MANILA, 20 October 2026: The Philippines’ Department of Tourism is strengthening efforts to promote healthcare and wellness tourism as a driver of investment, job creation, and regional tourism development, while supporting the Philippines’ growth as a competitive health and wellness destination.
Speaking at the 15th Arangkada Philippines Forum earlier this month, Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay called on business leaders, investors, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to invest in the country’s growing health tourism ecosystem.
“We want to develop a stronger health and wellness sector that attracts investment, creates jobs, expands regional capacity, and improves services for Filipinos,” Secretary Angara-Mathay said.
The Tourism chief emphasised that advancing medical and wellness tourism requires an integrated ecosystem connecting healthcare, hospitality, infrastructure, and technology to ensure quality, accessibility, and a seamless patient experience.
“We invite investors to look at the full range of opportunities: healthcare facilities, diagnostics, digital health, rehabilitation, wellness, hospitality, and long-stay communities. The greatest potential lies in connecting these services so that patients can receive care and support throughout their journey,” she added.
As of September this year, the DOT’s accreditation network includes 13 hospitals, 21 ambulatory clinics, 10 dental clinics, and 63 spas. The country also has six hospitals accredited by Joint Commission International (JCI), laying a strong foundation to expand the Philippines’ presence in the global health tourism market.
Secretary Angara-Mathay underscored that the Department works closely with the health and wellness sectors to bridge gaps in tourism infrastructure and healthcare support services, particularly through public-private partnerships.
“Consider the possibilities — a patient receives specialised treatment at a major medical centre, continues rehabilitation nearby, stays in quality accommodation with family, and has access to appropriate nutrition, wellness, and recreation,” the Tourism Chief explained. “Such a model creates opportunities across hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, wellness centres, hotels, serviced residences, diagnostics, restaurants, transportation, and digital health providers.”
According to the Global Wellness Institute (GWI), the Philippines’ wellness economy reached USD47.3 billion in 2024, ranking 23rd worldwide and 8th in the Asia-Pacific region.
In partnership with private-sector stakeholders, the DOT has launched the Medical Concierge and Lounge at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3. This facility provides arriving medical tourists with assistance and information on health and wellness services and connects them with DOT-accredited wellness and tourism experiences.
(Source: Department of Tourism Philippines)
