MANILA – A fresh wave of innovation is about to transform Philippine tourism. The Department of Tourism (DOT) has officially launched the ₱15-million Tourism Start-Up Challenge 2025, a program designed to empower students from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to bring forward bold and creative ideas that can shape the future of travel in the country.
During the launch at Centro de Turismo Intramuros in Manila, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco announced that three winning start-up projects will each receive ₱5 million in funding for implementation.
“This initiative ensures that the benefits of the travel tax truly advance tourism education and promote innovation, especially among our youth,” Frasco said with pride. “Through this challenge, we empower students to create solutions that will redefine Philippine tourism.”
The program is carried out in partnership with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA).
How the Challenge Works
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Student groups (four college students in their 3rd or 4th year plus one adviser) may submit proposals through CHED regional offices from September 24 to October 31, 2025.
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Proposals must align with the National Tourism Development Plan and cover at least one of six priority areas:
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Facilities and Demo Labs in schools
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Immersion and Career Development
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Technology Innovation and Digitalization
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Start-Up and Incubation Centers
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Research and Development
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Tourism Education & Education Tourism
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From all submissions, one proposal per region will be shortlisted. Each of the 17 finalists will receive a ₱250,000 grant to further develop their projects. In the end, three national winners—one each from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao—will be awarded the ₱5 million grand funding.
A Call for Inclusive Tourism
Senator Loren Legarda, who graced the launch, urged a people-centered approach to tourism. She emphasized that the sector should not only drive profits but also deliver employment, cultural pride, and environmental protection.
“Frontliners are our cultural ambassadors, the youth bring fresh ideas, and senior citizens provide wisdom,” Legarda said, highlighting how different groups play vital roles in shaping a more inclusive tourism industry.
She further stressed that sustainability and inclusivity must remain at the heart of tourism development, ensuring that growth does not come at the expense of heritage and natural resources.
✨ The Bigger Picture: The Tourism Start-Up Challenge is more than a competition. It’s an investment in Filipino creativity, youth empowerment, and community-driven tourism. By combining bold student ideas with government support, the Philippines hopes to nurture future leaders who will make tourism not only profitable—but meaningful, sustainable, and proudly Filipino.
