The Philippines marked a major milestone in its tourism investment strategy with its first-ever participation in the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) World 2025, held on October 27–29 at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Led by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, the country’s inaugural presence at this high-level global summit signaled a decisive move to position the Philippines as one of Asia’s most attractive frontiers for hotel and resort development.
TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles said the debut reflects TPB’s broader direction to engage with global platforms that shape the future of tourism. “Joining FHS World marks a new direction for TPB as we expand our presence in platforms that attract not only travelers but also the partners who help build the experiences they come for. This debut shows that the Philippines is ready to compete for quality hospitality investments, and TPB is committed to promoting the opportunities, destinations, and developments that will shape the future of our tourism industry,” she said.
FHS World is among the hospitality sector’s most anticipated gatherings, convening hotel owners, operators, developers, and investors for three days of forward-looking discussions. Its 2025 edition hosted representatives from more than 60 countries and over 650 companies.
For its international debut, the Philippines unveiled a specially designed country space featuring solihiya and capiz elements, lush greenery, and digital displays of key destinations—an exhibition that highlighted Filipino warmth, creativity, and investment potential.
Joining the TPB delegation were Special Envoy for Arts and Culture Karen Santos and Special Envoy for Trade and Investment Anna Kathryna Yu-Pimentel. They were welcomed by Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Alfonso Ver, Consul Aleah Marie Gica, and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Trade Commissioner Vichael Roaring.
Participating on the private sector side were major hotel developers Ayala Land Hospitality, Artstream Hospitality Management Group, Megaworld Hotels and Resorts, and Robinsons Hotels and Resorts—showcasing the breadth of new projects rising across key Philippine tourism hubs.
Two flagship engagements highlighted the country’s message: the Destination Overview Session, “Beyond Paradise: Discovering the Investment Potential of the Philippines,” and the exclusive investor workshop, “The Philippines Advantage: Private Insights for Strategic Investors.” These sessions presented opportunities in integrated leisure development, improving regional airport infrastructure, and the growing demand for sustainable, culturally anchored hospitality concepts. The private workshop, supported by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), featured targeted project pitches and one-on-one investment discussions.
Over the three-day summit, the Philippine delegation gained valuable insights into global hospitality trends while opening new channels for future partnerships. The country’s inaugural participation in FHS World strengthens its drive to become one of Asia’s rising destinations for strategic tourism and hospitality investments.
