Local Governments Urged to Participate in the 2nd Tourism Champions Challenge by DOT
The Department of Tourism (DOT) has announced the second edition of the Tourism Champions Challenge (TCC), a competition aimed at funding and developing high-impact, sustainable tourism projects across the country. The initiative is a joint effort with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (Tieza) and is set to empower local government units (LGUs) by providing funding to overcome financial hurdles, focusing on generating livelihood opportunities and unlocking potential in emerging destinations.
To qualify, LGUs must present innovative, tourism-focused infrastructure concepts and provide a Sanggunian resolution, proof of government property ownership, and other standard annexes. The minimum project cost varies according to the local government classification, with a base project cost of ₱18 million for provinces and cities, and ₱15 million for municipalities.
The proposals must present an innovative tourism infrastructure project, with the aim of promoting inclusive and equitable growth through community-based projects that bolster sustainable tourism infrastructure. The second cycle of the challenge includes 21 LGUs from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, expanding the program’s reach and increasing funding from ₱255 million (first cycle) to ₱399 million.
In addition to infrastructure, the DOT also integrates support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through programs like the Turismo Asenso Loan Program, emphasizing the holistic development of tourism sectors and communities.
The TCC follows a competitive process, with the top 21 proposals to be announced in February 2026. Shortlisted LGUs will undergo further vetting and must submit detailed engineering designs, environmental compliance certificates, and operations and maintenance plans, among other technical documents. The final presentations and awarding for the TCC are scheduled for the second quarter of 2026, with winning LGUs receiving funding support, technical assistance, and capacity-building programs.
LGUs that previously received funding from DOT or Tieza must secure clearances confirming full liquidation of earlier assistance. Each LGU may submit only one electronic project proposal via their respective DOT regional office. The deadline for proposal submission for the second Tourism Champions Challenge (TCC) is October 15, 2025.
Last year's TCC winners were from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, with five winners from each region. The projects submitted by the Visayas winners focused on Enchanted Ilijan Plug of Tubigon, Badian Toong Spring Nature Park, Silago Ridge to Reef Eco-Experience Project, Gawahon, A Birder's Paradise, and Panay: A Coastal Resource Experience respectively. LGUs awarded in the last TCC cycle are ineligible to join the next two editions.
During the first edition of TCC, DOT's regional offices received 98 project proposals from 90 LGUs. The competition supports LGUs in designing tourism infrastructure that fosters inclusive growth, enhances destination appeal, and strengthens local economies.
For detailed application steps, forms, or deadlines, contacting the DOT directly or checking their official announcements may be necessary, as the search results focused mostly on the general framework and funding aspects.
- The government, through the Department of Tourism (DOT), has announced that the second Tourism Champions Challenge (TCC) will take place in Cebu, focusing on funding sustainable tourism projects in various regions, including Visayas.
- To qualify for the TCC, local government units (LGUs) must submit innovative tourism infrastructure proposals that promote sustainable growth and address financial hurdles, with project costs differing based on the local government classification.
- Aside from infrastructure development, the DOT also offers support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through programs like the Turismo Asenso Loan Program, aiming to achieve holistic development in tourism sectors and communities.
