The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) expresses its appreciation to the millions of Filipino outbound travelers whose travel tax contributions continue to drive infrastructure development, community upliftment, and sustainable growth across the country’s tourism destinations.
In a media briefing held on November 18, TIEZA Chief Operating Officer Mark T. Lapid underscored the vital role of travel tax revenues in advancing the nation’s tourism and economic agenda.
“Each time a Filipino traveler pays the travel tax, they directly contribute to nation-building,” said Lapid. “These contributions fund the development of access roads, ports, water systems, and facilities that make destinations more connected, resilient, and sustainable for the benefit of both visitors and local communities. When we say ‘Building Tourism Together,’ we mean a shared responsibility between government, private partners, and the Filipino traveler,” Lapid added. “Every flight, every trip, and every travel tax payment helps us build a stronger, more inclusive, and globally competitive tourism economy.”
Enhanced Travel Tax Services for Greater Efficiency and Convenience
In line with the government’s Ease of Doing Business (EODB) initiatives, TIEZA continues to modernize the Online Travel Tax Services System (OTTSS) to provide travelers with faster, simpler, and more transparent services.
Aside from online travel tax payments, the enhanced OTTSS now supports online applications for Travel Tax Exemption Certificate and Reduced Travel Tax, streamlining processes for at least 800,000 outbound travelers each year who qualify for these privileges, including Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), infants and minors, government delegates, and other eligible groups.
This platform benefits over 4.6 million outbound travelers annually, enabling them to settle their travel tax obligations and file applications anytime, anywhere, without the need to queue at airport counters.
“Our priority is to make travel tax transactions as effortless as possible,” Lapid noted. “By embracing innovation and digital transformation, we are not only modernizing government systems — we are enhancing the overall travel experience. Every minute saved online translates to more meaningful time spent with family, work, and new opportunities abroad.”
Earlier this year, TIEZA also partnered with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to integrate the OTTSS Full Travel Tax payment service with the eGov Super App and eTravel Systems. This integration allows travelers to access key components of their pre-travel requirements under a unified digital ecosystem. Travelers can now pay their full travel tax directly through the eGov PH Super App, with personal information automatically retrieved from their eTravel profiles, resulting in a faster, more secure, and seamless payment experience.
Building Tourism Together Through Travel Tax
Pursuant to the Section 73 of Republic Act No. 9593, fifty percent (50%) of travel tax proceeds go to TIEZA, funding its operations and the development of tourism infrastructure projects across the country, ranging from access roads and water systems to community-based facilities that enhance visitor experience and empower local livelihoods.
The remaining 40% is allocated to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for tourism-related scholarships and education programs, while 10% supports the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) in advancing cultural heritage conservation and arts development.
“Each peso you contribute travels farther than you think,” Lapid emphasized. “It becomes a road that connects communities, clean water that sustains destinations, or a scholarship that nurtures the next generation of tourism professionals. Every contribution builds a tourism industry that every Filipino can take pride in.”
Through continuous innovation, collaboration, and transparency, TIEZA reaffirms its commitment to its advocacy of Building Tourism Together — a shared national effort that celebrates the contributions of travelers, communities, and partners in strengthening Philippine tourism.
“Government service should be as seamless and dependable as booking your next flight,” Lapid concluded. “Through your continued support, we can keep building a tourism industry that connects, empowers, and inspires — one journey at a time.”
For more information, visit https://tieza.gov.ph or follow @TIEZAOfficial on Facebook and @tiezagovph on Instagram and X for updates on TIEZA’s services and digital initiatives.
About the Philippine Travel Tax
The Philippine Travel Tax, administered by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), is a levy imposed on Filipinos and select foreign individuals departing from the Philippines. Certain categories — such as Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), infants and minors, government officials on official missions, and other qualified travelers — may be entitled to exemption or reduced rates in accordance with existing laws and regulations. Since 2023, TIEZA has modernized the collection process through the Online Travel Tax Services System (OTTSS), offering travelers a faster, more convenient, and fully digital experience for payment, exemption, reduction, and refund applications.
Proceeds from the travel tax are distributed among key national agencies: 50% to TIEZA, 40% to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and 10% to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). TIEZA’s share directly funds tourism infrastructure projects and community development programs, supporting the growth of tourism destinations, improving access, and uplifting local livelihoods across the country.
Philippine Travel Tax payments are accepted at TIEZA’s 24/7 counters in the departure lobbies of major international airports, including NAIA Terminals 1, 2, and 3, Clark International Airport, among others. Payments are also accepted at TIEZA Satellite Offices located in various malls and provincial offices, such as at SM City Manila, SM City North EDSA, SM Mall of Asia, and Robinsons Galleria. The full travel tax rate for an economy class passage is PHP 1,620, while for a first-class passage it is PHP 2,700. Outbound travelers are advised to check if their airline ticket already includes the travel tax before making a separate payment.
About TIEZA
The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) is the infrastructure, investment, and asset management arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT), mandated to develop, manage, and supervise tourism infrastructure projects and Tourism Enterprise Zones (TEZs) across the country. Through strategic investments in public tourism facilities, flagship destinations, and sustainable development initiatives, TIEZA plays a vital role in enhancing the country’s tourism-readiness and the tourists’ travel experience seamless and meaningful. TIEZA is committed to helping transform the Philippines into a globally-competitive tourism destination.
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