TIEZA Reinforces the Legacy of Club Intramuros Golf Course as a Premier Sports Tourism and Heritage Landmark

The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) proudly underscores its commitment to cultural preservation, sports tourism, and sustainable tourism development through its continued stewardship of the Club Intramuros Golf Course (CIGC)—one of the Philippines’ most historically significant recreational sites and a distinctive gem in the country’s golf tourism landscape.

Strategically located within the storied walls of Intramuros, the Club Intramuros Golf Course offers a rare combination of athletic pursuit and heritage immersion. Established in 1906 during the early American colonial period, the course is not simply a leisure amenity but a living mark of Manila’s layered history.

Its manicured greens and fairways sit against the backdrop of Spanish-era fortifications, old watchtowers, and historic artillery—making it one of the few golf courses in the world built entirely within a preserved heritage district.

More than a destination for golf enthusiasts, the Club Intramuros Golf Course plays a vital role in sustaining cultural identity and community vibrance.

It serves as a green lung within the capital’s historic center, a venue for sports tourism activities, and an iconic tourist spot that connects modern recreation with the Philippines’ colonial heritage.

A testament to TIEZA’s mandate to protect, preserve, and promote tourism assets

As one of TIEZA’s managed properties, the Club Intramuros Golf Course exemplifies two of the agency’s four core mandates: (1) to develop and maintain quality tourism infrastructure, and (2) to preserve cultural and historical assets for future generations.

TIEZA’s dedication to the preservation of CIGC ensures that its historic significance is honored while continuing to meet standards for sports tourism facilities.

Current efforts include heritage-sensitive landscaping, structural conservation, facility upgrades, drainage and irrigation improvements, and sustainability-focused maintenance work—each guided by the agency’s responsibility to balance preservation with modern tourism needs.

“TIEZA is committed to protecting tourism assets that reflect our cultural roots and elevate the Philippines as a global destination,” said TIEZA COO Mark T. Lapid.

“The Club Intramuros Golf Course is a symbolic reminder of our past and a vibrant platform for sports tourism. Its continued preservation is made possible through the support of every Filipino traveler.”

Building tourism together: how travel tax contributions sustain CIGC

TIEZA emphasizes the collective power of Filipino travelers in shaping the country’s tourism landscape. A portion of travel tax collections directly supports the operations, upkeep, and preservation of tourism assets under TIEZA’s portfolio—including the Club Intramuros Golf Course—ensuring the continued protection of its historical structures and the improvement of its tourism facilities.

This includes maintenance of the course’s fairways, greens, and heritage-sensitive landscaping, and upgrading of facilities such as lighting, safety features, and visitor amenities for year-round playability.

Every contribution made by travelers helps TIEZA sustain the CIGC as a safe, enjoyable, and historically significant site—allowing both local and foreign visitors to appreciate the unique experience of golfing within the centuries-old Walled City.

Strengthening golf tourism in the Philippines

As golf tourism continues to grow globally, the Club Intramuros Golf Course stands as one of the Philippines’ most strategic assets. Its central location, night golf offerings, rich heritage value, and picturesque setting make it a key attraction for international golfers and tour operators seeking distinctive, memorable experiences.

CIGC complements the country’s broader network of world-class golf courses, further positioning the Philippines as an emerging golf tourism hub in Asia.

As part of TIEZA’s long-term tourism development roadmap, enhancements to the course are expected to support increased visitor arrivals, economic activity for Intramuros and nearby communities, and wider recognition of Manila as a historic yet dynamic destination.

A living heritage, sustained by collective support

With its blend of history, heritage, and sport, the Club Intramuros Golf Course represents a triumph of cultural preservation and tourism development. Its continued protection is a shared responsibility—made possible through TIEZA’s stewardship, the support of the Department of Tourism, the involvement of the Intramuros Administration, and the contributions of Filipino travelers through the travel tax.

Recently, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasized his vision for the revitalization and sustainability of Manila City landmarks and centers. TIEZA supports this direction and recently launched the “Sundays at Club Intramuros” initiative to give the community an opportunity to enjoy non-golf activities such as walking, jogging, light exercises, and small group picnics within the historic Intramuros walls.

As TIEZA advances its mission of Building Tourism Together, CIGC remains a powerful reminder that preserving the country’s past plays an essential role in shaping a stronger, more vibrant tourism future.

For more information, visit tieza.gov.ph and follow @TIEZAOfficial on Facebook, and @tiezagovph on Instagram and X.

About TIEZA

The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) is the infrastructure, investment, and asset management arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT), mandated to develop, manage, and supervise tourism infrastructure projects and Tourism Enterprise Zones (TEZs) across the country.

Through strategic investments in public tourism facilities, flagship destinations, and sustainable development initiatives, TIEZA plays a vital role in enhancing the country’s tourism-readiness and making tourists’ travel experiences seamless and meaningful. TIEZA is committed to helping transform the Philippines into a globally competitive tourism destination.

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Ozymandias

2025-11-19 05:35:41

TIEZA Unveils Enhanced Online Travel Tax Services to Improve Traveler Experience

The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) expresses its appreciation to the millions of Filipino outbound travelers whose travel tax contributions continue to drive infrastructure development, community upliftment, and sustainable growth across the country’s tourism destinations.

In a media briefing held on November 18, TIEZA Chief Operating Officer Mark T. Lapid underscored the vital role of travel tax revenues in advancing the nation’s tourism and economic agenda.

“Each time a Filipino traveler pays the travel tax, they directly contribute to nation-building,” said Lapid. “These contributions fund the development of access roads, ports, water systems, and facilities that make destinations more connected, resilient, and sustainable for the benefit of both visitors and local communities.”

“When we say ‘Building Tourism Together,’ we mean a shared responsibility between government, private partners, and the Filipino traveler,” Lapid added. “Every flight, every trip, and every travel tax payment helps us build a stronger, more inclusive, and globally competitive tourism economy.”

Enhanced Travel Tax Services for Greater Efficiency and Convenience

In line with the government’s Ease of Doing Business (EODB) initiatives, TIEZA continues to modernize the Online Travel Tax Services System (OTTSS) to provide travelers with faster, simpler, and more transparent services.

Aside from online travel tax payments, the enhanced OTTSS now supports online applications for Travel Tax Exemption Certificate and Reduced Travel Tax, streamlining processes for at least 800,000 outbound travelers each year who qualify for these privileges, including Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), infants and minors, government delegates, and other eligible groups.

This platform benefits over 4.6 million outbound travelers annually, enabling them to settle their travel tax obligations and file applications anytime, anywhere, without the need to queue at airport counters.

“Our priority is to make travel tax transactions as effortless as possible,” Lapid noted. “By embracing innovation and digital transformation, we are not only modernizing government systems — we are enhancing the overall travel experience. Every minute saved online translates to more meaningful time spent with family, work, and new opportunities abroad.”

Earlier this year, TIEZA also partnered with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to integrate the OTTSS Full Travel Tax payment service with the eGov Super App and eTravel Systems.

This integration allows travelers to access key components of their pre-travel requirements under a unified digital ecosystem.

Travelers can now pay their full travel tax directly through the eGov PH Super App, with personal information automatically retrieved from their eTravel profiles, resulting in a faster, more secure, and seamless payment experience.

Building Tourism Together Through Travel Tax

Pursuant to the Section 73 of Republic Act No. 9593, fifty percent (50%) of travel tax proceeds go to TIEZA, funding its operations and the development of tourism infrastructure projects across the country, ranging from access roads and water systems to community-based facilities that enhance visitor experience and empower local livelihoods.

The remaining 40% is allocated to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for tourism-related scholarships and education programs, while 10%** supports the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) in advancing cultural heritage conservation and arts development.

“Each peso you contribute travels farther than you think,” Lapid emphasized. “It becomes a road that connects communities, clean water that sustains destinations, or a scholarship that nurtures the next generation of tourism professionals. Every contribution builds a tourism industry that every Filipino can take pride in.”

Through continuous innovation, collaboration, and transparency, TIEZA reaffirms its commitment to its advocacy of Building Tourism Together — a shared national effort that celebrates the contributions of travelers, communities, and partners in strengthening Philippine tourism.

“Government service should be as seamless and dependable as booking your next flight,” Lapid concluded. “Through your continued support, we can keep building a tourism industry that connects, empowers, and inspires — one journey at a time.”

For more information, visit tieza.gov.ph or follow @TIEZAOfficial on Facebook and @tiezagovph on Instagram and X for updates on TIEZA’s services and digital initiatives.

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TIEZA Expands Tourist Rest Areas Nationwide to Strengthen Philippine Tourism Infrastructure - TBC NEWS

The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) is set to build 40 additional Tourist Rest Areas (TRAs) across key destinations in the Philippines.

^{Ozymandias (TBC News)}