July 7, 2026 Team Contributor
A new Canada Philippines tourism pact is all set to strengthen travel ties between the two countries, aiming at creating fresh opportunities for cultural exchange, tourism and economic cooperation.
The agreement was signed in Vancouver on 2nd July, establishing a framework for the Philippines and Canada to collaborate on initiatives and share tourism data to support visitor growth between the two markets.
The MoU was signed by Rechie Valdez, Canada’s Secretary of State for Small Business and Tourism and Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, the Foreign Affairs Secretary of the Philippines.
Canada Philippines tourism pact – building strong travel links
The agreement formalises a relationship which is already supported by strong community connections and crucial travel flows.
According to figures from the Canadian Government, approximately 333,000 Canadians visited the Philippines in 2025, while roughly 115,800 visitors from the Philippines came to Canada, generating nearly CAD $301 million in visitor spending.
Travel between the two countries is driven by business travel, leisure travel, and visits between relatives and friends, supported by one of Canada’s largest immigrant communities.
An MoU for more than just tourism
The tourism agreement complements ongoing discussions around the ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement and the bilateral Canada-Philippines free trade agreement. The signing also coincides with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit to Canada, where Prime Minister Mark Carney and President Marcos agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a strategic partnership.
Rechie Valdez highlighted the cultural importance of the agreement, citing that it creates greater opportunities for people with family ties in both countries to reconnect and strengthen community connections.
Benefits for travellers
For travellers, this agreement signals growing cooperation between the two increasingly connected tourism markets. Tourists can experience:
- Enhanced tourism collaboration which can support stronger destination promotion
- Better market intelligence
- Increased travel demand between the Philippines and Canada
With nearly one million Canadians of Filipino origin living in Canada, interest in travel between the two countries remains significant.
While the agreement may not immediately introduce visa changes or new routes, the Canada Philippines tourism pact lays the groundwork for closer tourism cooperation and future visitor growth. As both countries look to strengthen people-to-people and economic connections, the deal can play an important role in boosting tourism flows and expanding travel opportunities in the coming years.
Related Post:
About the Author
