While overall tourist visits to Boracay Island have declined slightly in the first three quarters of 2024, a remarkable trend is emerging: Filipino travelers are proving to be the island’s unwavering champion. Data from the Malay Municipal Tourism Office reveals that domestic tourists accounted for a whopping 79% of total arrivals from January to September...
Travel
Philippines and South Korea Forge Deeper Tourism Ties, Aiming for a Golden Age of Travel
Philippines and South Korea have taken a significant step towards strengthening their already robust tourism partnership, signing a new implementation program for their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Tourism Cooperation. This historic agreement, inked during South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol’s first state visit to the Philippines, signals a renewed commitment to fostering cultural exchanges and...
Cebu Pacific Acquires Boutique Airline AirSWIFT for P1.7 Billion, Seeks to Expand Network and Connectivity to Tourist Hotspots
Cebu Pacific, the Philippines’ leading low-cost carrier, has announced the acquisition of boutique airline AirSWIFT for P1.7 billion. The move marks a significant expansion for Cebu Pacific, strengthening its network and connectivity to key tourist destinations across the Philippines. AirSWIFT, known for its fleet of planes serving popular tourist destinations including Boracay, El Nido, Cebu,...
Government Optimistic for Tourism Boom with San Miguel Corp. NAIA Takeover
The Philippine tourism sector is buzzing with optimism as San Miguel Corp. (SMC)-led New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. takes over the operations of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) under a private-public partnership (PPP). This move, hailed as a potential game-changer for the industry, aims to attract more tourists and boost the economy, while simultaneously addressing the...
“Most Beautiful Ship in the World” Makes Historic Visit to Philippines
The iconic Italian training ship, ITS Amerigo Vespucci, has arrived in the Philippines, making a historic stop in the heart of the country’s maritime activity. The “floating embassy,” as it’s often called, has captivated onlookers in the bustling port of Malay, bringing a touch of Italian maritime history and tradition to the region. The ship,...
Pack Like a Pro: Tan France’s Genius Travel Hacks for Style and Efficiency
Queer Eye’s fashion guru Tan France doesn’t just dress the stars; he also knows how to pack like one. Drawing on his experience as a former flight attendant and his expert eye for style, Tan shares his top travel hacks for packing efficiently without sacrificing your personal aesthetic. The Shoe-Stash Secret: Tan’s most practical tip?...
5 Reasons You Need a Vacation, Backed by Science (And It’s Not Just About Fun)
We all know vacation feels good. But did you know it’s also good for you? Science is increasingly proving that taking time off is not just a luxury, but a necessity for our physical and mental health. For years, researchers have been exploring the benefits of vacations, looking beyond the “I-feel-chilled-out” factor. And they’ve found...
San Miguel’s bridge, airport projects to address challenges in Boracay
San Miguel Corporation, led by its chairman Ramon Ang, still wants to push forward with its ambitious plan to build a bridge connecting Boracay and Caticlan, as well as upgrade the Caticlan airport. This multi-billion peso project aims to address the growing congestion and environmental challenges facing the world-famous Boracay, while also enhancing tourist experience...
Greece Imposes Cruise Ship Levy to Combat Overtourism in Santorini and Mykonos
Greece, a nation heavily reliant on tourism, is taking steps to curb overtourism in some of its most popular destinations. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced on Sunday that a 20-euro levy will be imposed on cruise ship visitors to the islands of Santorini and Mykonos during the peak summer season. This measure, aimed at addressing...
Aklan secures back-to-back Best Presentation Award at 35th Philippine Travel Mart
The Province of Aklan and LGU Kalibo have once again triumphed at the 35th Philippine Travel Mart, held from September 6-8, 2024 at the SMX Convention Center Manila. Hosted by the Philippine Tour Operators Association, the event saw Aklan’s captivating cultural presentation, “HINABOE,” secure the coveted Best Presentation Award for a second consecutive year. The...