Accredited creators may soon get a break—if a new bill moves forward.
Travel isn’t just a hobby anymore.
For many Filipinos, it’s work. It’s content. It’s storytelling.
It’s how people discover destinations they didn’t even know existed.
And now, travel bloggers might soon get a major relief before they even board a plane.
The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) is pushing for a proposal that would exempt travel bloggers from paying travel tax—a fee that currently applies to most travelers leaving the Philippines.
A Bill Is Being Prepared
At a press briefing on Tuesday in Makati City, TIEZA Chief Operating Officer Mark Lapid said the agency has already approached Senator Lito Lapid, who is expected to file a bill to amend the rules.
“We already approached Senator [Lito] Lapid… he will be filing the bill for amendments, for the inclusion of travel bloggers in travel tax exemption,” Lapid said.
If passed, it could officially recognize travel bloggers as contributors to the tourism industry—people who help promote the Philippines through their platforms.
Not Just Anyone: Bloggers Must Be Accredited
This isn’t a free-for-all.
Under the proposed amendment, travel bloggers must be accredited and certified by the Department of Tourism (DOT).
That means only verified, recognized creators would qualify—likely to avoid abuse and ensure the privilege goes to people who are truly doing tourism promotion as part of their work.
How Much Is the Travel Tax Today?
Under current rules, the travel tax is:
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₱1,620 for economy class
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₱2,700 for first class
It’s a fee collected from travelers leaving the country—no matter where the ticket was bought or how it was paid.
This is based on Presidential Decree (PD) 1183, as amended.
For regular travelers, it’s often just another charge.
But for content creators who travel frequently for shoots, events, collaborations, or destination features—those amounts can add up fast.
Who Is Already Exempt?
Right now, the people exempted from paying travel tax include:
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Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)
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Filipino permanent residents abroad staying in the Philippines for less than one year
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Infants (2 years old and below)
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International airline crew
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Government officials traveling on official business
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Muslim-Filipinos going on pilgrimage
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Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) delegations for international competitions
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Exporters attending international trade fairs
TIEZA’s proposal would add DOT-accredited travel bloggers to this list.
Who Gets Reduced Rates?
Some travelers aren’t fully exempt—but they get lower rates.
Reduced standard travel tax includes:
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Minors (2 years and 1 day old up to 12th birthday)
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Accredited Filipino journalists traveling for assignments
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People authorized by the President for national interest
Privileged reduced travel tax includes:
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Legitimate spouse of an OFW
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Unmarried children of an OFW below 21
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Children of OFWs with disabilities, even above 21
Where Does the Money Go?
This travel tax isn’t just collected and forgotten.
By law (under Republic Act 9593, Section 73), the proceeds are divided as follows:
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50% goes to TIEZA
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40% goes to CHED for tourism-related education programs and courses
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10% goes to NCCA for culture and arts
So this proposal isn’t just about giving bloggers a “discount.”
It also raises a bigger conversation:
If travel bloggers help boost tourism, should they be supported like other groups that serve the country’s interests?
Why This Matters
For many creators, travel isn’t leisure—it’s labor.
It’s filming in airports. Editing at midnight. Carrying gear. Paying for permits. Chasing sunlight. Hoping the next post helps a small town get seen.
This proposal, if approved, could be a signal that the government is starting to recognize that reality.
Not just as “influencing.”
But as promoting.
And for Filipino travel storytellers, that recognition can mean everything.
