The Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco has warmly welcomed the Philippines’ recognition as Asia’s Best Retirement Destination at the 11th TripZilla Excellence Awards. This prestigious award highlights the country’s growing prominence as a sought-after haven for retirees, proving its reputation as one of the world’s most desirable retirement places.
In a statement, Sec. Frasco expressed her appreciation, emphasizing the Philippine government’s commitment to boosting retirement tourism as a main pillar of the country’s tourism industry.
“This award affirms what the global community increasingly sees—the Philippines is not only a beautiful place to visit, but a place to call home,” Frasco said.
The DOT Secretary added that the recognition is a testament to the country’s unique appeal as a welcoming destination for retirees from all around the world.
“Retirees choose the Philippines because the warmth of our country transcends our destinations and is deeply rooted in our culture of care, hospitality, and compassion. We take this honor as a call to intensify our efforts to provide world-class programs and services that uphold the dignity, comfort, and well-being of all who choose to spend the best years of their lives in our country.”
Moreover, Frasco underscored DOT’s ongoing collaboration with the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) to further enhance the country’s retirement offerings.
Under the leadership of PRA’s General Manager Roberto Zozobrado, the organization launched its “WE CARE” campaign—standing for “We Create an Amazing Retirement Experience.” This initiative aims to achieve a larger share of the global market through more strategic efforts.
“The Philippines offers something truly rare—retirement that feels like coming home. With our ‘WE CARE’ campaign, we want the world to know that retirees are not just welcomed here; they are valued, supported, and embraced as part of our communities.”
The Philippines is currently home to more than 83,000 Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) holders, a number that continues to grow as the country solidifies its standing as a premier destination for retirees.
