The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) has expressed its gratitude to the millions of Filipino outbound travellers whose travel tax payments continue to fund major tourism developments across the Philippines.
In a media briefing on November 18, TIEZA Chief Operating Officer Mark T. Lapid emphasised that each travel tax payment directly supports national infrastructure, tourism sustainability, and community development.
“Each time a Filipino traveler pays the travel tax, they directly contribute to nation-building,” Lapid said.
“These contributions fund access roads, ports, water systems, and facilities that make destinations more connected, resilient, and sustainable.”
He added that tourism development is a shared responsibility between government agencies, private stakeholders, and Filipino travellers:
“Every flight, every trip, and every travel tax payment helps us build a stronger, more inclusive, and globally competitive tourism economy.”
Enhanced Online Services for Travel Tax Payment and Exemption
As part of the government’s Ease of Doing Business (EODB) efforts, TIEZA has upgraded its Online Travel Tax Services System (OTTSS) to allow:
- Online payment of travel tax
- Online applications for Travel Tax Exemption Certificates
- Online applications for Reduced Travel Tax
This streamlines transactions for more than 800,000 travellers annually who qualify for exemptions or reduced rates—such as Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), minors, infants, government delegates, and Filipino athletes.
The enhanced system supports over 4.6 million outbound travellers each year, allowing them to complete requirements anytime, anywhere, without queuing at airport counters.
“By embracing innovation and digital transformation, we are enhancing the overall travel experience. Every minute saved online translates to more meaningful time with family, work, and opportunities abroad,” Lapid explained.
Integration with eGov PH Super App and eTravel
Earlier this year, TIEZA partnered with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to integrate full travel tax payments into the eGov PH Super App and eTravel platform.
Travellers can now:
- Register for eTravel
- Retrieve personal data automatically
- Pay the full travel tax within the same app
This unified digital ecosystem ensures faster, more secure, and seamless processing.
What Is TIEZA?
The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) is the infrastructure arm of the Department of Tourism. Created under Republic Act No. 9593 (Tourism Act of 2009), TIEZA is responsible for:
- Developing, managing, and supervising tourism infrastructure
- Identifying and regulating Tourism Enterprise Zones (TEZs)
- Building public facilities that boost tourism access, safety, and sustainability
TIEZA is also the designated collecting agency for travel tax paid by Filipinos travelling abroad.
Where Do Travel Tax Proceeds Go?
Under Section 73 of RA 9593, the travel tax is distributed among key institutions:
- 50% — TIEZA for the construction and maintenance of tourism infrastructure
- 40% — Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for tourism-related scholarships and educational programs
- 10% — National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) for cultural heritage preservation and arts development
Lapid noted that “each peso travels farther than you think,” transforming into roads, clean water systems, and scholarships that uplift communities nationwide.
What Projects Does TIEZA Fund?
Travel tax revenues have financed numerous tourism development initiatives, including:
1. Tourist Rest Areas (TRAs) Nationwide
A network of rest stops in major destinations offering clean toilets, charging stations, information desks, and relaxation spaces for travellers.
2. Rehabilitation of Tourism Sites
Banaue Hotel and Youth Hostel
Gat Andres Bonifacio Shrine and Eco-Tourism Park (Cavite)
These projects aim to preserve heritage sites while improving visitor experience.
3. Development of Tourism Enterprise Zones (TEZs)
TIEZA supports private and public investments to create well-planned tourism estates offering accommodation, retail, recreation, and transport facilities.
4. Access Roads and Basic Utilities
Revenue is used to construct and improve:
- Access roads leading to major attractions
- Water systems for sustainable tourism
- Port facilities for safer and more efficient travel
5. Community-Based Tourism Facilities
Infrastructure that empowers local livelihoods, enhances safety, and supports sustainable tourism practices.
Building Tourism Together
TIEZA reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, innovation, and collaboration as it strengthens its advocacy of “Building Tourism Together.”
“Government service should be as seamless as booking your next flight,” Lapid said. “Through your continued support, we can keep building a tourism industry that connects, empowers, and inspires—one journey at a time.”