Filipino travelers are set to experience a major upgrade in convenience as the process for claiming travel tax refunds becomes fully digital and instantaneous. This follows the signing of a landmark agreement between a key government tourism agency and the country's leading mobile wallet.
A Digital Leap for Traveler Convenience
The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) and G-Xchange, Inc. (GXI), the operator of GCash, formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on January 4, 2026. The partnership aims to revolutionize the refund system for the travel tax, eliminating the need for physical claims or reliance on slower, manual bank processes.
Under the new framework, all eligible passengers will receive their refunds directly into their GCash wallets in real-time. The service is provided free of charge both for TIEZA and for the passengers themselves, removing financial barriers to access.
Legal Mandate and Strategic Vision
This modernization drive is not merely an operational update but a compliance measure with national policy. The initiative is grounded in Executive Order No. 170, which mandates the adoption of digital payment systems across all government agencies.
It is also empowered by the Republic Act No. 9593, or the Tourism Act of 2009, which authorizes TIEZA to establish systems and collaborations to ensure efficient collection and refunding of the travel tax.
"By integrating sophisticated digital solutions like GCash, we are not simply streamlining the refund process—we are advancing transparency, reinforcing institutional accountability, and setting a higher benchmark for how government and industry can collaborate to meet the expectations of today’s discerning travelers," stated TIEZA Chief Operating Officer Mark Lapid.
Partners in Modernizing Public Service
The signing ceremony included key figures from both organizations. Representing GCash were International Sales Head Jill Lotho, Public Sector National Accounts Manager Alda Lou Cabrera, and Vice President and Public Sector Head Cleo Celeste C. Santos. The TIEZA delegation was led by COO Mark Lapid, along with ACOO for Admin and Finance Atty. Joy Bulauitan and Travel Tax Department Manager Atty. Bumbo Cruz.
Cleo Santos of GCash emphasized the transformative impact of the partnership: "We are proud to support TIEZA in digitizing one of the most important touchpoints for travelers. Real-time refunds through GCash deliver unmatched convenience, speed, and reliability—empowering passengers with a truly modern and frictionless experience."
This new system represents a significant stride in aligning government services with rapid technological advancement and evolving citizen expectations. It strengthens the nation's framework for good governance and efficient tourism service delivery, marking a win for both the traveling public and the digital economy.
