The Philippines has been named Best Retirement Destination in Asia at the TripZilla Excellence Awards 2025, a landmark recognition that reinforces the country’s growing position in retirement tourism and underscores the Philippine Retirement Authority’s (PRA) role in shaping a globally competitive retirement ecosystem.
The accolade comes as the PRA marks 40 years of promoting the Philippines as a preferred retirement destination, supported by sustained policy collaboration with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and other government agencies to strengthen long-stay and retirement tourism programs.
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said the recognition reflects the administration’s whole-of-government approach to positioning retirement tourism as a strategic contributor to 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, noting the government’s continued efforts to improve policies, infrastructure, and services that support retirees choosing to reside in the country long term.
The recognition was determined through TripZilla’s online voting process, which drew participation from more than 100,000 travelers across Southeast Asia, highlighting strong regional confidence in the Philippines’ appeal as a retirement destination. Key factors cited include affordability, quality of life, natural attractions, English proficiency, and Filipino hospitality.
Frasco emphasized that retirement tourism goes beyond destination marketing and is anchored on policy, governance, and service delivery.
“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. This recognition challenges us to further enhance world-class programs and services that protect the dignity, comfort, and well-being of retirees,” she said.
The DOT continues to work closely with the PRA to strengthen the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) program, one of the country’s flagship policy instruments aimed at attracting foreign retirees and returning Overseas Filipinos through long-stay residency incentives.
Earlier this year, the two agencies conducted policy and program reviews to enhance the competitiveness, accessibility, and sustainability of the SRRV, aligning retirement tourism with broader national goals on inclusive growth and investment-led tourism.
Meanwhile, the PRA, under General Manager Roberto Zozobrado, has launched its institutional campaign “WE CARE” (We Create an Amazing Retirement Experience), signaling a more strategic and policy-driven push to expand the Philippines’ share of the global retirement market.
“The Philippines offers something truly rare—retirement that feels like coming home,” Zozobrado said. “Through the ‘WE CARE’ campaign, the PRA is reinforcing its commitment to creating a secure, supportive, and enriching retirement environment where retirees are valued as long-term stakeholders in our communities.”
As of today, the Philippines is home to more than 83,000 Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) holders, reflecting the country’s sustained appeal as a long-term retirement destination in Asia.
