Boracay’s new online registration system, the Boracay iPass, officially launched today, December 19, 2024. This system simplifies the payment process for terminal, environmental, and boat fees. The iPass allows tourists to pay for all three fees online. According to Ariel Surca, President of Pisopay, payment options include GCash, PayMaya, bank transfers, and over-the-counter payments at...
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco has lauded the vital role of tour guides in promoting Philippine tourism, recognizing them as the “heart and soul” of the industry. As part of the DOT’s commitment to supporting these tourism ambassadors, the Secretary distributed essential kits and personal accident insurance to tour guides in Cebu. “As we celebrate...
The municipality of Malay, home to the world-renowned Boracay Island, received 11 awards at the PAGDAYAW 2024 awards ceremony on December 9th. The awards, presented by the Department of Tourism Region VI, recognize outstanding contributions to the tourism sector. Malay was lauded for its top performance in DOT accreditation campaigns, boasting the most accredited community...
Aklanon electric consumers might just experience improved services and expanded electricity access. That is, if the Aklan Electric Cooperative qualifies for local tax exemption set by the Department of Energy (DOE) and Department of Finance (DOF) The government has announced this significant move to support electric cooperatives (ECs) by exempting qualified ones from local taxes....
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. met with a delegation of the Pacific Century Fellows (PCF) from Hawaii on Wednesday, aiming to further strengthen relations between the Philippines and the American state, particularly in the tourism sector. “It is always a pleasure for me to welcome our friends from Hawaii, especially when the purpose of your...
The Philippines is projected to see a significant boost in foreign tourist spending, with a 101% growth expected by 2030, according to the WTM Global Travel Report 2024. This puts the Philippines as one of the fastest growing tourism markets in Southeast Asia. While China’s slow pandemic recovery has impacted overall travel numbers, Asia remains...
The Ciriaco Tirol Hospital in Boracay recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for its expansion program. This development marks a significant step forward for the hospital, as it has also been approved to become a Level 1 facility. Said expansion will increase the hospital’s bed capacity from 10 to 25 beds. This will allow the hospital...
The Department of Tourism (DOT), aiming to promote sustainable tourism in Antique, recently conducted the groundbreaking of the province’s first Tourist Rest Area (TRA) in Barangay Aningalan, San Remigio. Led by Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, the ceremony marked a milestone in the DOT’s commitment to developing tourism infrastructure while prioritizing environmental stewardship. The TRA,...
Seatrade Cruise (STC) Group Portfolio Director Mary Bond has showered praise on Filipino hospitality during the welcome reception for Seatrade Cruise (STC) Asia 2024. Addressing delegates at the prestigious industry gathering, Bond highlighted the Philippines’ reputation for warmth, generosity, and genuine willingness to help visitors. “This is my first time in the Philippines, and I...
Boracay is set to welcome a surge in international tourism with the arrival of over 23 cruise ships by 2025. This follows the announcement of four upcoming cruise ship visits before the year’s end, according to Nieven Maquirang, Port Cruise Ships Operations. The first arrival is expected on November 6th with the MS Noordam, carrying...