International passengers and crew members may now have an easier time arriving and departing from the Philippines. This is because President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has formally institutionalized the use of electronic travel (eTravel) information system for to effectively streamline travel operations in the country. The eTravel system is designed to facilitate border control, health...
In a recent crackdown, over 100 foreign nationals were arrested by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) during a raid targeting an illegal online gaming hub in Cebu on Saturday, August 31. The operation, initiated based on a mission order issued by BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco, focused on 13 individuals suspected of overstaying and working without...
The Philippines is gearing up to host the prestigious 2024 World Travel Awards, set to take place next week, showcasing the country’s vibrant tourism landscape on a global stage. DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco expressed enthusiasm for this opportunity, highlighting it as a momentous recognition of the Philippines’ diverse offerings, from pristine beaches to rich...
Thailand is revolutionizing its tourism strategy by harnessing the power of digital influencers to reshape its industry landscape. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has introduced “TAT Connex,” an influencer marketing platform to elevate Thai tourism businesses and attract more travelers. This groundbreaking initiative aligns with TAT’s vision of integrating digital transformation into the tourism...
The Department of Tourism (DOT) is gearing up to enhance tourism infrastructure with an proposed budget increase, shared Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco during a House Committee on Appropriations hearing on the proposed 2025 budget. Lawmakers are advocating for a budget elevation, stressing the tourism sector’s significant contribution of 8.6% to the country’s GDP in 2023....
In an effort to boost travel to Singapore, Philippine Airlines (PAL) has sealed a year-long collaboration with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), offering exclusive discounts and special packages to entice Filipino travelers. The partnership introduces a series of initiatives, including a promotional campaign featuring popular content creators Laureen Uy, Miggy Cruz, and Camille Co, along...
As the travel industry witnesses a resurgence post-lockdown, Imperva, a Thales company specializing in cybersecurity, issues a stark warning about the escalating cybersecurity threats in the travel sector. Last year, the industry faced a notable spike in bad bot activity, with bots comprising 45% of global web traffic, up from 37% in 2022 as per...
The Department of Tourism (DOT) revealed in a recent report that over 16 million Filipinos are currently employed in the tourism sector as of the first quarter of 2024. DOT Secretary Christina Frasco highlighted the significant contribution of tourism to the Philippine economy, serving as a robust pillar that drives growth, generates revenue for businesses,...
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has allocated a substantial budget of PhP 49.8 billion for the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens (SPISC) in the Fiscal Year 2025 National Expenditure Program. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. In his budget message underscores the government’s dedication to caring for elderly Filipinos. “Acknowledging the importance of...
Municipality of Malay partners with GCash, the leading finance super app in the Philippines, the to introduce the innovative eBoracay unified ticketing payment system, revolutionizing cash-lite tourism in Boracay. This system allows visitors to conveniently pay for terminal, environmental, and boat fees at Tabon Port of Malay, with plans to expand to more access points...