Philippine Tourism in Australia & New Zealand

𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱’𝘀 𝗡𝗼.𝟭 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 — 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝗯𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗲𝘅

The Philippines has been recognized as the world’s leading retirement destination for 2026, ranking first in the Retirement Abroad Index 2026 by Expatriate Group, a specialist provider of international health insurance serving expatriates and retirees across more than 180 countries.

The achievement follows the Philippines’ recognition as the Best Retirement Destination in Asia at the 2025 TripZilla Excellence Awards, further affirming the country’s appeal among retirees seeking a balance of comfort, affordability, and quality of life.

At the forefront of the country’s retirement program is the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV), Philippine Retirement Authority’s (PRA) flagship initiative that provides qualified foreign nationals with a pathway to reside in the Philippines.

The Retirement Abroad Index 2026 evaluated 20 countries across five key categories: healthcare quality, visa accessibility, health insurance requirements, cost of living, and expat community and integration. This year, the Philippines ranked first across all five categories, making it the top choice for retirees.

The Philippines’ No. 1 ranking in the Retirement Abroad Index 2026 recognizes PRA’s commitment to creating an environment where retirees can live, connect, and thrive. It also serves as a testament to the country’s continued progress as a global retirement hub.

𝗗𝗢𝗧 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘃𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟳 𝗦𝗖𝗨𝗕𝗔 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿’𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is calling on Filipino dive enthusiasts and the general public to vote for their favorite Philippine destinations, resorts, operators, and dive experiences at the 2027 SCUBA Diving Readers’ Choice Awards.

Organized by the Scuba Diving Reader’s Magazine, the Choice Awards surveys thousands of divers across the globe every year for the latest trends in their most preferred and trusted spots, brands, and activities.

Apart from recognition, the Awards help spotlight emerging dive places and reinforce the beauty of well-known spots from around the world.

Filipinos may show their support to local dive destinations and enterprises by answering the online survey https://bit.ly/2027RCA until June 7, 2026.

Home to world-renowned beaches and coastlines, the Philippines is recognized by the prestigious World Travel Awards (WTA) as Asia’s Leading Dive Destination for seven straight years.

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐞𝐛𝐮 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬!

PDOT–Sydney proudly initiated the Malaysia Airlines & Department of Tourism – Philippines: Cebu Trade Function in mid-May, bringing together travel agents and key tourism partners for an afternoon of collaboration, destination updates, and strengthened regional partnerships.

The guest speakers for the luncheon meeting are Ms Cassandra Camonggol, OIC - Tourism Attache of the Philippine Department of Tourism - Sydney, Mr Lachlan Burnet, Malaysia Airlines Account Manager for NSW and Honourable Consul Marianne Bringas of the Philippine Consulate General of Sydney.

The event highlighted exciting developments in connectivity between Australia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, including Malaysia Airlines’ growing network, the modern A330neo fleet, and the Bonus Side Trip programme that encourages travellers to explore even more destinations across Asia.

PDOT–Sydney likewise showcased the vibrant experiences awaiting travellers in Cebu, from its world-class hospitality and island adventures to its rich culture, gastronomy, and gateway access to the rest of the Philippines.

Together with our valued airline and trade partners, we continue opening more opportunities for travellers to discover and love the Philippines.

Philippine Ambassador to Australia Antonio Morales and Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong led the 80th anniversary celebration of the Australia-Philippine diplomatic relations at the Australian Parliament House, on 14th May 2026 (Thursday).

Both Morales and Wong underscored the importance of strong people-to-people connections and the friendship between Australia and the Philippines amid the current global disruption brought by the conflict in the Middle East.

Other ministers, ASEAN nations' dignitaries, and federal members of the Parliament, including Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Matt Thistlethwaite and Member for Solomon and Parliamentary Friends of the Philippines Chair Luke Gosling OAM, attended the event.

📸 : Daniel Deleña
Caption from SBS Filipino