luzon Marco Antonio Soliman shared. ‘This event brings entrepreneurship closer to more Filipinos, not just in the Metro area of Manila, but also across thriving regions like Bicol’.

Franchise Negosyo Para sa Region V (Legazpi) is expected to draw participants from various places in the Bicol region, including entrepreneurs, aspiring business owners, and investors.

This event is supported by DTI Region 5, OWWA Region 5, Local Economic Development Investment Office – Albay, Albay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Legazpi Albay Chinese Filipino Chamber of Commerce, Inc., SM Supermalls, SM City Legazpi, 7 Eleven, Carrier, LT and G Credit Line, U-Franchise Sales and Management, Francorp Philippines, Converge ICT, PLDT Enterprise, Gcash, BPI, Hapihap, Powerhouse, Tapa King, and Famous Belgian Waffles.

Media partners: NET 25 Eagle Broadcasting Corp., Business World, Business Mirror, Mega Mobile (Inquirer Mobile), Inquirer Group of Companies, Asia Journal / Balikbayan Magazine, Philstar Media Group, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Around Bicol, Mr.GeeTv, IAmMhel, Twin Diaries, Probinsyanong Rabasero, and BicoldotPH.

Although they have won stages in the PETRONAS Le Tour de Langkawi (PLTdL) before or enjoyed great success on the highest Grand Tour circuits, no rider dares to predict whether they will achieve success at the 29th edition of PLTdL25, which starts in Langkawi tomorrow.

?During the riders press conference attended by this year’s PLTdL ‘favourite’ riders today, many admitted that past records or experience are not factors that can guarantee victory, whether for a stage or the general classification.

?ProTeam Uno-X Mobility, Alexander Kristoff, 38, who has collected 98 career wins including 13 Grand Tour appearances and 41 classic races, admitted it will be difficult for him to add to his collection of victories at PLTdL25.

?’The goal of coming here is indeed to win, but I realise every race has its difficulties. But I love competing in the final sprint and with several stages considered flat, I also have a chance and want to seize it,’ said Kristoff, who is racing in Malaysia for the first time but will retire after the end of this racing season.

?Moreover, the winner of the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) King of Sprint orange jersey in 2024 from winning 3 stages, Matteo Malucelli, 31, who now represents the elite WorldTeam, XDS-Astana, admitted it will be difficult for him to repeat the brilliance he showed with JCL UKYO last year.

?’It’s hard to predict who will win the GC or the stages. Any rider can win, especially since many are currently in good form after just finishing the Vuelta. There are some flat routes that might favour the sprinters, while the climbs are tough even though they are not long. There will also certainly be many small groups making breakaways.

‘So PLTdL25 is an open race and anyone can win. My personal goal is also to win again while adding UCI ranking points for Astana,’ he said, admitting that being with a WorldTeam this time provides motivation to deliver the best sprints while hoping his teammate, Nicholas Vinoukurov, 23, chases the GC and the Best Asian Rider jersey.

Malucelli’s main rival is Tudor Cycling Team rider, Arvid Kleijn, who was the King of Sprint in 2023 but had to concede to Malucelli’s brilliance last year.

?’I personally asked the team to come here again despite facing a difficult and challenging season early this year due to a 12-week break after a broken collarbone in a crash during the Tour of UAE race last February.

?’The goal of coming here is to win again. I have sweet memories of winning here and I’m happy to return with a good level of fitness and can’t wait to compete in the final sprints again,’ said the Swiss rider nicknamed ‘Little Gorilla’.

?For Burgos-Burpellet BH rider who was also the King of the Mountains jersey winner last year, Mario Aparicio, the memory is still fresh and he appears with a bigger goal of chasing the overall individual green jersey sponsored by PETRONAS.

‘The opportunity to race in the Vuelta a Espana this year also gave me a lot of new experience, even though I fell ill at that time, but I have fully recovered. In fact, I’m back with the same goal and might be able to challenge for the green jersey (GC),’ said the 25-year-old rider who has been with Burgos since 2021.

?The opportunity to race in PLTdL is a new and bigger chapter in a rider’s career, and this was acknowledged by Yukiya Arashiro himself who makes a come-back after 18 years.

?Appearing in the ProTeam Solution Tech-Vini Fantini jersey, Arashiro, who first appeared in 2007 with the Nippo Corporation team, still remembers PLTdL as the top race in Asia.?’I’m happy to be back here again because I still remember it’s always filled with the warmth of the fans and fellow riders – moreover, I admit it’s a smooth and well-managed race.

‘As a team, Vini Fantini is also enthusiastic because we won at the Tour of Shanghai and most of the riders were retained and came here. Although it’s difficult, we hope to win a stage,’ said Arashiro who was courted by several world-class teams like Bbox Bouygues Telecom and Lampre-Merida (now Bahrain-Victorious) and gained experience racing in 16 GT-level races.

?PLTdL fans can also place their faith in the chances of local riders, and the double national champion representing the Terengganu Cycling Team, Muhammad Nur Aiman Rosli, 26, considered as one of the contenders.

‘I serve as a helper for our two sprinters (Harrif Saleh and Wan Abdul Rahman Hamdan), but I’m also looking for my own opportunities,’ said the national road race and individual time trial champion, who is considered capable of causing an upset through a solo breakaway.

A total of 129 riders from 22 teams will start Stage 1 of PLTdL25, the Langkawi Round Island with a distance of 96.7km at 8am tomorrow and finish at the same location at Jalan Padang Matsirat, Pekan Kuah involving three sprint zones and one Category 4 climb zone.?PLTdL25, which has 2.ProSeries status on the UCI Asia calendar, starts in Langkawi and will end in front of the PETRONAS Twin Towers on October 5th, involving a total distance of 1,244.2km.

It is organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) through the National Sports Council (MSN) and is supported by the Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF).

Senator Christopher ‘Bong’ Go, on Monday, September 29, delivered a manifestation in the Senate expressing his full support for the proposed 2026 budget of the Office of the Vice President (OVP), praising Vice President Sara Duterte’s initiatives and contrasting them against what he described as flood control projects that have become ‘gatasan’ for unscrupulous individuals.

The Senate finance committee where Go serves as Vice Chairperson earlier approved the proposed budget of the OVP.

‘Tiwala po ako sa ating Vice President at sigurado po ako na nagagamit nang tama ang pondo ng bayan,’ Go stated during the Senate budget deliberations on September 29.

He stressed his confidence in the way Duterte’s office manages public funds, recalling his years of service under former President Rodrigo Duterte and his familiarity with the Duterte family’s approach to clean governance.

‘Sa totoo lamang po, matagal po akong nagtrabaho kay former President Duterte at naabutan ko po noong siya po’y naging bise mayor ng Davao, [at mayor] si Vice President Sara. Kung istrikto po si dating mayor at dating Pangulong Duterte sa gobyerno, mas istrikto po si VP Sara at alam ko pong magagamit talaga ang pondo para sa pantulong sa ating mga kababayan,’ he assured.

‘Kaysa naman po napupunta lang sa flood control na gatasan po ng iilang mapagsamantala,’ Go cited, highlighting how billions of public funds have been stolen in anomalous or ghost projects while the OVP budget was decreased despite providing direct benefits to vulnerable sectors.

Go went into detail about the programs rolled out by the OVP in recent years, emphasizing their direct benefits to ordinary Filipinos. He even urged fellow lawmakers to find ways to allocate more funding to the OVP to sustain its services.

‘Sa mga nakaraang taon, nagkaroon ang OVP ng mga programang nagbibigay ng tunay na benepisyo sa ating mamamayan. From medical assistance, to relief operations, educational support, pangkabuhayan programs, at libreng sakay among others,’ he noted.

Among the highlights was the OVP’s Medical and Burial Assistance Program, which he cited has helped more than 187,000 beneficiaries when it was still funded. In 2024 alone, the office extended assistance to over 144,000 individuals in need.

He likewise cited the Magnegosyo ‘ta Day Program, which provides entrepreneurial opportunities, including livelihood assistance and training for marginalized groups. The OVP has also been active in disaster relief efforts, aiding more than 200,000 individuals in calamity-hit areas.

‘Nakikita ko rin po ito dahil ako mismo umiikot rin po ako sa mga tinatamaan po ng bagyo,’ Go added, drawing from his own experience in relief operations across the country.

He also underscored the impact of the Libreng Sakay Program, which has served over a million passengers in Metro Manila, Bacolod, Cebu, and Davao. ‘Ito po yung nabanggit ko kanina na atin pong sinusuportahan,’ he remarked, pointing out that he has also personally supported the OVP’s free transportation efforts ‘in my own small way.’

Go also rooted his remarks in his personal experience as a Davaoeño who had long worked with the Duterte family. He emphasized that his support for the Vice President is based not only on alliance but also on his firsthand knowledge of her good governance style and priorities.

‘As a proud Davaoeño, I have witnessed firsthand the remarkable work of the Vice President when she was still the Mayor of Davao City. And when she became Vice President, I sincerely believe Vice President Duterte’s initiatives have been instrumental in helping this government uplift lives and promote the welfare of all Filipinos,’ Go said.

There is definitely growth outside the National Capital Region (NCR) for the country’s property sector. Moreover, there is a strong demand for horizontal (house and lot/lot only development) units.

Joey Roi Bondoc, research head of Colliers Philippines, says seasoned investors would really look for potential sites outside Metro Manila because of the low yields in Metro Manila. ‘If you’re banking on yields, the returns are very low, around 3 to 4 percent,’ Bondoc told the BusinessMirror in an interview held in Makati City.

‘And if you are an astute investor at this point, it doesn’t make sense to still invest in Metro Manila, because prices aren’t really declining and the rents have softened substantially because of the exodus of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators. With the yields being very low, you’re now banking on the price appreciation of the lot only,’ Bondoc adds.

Bondoc says the competitive pricing makes the investment proposition in the provinces, particularly the lot-only segment, far more compelling. For instance, there’s a project like Santa Lucia Land Inc.’s Beverly Place in San Fernando, Pampanga, that has shown strong potential for price increases, which is a more sustainable investment right now.

The demand outside of Metro Manila is fundamentally different-it’s driven by the end-user, not the speculative investor. Furthermore, Bondoc says the shift towards areas outside the National Capital Region (AONCR) and lot only are sustained price appreciation, greater push for sustainability, bigger and more open space, improving road network to and from Metro Manila, and vacancy in Metro Manila condominiums remains elevated and its yields have gone down.

According to Colliers, the average take-up rates of H and L units end-Q2 2025 ranged from 86 to 98 percent. On a per region basis, Southern Luzon posted the highest take-up with 94 percent followed closely by Central Visayas (93 percent) while Davao Region and Western Visayas were tied in third spot with 92 percent and Central Luzon was in fourth with 91 percent.

Cavite bagged the largest takeout with 155,000 followed by Laguna (89,000), Batangas (84,000), Pampanga (65,000), and Cebu (61,000).

For the lot-only market in AONCR, Colliers Philippines reported that the average take-up rate of lot-only units in the end Q2 2025 ranged from 81 to 96 percent. Central Visayas led in the regional take-up with 94 percent. Southern Luzon were tied in the second spot with 93 percent while Davao Region and Western Visayas garnered 92 and 83 percent respectively.

Batangas got 31,000 take-outs followed by Cavite (30,000), Laguna (28,000), Pampanga (24,000) and Cebu (22,000).

Sta. Lucia sees opportunities outside NCR.

The Marbella Lake Residences in Victoria, Laguna, and Sta. Monica Lake Residences in Manaoag, Pangasinan are prime investment opportunities from Sta. Lucia Land Inc. Furthermore, the fundamental value of these properties lies in the lake community concept itself. Both developments offer a mix of residential lots (including prime lakefront/lakeview lots) and commercial lots, providing diverse avenues for business and capital appreciation.

The soon to rise Marbella Lake Residences is the first lake community in Victoria, Laguna and occupies an estimated 73 hectares of land. Incorporating the gifts of nature in the development, Marbella Lake Residences is designed to be a verdant community where future residents are engaged to spend more time in outdoor recreation and embrace prime modern living elevated with greener features.

The prominent feature of the lake community is the man-made lake area built with a lighthouse. While other amenities include a community clubhouse built with a swimming pool, function hall and multipurpose basketball court. Home buyers have a variety of options with its selection of promising lots which are either regular lots or lakefront lots.

As the first lake community in Victoria, Laguna, Marbella is designed as a verdant community that encourages outdoor recreation. Prices vary according to lot type and location; and can range from P12,800 up to P25,200 per square meters. Select residential lots are also being offered at a discounted rate of P10,800 until December 31, 2025.

Meanwhile, Sta. Monica Lake Residences is Sta. Lucia’s first development in Manaoag, Pangasinan-the ‘Pilgrimage Center of the North’-a location that gives the community a strong cultural and historical identity. The property features a lake, lighthouse, and open jogging paths, alongside a multipurpose clubhouse with a function hall and basketball court

Price range starts from P 8,000 to P20,500 per square meter, offering competitive entry prices for investors.

Investing either in Marbella or Sta. Monica Lake Residences means securing a property in a meticulously planned, nature-focused community with a high potential for appreciation, supported by the extensive track record of Sta. Lucia Land Inc.

THE global travel and tourism sector is headed for another record-breaking year, projected to contribute an historic high of US$2.1 trillion to the worldwide economy, surpassing the record high of $1.9 trillion in prepandemic 2019 by 10.5 percent.

At the launch of its latest Economic Impact Report (EIR) at the 2025 World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit in Rome on Monday, WTTC Interim Chief Executive Officer Gloria Guevara said: ‘These results tell a story of strength and opportunity. The United States remains the world’s largest travel and tourism market, China is surging back, Europe is powering ahead, and destinations across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa are delivering record growth.’

The EIR also showed that 371 million jobs are estimated to be supported by the travel and tourism sector, almost 4 percent more than the 357 million jobs last year. ‘By 2035, one in eight jobs worldwide will be supported by travel and tourism, with an additional 91 million new jobs supported, the majority in the Asia-Pacific region, resulting in one in three new jobs globally supported by the sector,’ the report added.

Confidence in the sector remains strong with the EIR seeing global investment continue to rise this year after exceeding $1 trillion in 2024. Last year’s investment level was 9 percent more than in 2023.

‘The US, China, Saudi Arabia, and France together accounted for more than half a trillion dollars of that investment [last year],’ the reported noted.

Most powerful market

Despite being the ‘world’s most powerful travel and tourism market,’ the US will attract less tourist spend this year, falling by $12.5 billion, such that total spending will inch up a mere 0.7 percent. The group warned that ‘without destination promotion, traveler-friendly policies, and reduced visa costs, it could lose its competitive edge.’

The US contributed $2.6 trillion to its economy, as expressed in gross domestic product (GDP), in 2024. The report pointed to the US domestic market as the ‘strongest in the world, sustaining millions of jobs and underpinning sector resilience.’

China is the world’s second-largest market and is projected to contribute over $2 trillion to its economy, 22.7 percent from 2024. ‘This highlights China’s rapid return to international prominence and its pivotal role in shaping global travel flows,’ said the WTTC.

Japan, the world’s most popular destination according to global travel surveys, is estimated to add $13.8 billion to its GDP this year, and reach close to $325 billion. As per EIR, the country’s is the world’s fifth largest travel and tourism market.

Fastest-growing region

Meanwhile, the Middle East remains one of the fastest-growing regions in the world for travel and tourism, with Saudi Arabia continuing to stand out as a ‘global powerhouse, with inbound visitor spend surging and infrastructure investment reaching record levels.’

Earlier, the WTTC projected tourism’s contribution to the Philippine economy at 21 percent, adding some $102.6 billion to the GDP this year. This represents an 11.8-percent change from $91.8 billion GDP contribution in 2024, although a slower growth from the 27.6-percent, year-on-year change in 2024/2023. This year’s estimated tourism contribution is 13.5 percent higher than the prepandemic $90.4 billion recorded. (See, ‘Int’l tourism spending in PHL to breach pre-Covid levels,’ in the BusinessMirror, June 16, 2025.)

From September 28 to 30, over a thousand delegates, including 310 chief executive officers and chairs, will explore opportunities and challenges shaping the future of travel and tourism at the global summit.

WTTC officials said, among the key trends this year are ‘a demand for experience-led and sustainable travel, the integration of artificial intelligence [AI], shifts in consumer preferences, the growth of the short-term rental market, and the ongoing importance of business travel.’