The Officers and members of the Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) led by President Edward DU actively participated during the TIEZA Investment Incentives and Opportunities for Tourism Enterprises Negros Oriental Cluster. The event was co-organized by NOCCI and TIEZA.
The event aims to create MSME awareness about TIEZA’s incentives program for tourism-related projects and the investment opportunities in Flagship Tourism Enterprise Zones (FTEZs) and TIEZA Assets.
NOCCI and TIEZA Promote Tourism Investment Incentives for MSMEs in Negros
The Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI), led by its President Edward Du, played an active role in the recently concluded TIEZA Investment Incentives and Opportunities for Tourism Enterprises Negros Oriental Cluster forum. The event, co-organized by NOCCI and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), aimed to raise awareness among micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) about the benefits of TIEZA’s incentives program and the vast opportunities in flagship Tourism Enterprise Zones (FTEZs) and TIEZA-managed assets.
Empowering MSMEs in Tourism
The forum served as a platform to educate MSMEs about TIEZA’s array of support programs designed to boost tourism-related projects. By equipping local enterprises with knowledge and access to incentives, the event emphasized the critical role of small businesses in driving the growth of Negros Oriental’s tourism sector.
President Edward Du underscored the significance of MSMEs as the backbone of the local economy and their potential to contribute to a thriving tourism industry.
“Tourism is a cornerstone of Negros Oriental’s economy. By empowering our MSMEs with the tools, resources, and incentives they need, we can create a ripple effect that boosts employment, enhances local livelihoods, and solidifies our position as a premier destination,” Du said.
Highlighting TIEZA’s Incentives Program
Representatives from TIEZA provided detailed presentations on their investment incentives, which include fiscal and non-fiscal benefits for tourism enterprises. These incentives are designed to encourage businesses to invest in and operate within designated Tourism Enterprise Zones (TEZs).
Key highlights of the TIEZA incentives program include:
- Tax holidays and exemptions: Businesses in TEZs can avail of income tax holidays and exemptions from certain national and local taxes.
- Accelerated depreciation: Investors are provided the flexibility to speed up the depreciation of their capital investments.
- Special investor visas: Available to qualified foreign investors who wish to engage in tourism development projects in the Philippines.
Participants also learned about TIEZA’s management of flagship TEZs and assets, which include world-class destinations, infrastructure development projects, and opportunities for public-private partnerships.
Promoting Flagship Tourism Enterprise Zones (FTEZs)
A focal point of the forum was the presentation of investment opportunities in FTEZs, which are priority areas identified by TIEZA for tourism development. These zones aim to attract both local and foreign investors by offering well-defined development plans, government support, and strategic locations.
Negros Oriental, known for its breathtaking natural attractions such as Apo Island, Twin Lakes, and Mt. Talinis, has been identified as a prime candidate for FTEZ development. Local officials highlighted the potential for projects ranging from eco-tourism ventures to wellness retreats and adventure tourism hubs.
TIEZA officials commended NOCCI for its proactive role in fostering collaboration between stakeholders and ensuring that MSMEs are well-represented in discussions on tourism investment.
The Role of MSMEs in Tourism Growth
NOCCI’s active participation in the forum reflects its ongoing commitment to advocating for local businesses, particularly MSMEs, in the tourism sector. President Du emphasized that tourism is not just about large-scale developments; it also thrives on the creativity, dedication, and unique offerings of small and medium enterprises.
“MSMEs are the heart of tourism in Negros Oriental. From local artisans to tour operators and eco-lodges, their contributions define the authentic experiences that attract visitors. It’s our duty to ensure they have the support they need to succeed,” Du said.
Building a Sustainable Tourism Economy
The forum also tackled the importance of sustainability in tourism development. As Negros Oriental continues to attract tourists with its pristine natural beauty and vibrant culture, there is a pressing need to balance growth with environmental preservation.
TIEZA officials highlighted the agency’s commitment to green tourism and the integration of eco-friendly practices into TEZ projects. They encouraged MSMEs to adopt sustainable initiatives, from waste management to renewable energy solutions, to align with global trends and enhance their competitiveness.
Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships
The event underscored the importance of collaboration between the government, private sector, and local communities in achieving sustainable tourism growth. NOCCI’s partnership with TIEZA was praised as a model of how business organizations can bridge gaps and create opportunities for stakeholders at all levels.
Provincial officials who attended the forum echoed this sentiment and pledged their continued support for initiatives that empower local businesses and promote tourism development.
Negros Oriental Governor Manuel “Chaco” Sagarbarria, in his message, commended NOCCI’s efforts to bring tourism opportunities to the forefront of economic discussions.
“Our province has limitless potential in tourism, and NOCCI’s leadership in connecting stakeholders ensures that our local businesses are part of this journey. Together, we can create a tourism economy that uplifts everyone,” Sagarbarria said.
A Path Forward for Tourism MSMEs
The TIEZA Investment Incentives and Opportunities for Tourism Enterprises forum concluded with a renewed sense of optimism and determination among participants. MSME owners expressed gratitude for the insights gained and looked forward to exploring how they could leverage the incentives to grow their businesses.
As NOCCI continues to champion the interests of local enterprises, its partnership with TIEZA and other stakeholders promises to pave the way for a more vibrant and inclusive tourism sector in Negros Oriental.
By fostering awareness of investment opportunities and incentives for tourism enterprises, NOCCI and TIEZA have taken a significant step toward empowering MSMEs and driving sustainable economic growth. As Negros Oriental positions itself as a premier destination, the collaboration between public and private sectors will be instrumental in ensuring that tourism becomes a cornerstone of progress for the province.
