Tourism zones seek private partners

MANILA, Philippines — The government is looking for private sector partners to develop tourism enterprise zones in the country to help the industry recover from the pandemic.

The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center said the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) is seeking private sector partners and joint venture (JV) arrangements in developing tourism enterprise zones (TEZ) in the Philippines.

This aims to jumpstart the tourism industry’s rebound as the whole country gradually reopens after a two-year battle with COVID-19.

As of now, the priority for development is the Clark TIEZA-TEZ located at the Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone near the Clark International Airport.

The Clark TIEZA-TEZ is a 20-hectare property planned to be developed into a sustainable integrated tourism complex.

It is envisioned to be an all-day tourist destination that will host an array of tourism enterprises such as a premiere shopping outlet, theme park, hotels, villas, and as a facility for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions.

TIEZA is looking at Clark TIEZA-TEZ as a globally recognized integrated premier shopping destination that offers a tourism experience for an inclusive and sustainable socioeconomic growth.

Poised as the next business and tourism hub, the PPP Center said Clark is a prime investment destination infused with government infrastructure support projects such as the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway.

It is also close to future infrastructure developments including the Bulacan International Airport and the North–South Commuter Railway.

Initially, TIEZA is planning the development, operation, and maintenance of the three-star Businessman’s Hotel project for a JV arrangement with a private partner.

The project will cater to the mid-market clientele or visitors of the TEZ as well as the expected increase in tourist visitors.

TIEZA recently published the second round of competitive selection for the development, operation, and management of the project.