Hotel101 Group Partners with the Department of Tourism and Department of Migrant Workers to Strengthen the Balik Bayani sa Turismo Program for Sustainable OFW Reintegration

Published on November 28, 2025

Hotel101 Group has teamed up with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to bolster the Balik Bayani sa Turismo (BBST) program, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at facilitating the sustainable reintegration of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) into local communities. This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on November 27, 2025, is focused on empowering returning OFWs by providing them with opportunities in the tourism sector. By leveraging the resources and support of both government agencies, the initiative seeks to create meaningful livelihood prospects, enhance financial literacy, and foster long-term investments in tourism-related ventures. This strategic partnership aligns with the government’s broader efforts to enhance OFW welfare and promote community-based tourism, ensuring that their return leads to lasting economic and social benefits.

Hotel101 Group has entered into a new collaboration with the Department of Tourism and the Department of Migrant Workers through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), reinforcing their collective support for the Balik Bayani sa Turismo (BBST) Program. This initiative highlights the IPON Tourism campaign, which aims to help returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) reintegrate sustainably into local communities by opening doors to tourism-related livelihood and investment opportunities.

During a ceremonial signing held on November 27, 2025, at the DOT Main Office in Makati City, Hotel101 Group General Manager Charley Magabo joined DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac to formalize the agreement.

The BBST Program, jointly led by the DOT and DMW, strengthens the government’s broader reintegration efforts for OFWs. It cements both agencies’ dedication to developing avenues for entrepreneurship, income generation, savings, financial literacy, and long-term investments that will benefit OFWs and their families as they transition back into life in the Philippines.

“Today’s signing with IPON Tourism marks the newest and most expansive component of our
partnership with the DMW. This pillar opens pathways for OFWs to engage in tourism through
industries covered by our private sector partners—as investors or entrepreneurs. Opportunities

include condotel investments, offering structured and credible options for long-term financial
security, among others,” explained Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco.

Overseas Filipino Workers can take part in the program by investing in developments like Hotel101-Davao or Hotel101-Libis Bridgetowne, receiving a 30 percent share of the hotel’s total revenue. They also gain access to 10 complimentary stay vouchers that can be used at any Hotel101 location around the world.

“We commend Hotel101 for its success in bringing a homegrown Filipino brand to the world
and for opening accessible investment pathways in the accommodation sector,” Secretary
Frasco added.
Hotel101 Group GM Charley Magabo shared: that “Hotel101 proudly steps forward to offer
investment opportunities to OFWs that are transparent, accessible, and rewarding. To our
OFWs: You are not just contributors to the economy—you are partners in progress. This
initiative gives OFWs a stake in the hospitality industry and a passport to experiences in key
destinations in the Philippines and across the globe.”
He further emphasized: “From Hotel101-Manila and Hotel101-Fort, we are expanding next year
to Hotel101-Davao, Hotel101-Cebu, and internationally with Hotel101-Madrid and Hotel101-
Niseko, followed by many other countries as we pursue our grand vision of bringing the Filipino
hotel brand Hotel101 to 100 countries worldwide. This expansion is not just about hotels, it’s
about creating a network where every Filipino as a guest or as a unitowner feels at home
anywhere in the world.”

Hotel101, a proudly Filipino hospitality brand with a bold vision of developing one million hotel rooms worldwide, has emerged as one of the country’s most ambitious global players. Built on a model that blends innovation with accessibility, the brand has steadily expanded its footprint, embodying the modern Filipino spirit of determination and global competitiveness. Its rapid rise reflects not only strong business fundamentals but also a growing confidence in the Philippines’ ability to succeed on the world stage.

A defining moment in the company’s journey came on July 1, 2025, when Hotel101 officially became the first Philippine enterprise to be listed on the US NASDAQ. This breakthrough marked a major national milestone, elevating the global visibility of Filipino-led ventures and signaling a new era of international participation for homegrown brands. The achievement resonated far beyond the business community, becoming a source of pride for Filipinos around the world.

This historic listing also underscored the brand’s strategic long-term outlook. By entering one of the world’s most influential financial markets, Hotel101 strengthened its ability to attract international investors, accelerate expansion, and establish a stronger presence in key global destinations. The move highlighted the company’s commitment to transparent governance, scalable growth, and a globally competitive business model—qualities essential for any brand seeking to lead in the international hospitality arena.

Hotel101 Group has partnered with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to strengthen the Balik Bayani sa Turismo (BBST) program. This initiative aims to support the sustainable reintegration of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) by providing tourism-related livelihood opportunities. Through this collaboration, returning OFWs will gain access to financial literacy and long-term investment options, contributing to local community growth.

As of November 25, 2025, Hotel101 Global’s market capitalization has reached approximately $1.9 billion USD (₱112 billion), further solidifying its reputation as a rising powerhouse. This impressive valuation positions the company as a potential catalyst for increased US dollar inflows into the Philippine economy, reinforcing its role not just as a business success story but as a contributor to national development. With its vision, momentum, and expanding reach, Hotel101 stands poised to shape a new chapter in the global hospitality landscape.