Canada and Philippines sign tourism cooperation memorandum
Canada and the Philippines signed a memorandum of understanding on tourism cooperation to strengthen economic ties, building on the recent elevation of relations to a Strategic Partnership. The agreement aims to boost tourism numbers, which saw 115,800 Filipino visitors spend $301 million in Canada in 2025, while 333,000 Canadians visited the Philippines. Cooperation extends to trade, defence, energy, and infrastructure, with ongoing negotiations for free trade agreements.
*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Canada and the Philippines have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on tourism cooperation to strengthen economic ties and people-to-people connections. The agreement, signed in Vancouver on July 3, 2026, by Minister Rechie Valdez and Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, establishes a framework for exchanging information and best practices. This initiative builds on the recent elevation of bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership, announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on July 2, 2026.
The tourism MOU complements ongoing economic efforts, including negotiations for an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)–Canada Free Trade Agreement and a bilateral Canada–Philippines Free Trade Agreement. Both nations emphasized that economic security is tied to national security, with bilateral merchandise trade reaching C$3.4 billion in 2025. The leaders also previously signed a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) and a Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement (MLSA) to bolster defence cooperation.
Tourism and Economic Impact
Tourism is identified as a key economic driver for both countries. In 2025, Canada welcomed approximately 115,800 Filipino tourists who spent about $301 million. Conversely, Canada is a significant long-haul source market for the Philippines, with approximately 333,000 Canadian travellers visiting in 2025. The MOU aims to leverage these figures to support small businesses, create jobs, and foster investment.
| Metric | 2025 Figures |
|---|---|
| Filipino tourists to Canada | 115,800 |
| Spending by Filipino tourists in Canada | $301 million |
| Canadian travellers to Philippines | 333,000 |
Strategic Cooperation Areas
Beyond tourism, the Strategic Partnership encompasses several critical sectors:
- Energy and Resources: Cooperation in clean energy, liquefied natural gas, critical minerals, and nuclear energy, supported by an annual government-to-government dialogue.
- Defence and Security: Enhanced collaboration in maritime security and defence production through the SOVFA and MLSA.
- Infrastructure and Investment: Canada committed an initial C$2 million for technical assistance in the Luzon Economic Corridor Partnership.
Prime Minister Carney commended the Philippines' leadership as ASEAN Chair in 2026, with both nations reaffirming their commitment to accelerating the Canada-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement negotiations.
What is the projected timeline for the finalization of the Canada–Philippines Free Trade Agreement?
How will the C$2 million technical assistance for the Luzon Economic Corridor be allocated to attract private sector investment?
What specific measures will be implemented to increase the volume of Filipino tourists beyond the 2025 figures?
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