Philippines makes strategic debut at FHS World 2025

The Philippines marked a significant milestone in its tourism investment strategy with its first-ever participation in the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) World 2025, held on October 27 to 29 at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. 

With the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines leading the delegation, the country’s participation in this globally influential summit signaled a decisive step toward positioning the Philippines as one of Asia’s most attractive frontiers for hotel and resort development. 

TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles emphasized that joining FHS World strengthens TPB’s broader effort to position the Philippines on 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.” 

FHS World is among the most anticipated gatherings in the hospitality industry, bringing together hotel owners, operators, developers, and investors for three days of forward-looking discussions and investment opportunities. Its 2025 edition gathered delegates from more than 60 countries and over 650 companies, reflecting the strength of interest in hospitality development worldwide. 

Stepping into this arena for the first time, the Philippines introduced a thoughtfully designed country space featuring solihiya and capiz details, lush greenery, and digital showcases of key destinations as a visual interpretation of Filipino warmth and creativity. 

Representing the TPB at the event were Special Envoy for Arts and Culture Karen Santos and Special Envoy for Trade and Investment Anna Kathryna Yu-Pimentel, who were warmly welcomed on opening day by Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Alfonso Ver, Consul Aleah Marie Gica, and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Trade Commissioner in Dubai Vichael Roaring. 

Four major hotel developers, including Ayala Land Hospitality, Artstream Hospitality Management Group, Megaworld Hotels and Resorts, and Robinsons Hotels and Resorts, represented the country’s private sector. Their participation highlighted the range of new hotel and resort developments rising across key Philippine destinations, reflecting growing investor confidence and demand. 

The country’s flagship engagements included the Destination Overview Session, “Beyond Paradise: Discovering the Investment Potential of the Philippines,” where the Philippine contingent discussed emerging opportunities such as the rise of

integrated leisure destinations, improvements in regional airports, and an uptick in demand for sustainable and culturally anchored developments. 

These themes were echoed and expanded in the private workshop titled “The Philippines Advantage: Private Insights for Strategic Investors,” which gathered a curated group of international investors for targeted project presentations and one-on-one investment conversations. The exclusive session, supported by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), offered a more detailed look into future development sites and market fundamentals shaping Philippine tourism growth. 

Across the three-day summit, the Philippines gained valuable insights into global hospitality trends while opening conversations that will help shape the next phase of tourism development in the country. This inaugural participation at FHS World strengthens the country’s push to position itself as one of the region’s rising destinations for strategic tourism investments.