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...
Author: Felmerie Sabino (Felmerie Sabino)
Philippines to Host 2024 World Travel Awards; Boracay vying for Asia’s Leading Luxury Island Destination Award
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’s innovative influencer marketing may be the tourism strategy we need for Boracay’s Transformation
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...
DOT’s Proposed Budget Increase to Enhance Tourist Facilities and First Aid Stations
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....
Philippine Airlines and Singapore Tourism Board Partner to Elevate Travel Experiences to Singapore
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...
Cybersecurity crisis looms over travel industry: Cybersecurity company issues urgent warning
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...
Filipino Tourism Industry Booms with Over 16 Million Employed and Record-Breaking Growth
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,...
DBM allocates nearly PhP 50 billion for indigent senior citizens’ social pension
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 to introduce cashless payment system
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...
Boracay Named Among Top Island Destinations in Asia
Boracay, one of the Philippines’ top island destinations, had been recognized as leading travel spots in Asia. According to TimesTravel of The Times of India, Boracay secured the fourth spots in the list of the “8 Most Visited Island Destinations in Asia.” Boracay, ranking fourth on the list, is known for its water sports, vibrant...