Cebu: The Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, and Indonesia are targeting a 100 percent increase in foreign tourist arrivals by 2035 under a 10-year tourism roadmap adopted on May 7. The Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) adopted the Vision 2035 on the sidelines of the 48th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Cebu.

According to Philippines News Agency, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chairperson and Philippine Signing Minister for BIMP-EAGA Secretary Leo Tereso Magno stated in a press conference that the grouping aims for a 100 percent boost in tourist arrivals between the four countries. By 2035, they target the BIMP-EAGA's contribution to be at least 12 percent of the total ASEAN economy. The four nations will enhance talks on tourism cooperation on a monthly basis, specifically focusing on possible partnerships for airport and seaport improvements and development of tourism sites.

BIMP-EAGA data show that tourism arrivals within the sub-region grew by 51 percent to 6.01 million in 2024 from 3.99 million in the previous year. The sub-regional bloc will also seek to expand trade in goods beyond USD 1.1 trillion within the area and increase foreign and domestic investment inflows to USD 300 billion.

The BIMP-EAGA covers the entire sultanate for Brunei Darussalam; Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Maluku, and Papua for Indonesia; Sabah, Sarawak, and the Federal Territory of Labuan for Malaysia; and Mindanao and Palawan for the Philippines. The grouping is promoting 'connected itinerary' within the covered areas, citing improved connectivity since the subregional cooperation program was established in 1994.

An added incentive to explore destinations within the growth areas is the Philippines' extension of the travel tax exemption to travelers departing from any international airport or seaport in Mindanao and Palawan to any destination in the subregion. The exemption is being offered until June 30, 2028.