As the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) draw near, scheduled for October 30, 2023, businesses in Boracay are bracing for the imposition of a nationwide liquor ban. However, a new advisory from the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) offers a silver lining for establishments on the famed tourist island. The Advisory and its Impact on...
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Tourism Ascends as Second Top Driver of Philippines’ Economic Growth in First Half of 2023
The Department of Tourism (DOT) announced that tourism has become the second driver of economic development for the first half of 2023. This rise is attributed to the Marcos Administration’s prioritization of the industry, alongside efforts to ease pandemic restrictions. Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco celebrated the robust recovery, emphasizing President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s pro-tourism policies,...
COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate No Longer Required for International Travelers in the Philippines
In a significant update to the country’s travel guidelines, the Department of Health (DOH) has announced that international travelers will no longer need to present their COVID-19 vaccination certificate to enter the country. The announcement was made on Wednesday, August 10, 2023. This move is part of the updated guidelines on vaccine certificates for inbound...
Philippine Tourism Boosted by Increased Domestic and International Flight Routes
On Wednesday (Aug 2), Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco announced a significant increase in both inbound and domestic flights to the Philippines, boosting tourism industry growth. This development follows a year-long initiative by the Department of Tourism (DOT), in collaboration with the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), Civil Aviation Authority of the...
New E-Visa for Chinese Tourists: A Game-Changer for International Arrivals
In a move expected to greatly increase international arrivals, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is set to soft launch an electronic visa (e-visa) system for Chinese visitors, starting August 24. The new system is aimed at enhancing convenience for visitors and revitalizing the tourism sector in the Philippines. The e-visa initiative forms part of...
National Museum of the Philippines Launches its Largest Branch in Visayas Region, Promising Tourism Boost
CEBU CITY—The Visayas region is set to witness a significant uplift in its tourism landscape following the inauguration of the largest branch of the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP), located in Cebu. The museum is poised to stimulate tourism growth in Cebu and throughout the region, according to Christina Garcia Frasco, the Tourism Secretary....
Rising Cyber Crime Alerts Issued for Boracay Island, Warns Malay-Boracay Tourism Office
The Malay-Boracay Tourism Office recently took to Facebook to issue an urgent travel advisory warning tourists of a disturbing rise in cyber crimes. The announcement highlighted a growing trend of fraudulent activities primarily targeting tourists planning a visit to the famed Boracay Island. The digital miscreants typically impersonate legitimate travel agencies, offering enticing travel packages...
“Ball and Beaches”: FIBA World Cup Inspires Philippine Tour Packages
MAKATI CITY – The Department of Tourism (DOT) in the Philippines has launched a special initiative to align with the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, which the country is co-hosting. Designed to blend sports with tourism, the DOT has introduced bespoke Philippine tour packages, geared towards international and local basketball fans. The unveiling of...
Philippines Gains Global Acclaim as a Premier Tourist Destination Under Marcos Administration
MANILA – One year into the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Department of Tourism (DOT) is celebrating the Philippines’ rising global reputation and appeal to international travelers. Ahead of the President’s second State of the Nation Address (SONA), the DOT acknowledged the country’s considerable progress in becoming a premier tourist hub in...
Local Airlines Lift Face Mask Mandate on Domestic Flights
MANILA, Philippines – In a ground-breaking move, Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia Philippines have announced that they will no longer require the wearing of face masks on board their domestic flights. This decision follows the government’s recent lifting of the mask mandate and other coronavirus protocols. Philippine Airlines celebrated the lift, noting that it...