The Philippines has been named as Asia’s Best Retirement Destination at the 11th TripZilla Excellence Awards, a recognition that officials say reinforces the country’s reputation as a top choice for retirees seeking comfort, affordability, and a strong sense of community.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco welcomed the citation, calling it a strong affirmation of the Philippines’ position as one of the world’s most desirable retirement havens. She said the award reflects the government’s sustained, whole-of-government push to develop retirement tourism as a key pillar of the national tourism portfolio.
“This award affirms what the global community increasingly sees—the Philippines is not only a beautiful place to visit, but a place to call home,” Frasco said in a statement.
She added that retirees are drawn to the Philippines not only by its beaches and landscapes, but by the character of its people.
“Retirees choose the Philippines because the warmth of our country transcends our destinations and is deeply rooted in our culture of care, hospitality, and compassion,” Frasco said. “We take this honor as a call to intensify our efforts to provide world-class programs and services that uphold the dignity, comfort, and well-being of all who choose to spend the best years of their lives in our country.”
Under Frasco’s leadership, the Department of Tourism has continued to work closely with the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) to strengthen the competitiveness and global appeal of the country’s retirement offerings.
“Beyond its globally renowned natural beauty, the Philippines continues to distinguish itself through its welcoming communities, English-speaking population, favorable climate, and internationally recognized healthcare facilities—making it an exceptional choice for foreign retirees and returning Overseas Filipinos seeking long-term comfort, convenience, and meaningful connection,” Frasco said.
Earlier this year, the DOT and PRA held a series of meetings aimed to further enhance the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) program, one of the country’s flagship incentives designed to attract foreign nationals and returning Overseas Filipinos to retire in the Philippines.
PRA General Manager Roberto Zozobrado said the agency has rolled out a new branding campaign, “WE CARE” – short for “We Create an Amazing Retirement Experience” – signaling a more aggressive and strategic effort to capture a larger share of the global retirement market.
“With our ‘WE CARE’ campaign, we want the world to know that retirees are not just welcomed here; they are valued, supported, and embraced as part of our communities,” Zozobrado said.
The country currently hosts more than 83,000 SRRV holders, highlighting the Philippines’ growing appeal as a long-term retirement destination in Asia.
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