Okada Manila, an integrated resort in the Philippines, is stepping up efforts to attract more Japanese visitors, unveiling a dedicated lounge and expanding services tailored to Japanese travellers as competition for international tourists intensifies across Asia. The integrated resort said Japan has become a priority market as outbound travel from the country recovers and travellers increasingly seek personalised services, language support and premium hospitality experiences.
“Okada Manila has identified Japan as an important target market and is implementing various initiatives,” the resort said in a statement. “These efforts help provide a comfortable environment for guests from Japan.”
As part of the initiative, the integrated resort has opened ARIAKE, an exclusive lounge designed for Japanese guests. The company said the facility offers Japanese-language support, round-the-clock dining and beverage services, and private spaces intended for relaxation and small gatherings.
“This new facility is part of Okada Manila’s efforts to enhance the guest experience in response to growing demand for luxury travel in Asia,” the integrated resort said.
Japan remains a key market for the Philippines
Okada Manila‘s move comes as Japan continues to rank among the Philippines’ largest source markets for tourism. According to the country’s Department of Tourism (DOT) data, Japan generated about 469,000 visitor arrivals to the Philippines in 2025.
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has also reported a steady increase in tourist arrivals this year despite the traditional lean season. State media, the Philippine News Agency (PNA), reported that BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval recently said South Korea remains the Philippines’ top source of foreign visitors, followed by the U.S., Canada, Japan and China. The agency expects arrivals to remain stable in the coming months before increasing in the final quarter of the year, which is typically a peak travel period.
“That’s our usual trend, and we are monitoring them. So far, it’s increasing. Our data is good,” Sandoval said as quoted by the PNA. “Every year, they are almost the same as the top foreign nationals that we see entering our country.”
Tourism remains a major economic driver
The push to attract more foreign travellers comes as tourism continues to play a major role in the Philippine economy.
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed tourism contributed 8.1 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product in 2025, with Tourism Direct Gross Value Added reaching PHP2.27 trillion (€32.4 million).
The sector also supported an estimated 7.7 million jobs, accounting for 15.7 per cent of total employment nationwide.
Competition for regional travellers intensifies
Okada Manila is among several integrated resorts in Southeast Asia seeking to strengthen their appeal to international travellers through targeted marketing and tailored guest experiences.
The property spans around 30 hectares in Entertainment City, Parañaque, and includes a 1,001-room hotel, more than 40 dining venues, retail outlets, convention facilities and entertainment attractions.
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