Philippines Dangles Tax Refunds to Spur Tourists to Shop More

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday enacted a law granting value-added tax refund to non-resident tourists, aiming to spur visitors to shop and spend more.

Foreign tourists with minimum purchases from accredited stores worth 3,000 pesos ($52) can claim for tax refunds, provided they take out the products from the Philippines within 60 days, according to Marcos.

The new legislation is expected to boost tourism spending by 30%, and support the Philippines’ goal to be a shopping destination, he added.

“This initiative opens a new chapter in our tourism landscape, allowing our country to compete with other tourism markets ...