Philippines

Singaporean Foreign Minister met with the Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary to discuss the prospects of Singapore buying carbon credits from the Philippines

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) expects the Philippine’s GDP to grow 6.2% in 2024 and 2025, faster than its initial estimate of 6% in Jan. IMF also projects unemployment rate to increase to 5.1% in 2024 and 5.2% in 2025. Inflation is expected to average 3.6% in 2024, before declining to 3% in 2025

The National Grid Corp of the Philippines reported that nineteen generators on Luzon island are offline, whilst another three are running on reduced capacity, due to the current heat wave. The grid has been placed on red alert for the first time in nearly a year, meaning supply is seen as insufficient to meet demand. The Visayas grid is under yellow alert, meaning the margin of supply is under a contingency threshold, with a dozen facilities shut down

DOT awarded the local government units (LGUs) of Nueva Vizcaya, Bohol, and Basilan as the first-place winners in the inaugural Tourism Champions Challenge (TCC), with a prize of 20 million PHP each to be used for the LGUs’ respective winning tourism projects. The prizes were granted to Ambaguio, Nueva Vizcaya to build its first local paragliding airport terminal; Tubigon, Bohol for the construction of infrastructure at the Enchanted Ilijan (volcanic) Plug; and Isabela City, Basilan for its Lampinigan Jetty Port and Leisure Development Project. There were a total of 15 winners for the event with the second to fifth place winners receiving prize money of 15 million PHP, 10 million PHP, 8 million PHP, and 7 million PHP respectively

DOT reported that the National Capital Region (NCR) and Cebu province were the regions that welcomed the most overnight travellers as of 7 Mar, with 6.35 million and 4.03 million travellers, respectively. They also welcomed the most foreign travellers, with 2.1 million for NCR and 1.45 million for Cebu. DOT attributes the large volume due to the two regions being major international gateways for international travellers – via the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila and Mactan-Cebu International Airport – but noted that “there is a possibility that some travel to other destinations as part of their visit to the Philippines”. Other popular regions for foreign travellers include Palawan (680,895); Pampanga (583,743); Aklan (428,704); and Bohol (325,499). NCR recorded the largest number of domestic guests at 4.24 million, which likely also include Metro Manila residents checking into hotels for staycations. Batangas was the second most popular destination with 3.3 million domestic guests, followed by Rizal (3.04 million); Cebu province (2.58 million); Zambales (1.94 million); Aklan (1.73 million); Camarines Sur (1.43 million); Davao del Sur (1.42 million); Negros Occidental (1.41 million); Benguet (1.37 million); and Cavite (1.32 million). Aklan was the most popular destination for overseas Filipinos with 40,000 guests, followed by Palawan (10,925); Davao del Sur (10,459); Iloilo (8,594); NCR (5,897); Cebu (3,328); and Camarines Norte (1,183)

The Bank of America (BofA) reported that the Philippines are one of the destinations in Asia that have yet to reach pre-pandemic levels of tourism arrivals, at 76% as of Feb 2024. The bank reported that Chinese arrivals are only at 20%-30% of pre-pandemic levels in the Philippines. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) forecasts tourism receipts to grow by 50% in 2025

President Marcos Jr., in his keynote speech at the Tourism Champions Challenge Awarding Ceremony, said that tourism stakeholders “must work harder to make our country stand out amidst a very competitive market”, adding that “we are in the midst of a great travel resurgence, which must be met with our own tourism renaissance”

The Bohol Provincial Board (PB) is looking into a Victour’s Recreation Hub, a tourism establishment built inside the protected Sta. Fe Beach in Alburquerque town, part of the Alburquerque-Loay-Loboc Protected Landscape and Seascape (ALLPLS). Chair of the PB Committee on Environment and Natural Protection investigated the establishment on 11 Apr. Owner of Victour’s Recreation Hub said his establishment was cleared by the province’s Protected Area Management Board, whilst the environmental compliance certificate (ECC) was still being processed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The establishment moved its ticketing office to a private area outside the protected area when they received the “immediate stoppage order” from the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office on 8 Apr

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that inflation in Cordillera rose to 4% in Mar, from 3.1% in Feb, at the peak tourist season due to expensive food, electricity, and gasoline. Ifugao province recorded the highest inflation rate of 6.8% in Mar, up from 6.5% in Feb. Mountain Province recorded the lowest inflation rate of 1.4% in Mar, up from 0.3% in Feb. Baguio City also recorded a rise in inflation to 3.6% in Mar, from 2.7% in Feb. Inflation for restaurants and accommodation services in Baguio reached 7.6% in Mar, up from 6.6% in Feb

Cebu Tours & Travel Alliance (CTTA) is holding the 8th Cebu Travel Catalogue International (CTCI) at Ayala Centre Cebu from 12-14 Apr. The travel fair is endorsed by DOT-7 (Central Visayas)

The Tourism Secretary inaugurated the Tourist Rest Area (TRA) in Roxas Palawan, then visited Quezon to join the Philippine Experience Programme (PEP) promotional tour. She praised the hospitality of the Filipino people after her helicopter flight was forced to “make an emergency landing somewhere in Roxas due to inclement weather”

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that the number of unemployed Filipinos stood at 3.5% or 1.8 million in Feb, down from 4.5% of 2.15 million in Jan. PSA said that this was the second lowest unemployment rate since Dec 2023. Accommodations and food service recorded the third highest MoM increase in employment, absorbing 325,000 new workers. Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) stood at 64.8% in Feb, lower than 66.6% in Feb 2023 but higher than 61.1% in Jan. The labour force totalled 50.75 million people in Feb

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) forecasts the Philippines’ GDP growth to average 6% in its latest Asian Development Outlook (ADO), lower than its previous forecasts of 6.2% in Sep and Dec 2023. Inflation is expected to average 3.8% in 2024, lower than the 4% forecast in Sep and Dec 2023. ADB also estimates GDP growth at 6.2% and inflation at 3.4% for 2025

DOT launched the Philippine Experience Programme (PEP) in Palawan on 10 Apr, with the participation of over 70 individuals, including the Thai Ambassador to the Philippines

The interagency Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) now forecasts the Philippine peso to average between 55-57 against the USD in 2024, an upgrade from the previous forecast of between 55-58. DBCC kept its forecast at between 55-58 for 2025-2028

DOT reported that the Philippines has welcomed 1.6 million international arrivals in Q1 2024, +21.3% YoY. South Korea was the top source market with 458,619 arrivals, +26% YoY, followed by the US (264,690 arrivals), China (109,568 arrivals, +150% YoY), and Japan (105,347 arrivals, +63.2% YoY)

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority announced that local government offices in Metro Manila will operate from 7am-4pm instead of the current 8am-5pm starting from 2 May, in response to worsening traffic congestion in the city

Malay Municipal Tourism Office reported that Boracay Island welcomed 538,603 visitors in Q1 2024, +2.86% YoY and +5.09% vs 2019. Of the total, 144,405 visitors, or around 26.8%, were international arrivals, +32% YoY but -53.4% vs 2019. Foreign arrivals accounted for 60% of the total arrivals in 2019. There were 386,868 domestic arrivals in Q1, or around 72% of the total, -2.2% YoY but +109.53% vs 2019. Boracay Island’s carrying capacity of 19,215 visitors at any given time was breached for three days in Mar during the Holy Week for the third consecutive year – on 28 Mar (Maundy Thursday) with 23,367 visitors; 29 Mar (Good Friday) with 24,049 visitors; and 30 Mar (Black Saturday) with 21,776 visitors. Total arrivals from 24-31 Mar reached 56,134, whilst total departures reached 53,526

The Tourism Secretary presented the 2023-2028 National Tourism Development Plan for Visayas stakeholders in Iloilo City. The plan aims to create 6.3 million jobs in the tourism sector by 2028, accounting for 12.9% of the Philippines’ total employment

President Marcos Jr. said that he does not see the need to declare a nationwide state of calamity due to the El Niño, noting that the situation will be tackled regionally according to the local states of calamity that local governments have declared in affected areas

The Oriental Leyte Hotel, which was formerly owned by former first lady Imelda Marcos, has ceased operations after nearly 12 years since it reopened with new management under a lease agreement with the provincial government of Leyte

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported that over 150 Vietnamese, 30 Chinese, and 14 Indonesian nationals were among the 220 foreign nationals that were denied entry to the Philippines in May. BI’s immigration protection and border enforcement section (I-PROBES) said the increase in entry denials for Vietnamese were attributed to the influx of Vietnamese nationals found to be working in illegal online gaming hubs

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is seeking amendment to the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (ENipas) Act of 2018 in order to give it power to demolish illegal structures in protected areas. Chair of the Senate Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change said that there are “limitations on what the owners can do” even if the protected areas are individually titled, noting that using the land for agriculture purposes is “okay”, but other uses like building resorts “shouldn’t be allowed”. Sen. Tulfo reported that there were 57 commercial structures at the Mount Apo Natural Park, which had been approved by the Protected Areas Management Bureau (PAMB), but had no environmental climate certificates (ECC) from the DENR. He said that DENR should “immediately demolish” structures without ECCs, but DENR countered that then need to “go thorugh the courts before demolition”. The Senate President Pro Tempore believes that DENR wrongly interpreted the ENipas law, which she co-authored as a bill, noting that the law’s “aim has always been to protect and conserve our environment” and adding that “any development on those properties will still have to conform to the law’s objective, i.e., ecological conservation”

Cebu to host meetings for the UN Tourism Commission for East Asia and Pacific (RDAP) and the UN Tourism Commission for South Asia on 26-28 Jun, as well as the UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Asia and the Pacific on 26-27 Jun

Bohol Governor said that the issue revolving the Chocolate Hills protected area is not just environmental, but social. He stated: “We should not overlook the needs and rights of the people residing and living within the protected areas and whose livelihood and means of income are dependent upon the land”

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that inflation rose to 3.7% in Mar, up from 3.4% in Feb but slower than 7.6% in Mar 2023. Food inflation rose to 5.7% in Mar, from 4.8% in Feb. Core inflation slowed to 3.4% in Mar, from 3.6% in Feb

The Department of Education reported that 5,288 schools suspended in-person classes due to extreme heat, affecting over 3.6 million students. The number was higher than the 4,769 schools that closed on 4 Apr

Tourism businesses under Davao City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) have launched special packages for Davao Region Athletic Association (DAVRAA) 2024 delegates. Participating establishments include Park Inn by Radisson Davao, Malagos Garden Resort, Microtel by Wyndham Davao, Homecrest Hotel, Park Avenue Residence Inn and Suites, Green Windows Dormitel, Discovery Samal, and Villa Amparo Garden Beach Resort. DAVRAA delegates can also purchase a 350 PHP Madayaw Privilege Cards of the Davao Tourism Association (DATA) to obtain special discounts and offers from the card’s participating tenants, including dining, retail, hotel, and tourism services. DAVRAA 2024 is being held across various venues in Davao City from 1-7 Apr, and is expected to welcome around 7,000 athletes, officials, and delegates

Sabangan Municipal Tourism Officer believes that the forest fire that are burning a portion of Mount Kalawitan in Nabua will not affect tourism activities, as “the fire won’t reach” the town. He added that the tourism office is proposing an inventive scheme to villages that can maintain a forest fire-free year, with the proposal expected to get council’s approval and be funded from 2025, as part of Sabangan’s annual Gagayam festival

Ilocos Norte Tourism Officer-in-charge reported that the province welcomed 341,953 visitors to its tourist attractions during the Holy Week, +5% YoY and +48% vs 2022, with the peak occurring on 29 Mar (Good Friday) with 84,824 visitors

Malacañang has declared 10 Apr as a regular holiday in observance of Eid al-Fitr. The Day of Valour will also be observed as regular holiday on 9 Apr

Wildfire caused by rising heat levels due to El Niño occurred in parts of Mindanao and the Visayas

Agoda named Iloilo City as the “most affordable tourist destination in the Philippines” for the Apr-May period

DOT has launched “Philippines Eatsperience” to showcase Filipino local cuisine as part of its Philippine Experiencee Programme (PEP), starting with lifestyle and food markets located at the Noli Me Tangere Garden in Luneta and Baluarte Plano de Isabel in Intramuros. Over 30 F&B businesses participated in the programme. Participants were also provided with culinary training and seminars on food safety by the Intramuros Administration and the National Parks Development Committee (NPDC)

The Office of Baguio City Mayor issued a warning against prevalent accommodation online scams in the city, after an actor became the latest victim of such scams. The city government urged tourists to verify legitimacy of transactions by calling the Permits and Licensing Division and to check the list of accredited accommodation establishments and travel agents

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported that preliminary Balance of Paymets (BOP) data showed that spending of visitors in the Philippines reached $9.12 billion USD in 2023, outpacing the spending of Filipino travellers abroad, which reached $6.67 billion USD, -45% vs 2019’s historic high of $12.04 billion USD. This resulted in a $2.45 billion USD net travel services surplus, the first time since 2007. The Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported that there were 7 million Filipinos, including overseas Filipino workers, travelling abroad in 2023, -13% vs 2019

The Department of Education (DepEd) authorised public and private schools to suspend face-to-face classes due to intense heat caused by El Niño, but noted that schools are still required to provide online classes

Senator Binay believes that the Captain’s Peak Resort structure in the Chocolate Hills protected area in Bohol “should really be removed” as “its appearance is a mess”. Senator Villar said that not being strict and not demolishing the resort may lead to “many more” cases of buildings being built in protected areas

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reported that goods and services exports reached $103.6 billion USD in 2023, _4.8% YoY, driven by the tourism and the IT-BPM sectors. Services exports reached $48.29 billion USD, +17.4% YoY, with travel services accounting nearly 70% of the incremental services export receipts. Travel services exports reached $9.1 billion USD in 2023, more than double from $4.2 billion in 2022

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) expects inflation to settle between 3.4%-4.2% in Mar

The Philippine Coast Guard recorded 1.29 million outbound and 1.16 inbound sea travellers during the Holy Week period from 25-31 Mar

Tourism Attaché at the Philippine Tourism Office in Shanghai believes that a friendly visa policies, such as visa-on-arrival, “will surely help us to attract more Chinese visitors”, adding that neighbouring countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand have offered visa-free entry for Chinese tourists

Secretary of the Environment and Natural Resources revealed that portions of the Chocolate Hills were carved out for the construction of Captain’s Peak Garden and Resort. Manager of Captain’s Peak said that they acquired a 6ha plot of land, including three hills, in 2005. He added that the resort was granted approval by the protected area management board responsible for the Chocolate Hills in 2018 and obtained a business permit from the Sagbayan municipal government in 2019. The Philippine Environment Department reported that the resort did not have an environmental compliance certificate. The secretary said that 13,500ha of flat areas within the 30,900ha protected area are “alienable and disposable,” meaning individuals or companies are allowed to obtain titles for them and that the lands were excluded from the proclamation’s coverage when the expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) law was enacted in 2022. The Environment Department explained that whilst the project developer may have secured a land title issued before the area was formally protected, it is still subject to “restrictions or regulations on land use and development within the protected area,” including the required environmental compliance certificate. The secretary condemned the Sagbayan municipal government for granting a building permit and mayor’s permit to Captain’s Peak Resort, despite the resort’s lack of an environmental compliance certificate

The World Bank forecasts the Philippine’s GDP to grow by 5.8% in 2024, up from the previous forecast of 5.6%, the fastest growing developing economies in Southeast Asia alongside Cambodia

DOT-Cordillera Director reported that the region welcomed 1.658 million domestic and international arrivals in 2023, +31% YoY, attributed to “revenge travellers”. He noted that 97% of arrivals, or 1.309 million, visited Baguio City. La Trinidad welcomed 620,000 guests. International arrivals rose by 200% YoY, with France as the top source market with 4,698 visitors, followed by the US with 4,283 visitors. Other top markets include Germany, Canada, Spain, the UK, and Australia

Megaworld plans to add six new hotel properties by 2029 – located in Pasig City, Pampanga, Boracay, Bacolod, Iloilo, and Palawan – bringing its total portfolio to 20 properties

Boracay Municipal Government reported that the island welcomed over 13,000 tourists on 28 Mar, lower than the 16,000 recorded on the same day in 2023. Local officials attributed the decrease to the extreme heat. Over 7,000 people visited Boracay on 29 Mar, higher than 5,000 in 2023. The Boracay Mayor clarified that there were around 24,000 visitors in total, not more than the island’s maximum carryin capacity of 25,000 visitors

Puerto Galera Visitor’s Office reported that it saw 17,000 domestic and foreign tourists during the Easter period from 24 Mar, with the final number expected to come in at 20,000 once all figures are consolidated. The number is a significant increase from the 8,000 visitors recorded in 2023

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) predicted a “danger category” of heat indices, with temperatures expected to reach 42°-44°C on 31 Mar in eight areas in Metro Manila, Occidental Mindoro, Palawan, Capiz, and Iloilo

Around 7.4 million pilgrims joined the “Alay Lakad” religious pilgrimage to Antipolo Cathedral on 28 Mar (Maundy Thursday), up from around 6 million in 2023

DOT has continued its Philippine Experience Programme (PEP) in La Union on 20 Mar, with the participation of 83 individuals, including the Ambassador of Thailand to the Philippines, the Tourism Secretary, DOT employees, travel operators, and the media. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-La Union also launched a mini trade fair to showcase local products and crafts

The House of Representative has approved House Bill 10049, which aims to boost financing and other support programmes for MSMEs. One of the bill’s key provisions is the periodic review and adjustment of the definitions of MSMEs every three years to ensure the classification remains relevant. Eligible MSMEs will also be able to access various government assistance, incentives, and benefits, including streamlined permit and license application processes, reduced issuance costs, and preferential treatment in government procurement opportunities, among others

Boracay was ranked 5th, and Palawan 9th, in travel magazine DestinAsian’s 10 “Best Islands” list in its 17th Annual Readers’ Choice Awards

The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) has opened its recruitment drive event for its TPB Membership Programme, which attracted 350 travel players. The membership includes enhanced benefits, such as inclusion in the Travel Philippines app’s directory and destinations tab

SiteMinder’s Hotel Booking Trends reported that the Philippines recorded over 115 million hotel bookings in 2023, +33% YoY, with international travellers accounting for 67% of the total volume. Booking.com was the top booking source for hotels in the Philippines based on total gross revenue generated, followed by Agoda, direct bookings via hotel websites, Expedia Group, Trip.com Hotelbeds, DidaTravel, WebBeds, Klook, Traveloka, Hostelworld Group, and MG Bedbank. The report also found that travellers are booking in advance, with lengthened booking lead time from 19 to 29 days. It also recorded lower cancellation rates of -16% YoY, nearing 2019 levels

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that oil spills in the Philippines caused 4.93 billion PHP in damage in 2023, around half of the total 9.29 billion PHP damage caused by human-induced disasters throughout the year. Damage caused by natural events and disasters was estimated at 24.49 billion PHP, -17.5% YoY

Head of the Iloilo Provincial Culture, Arts, History and Tourism Office (PCAHTO) said that the office has collaborated with DOT to launch a tour itinerary to guide guests on where to go for “Visita Iglesia” – the religious tradition of visiting seven churches during Holy Thursday. The package includes two clusters, consisting churches from southern Iloilo as well as central-northern Iloilo

The Department of Budget and Management has approved a special allotment release order amounting to 1.134 billion PHP to the Department of Education for the conservation and restoration of historic Gabaldon school buildings, and other heritage school buildings

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration reported that heat index reached 42°C in Metro Manila, Dagupan, and Cotabato City on 25 Mar, whilst Davao and Zamboanga recorded 43°C. It warned that a heat index of between 42°-51°C is within the “danger” level and urged the public to be cautious of heat cramps, exhaustion, and heat strokes. PAGASA warned that heat index in Zamboanga City may hit 43°C on 27 Mar, whilst Dagupan, Davao City, and Cotabato City may record 42°C

Airbnb and SPARK! – an NPO focused on women’s entrepreneurship – signed an MoU to provide women in the Philippines with training programmes and job-matching in the tourism sector. Airbnb is investing $100,000 USD in the programme

DOT reported that Caraga has seen a 599.25% YoY increase in tourist arrivals this week, especially in Siargao Island, attributed to the Holy Week period. DOT-Caraga projects the region to welcome over 38,137 until 31 Mar (Easter Sunday). It also projects Siargao Island to welcome 14,904 visitors, +785.56% from 1,683 in 2023. Del Carmen Tourism Officer expects the town to welcome 1,500 visitors until 28 Mar (Maundy Thursday), with another 2,000-3,000 expected on 29-30 Mar (Good Friday and Black Saturday)

Cybersecurity firm Kaspersky warned travellers to not “let their guard down completely” against scams during the Holy Week break. It warned the public to ensure a secure internet connection before entering any personal information on a website, and to buy tickets and book hotels through official digital platforms only

First Metro Investment Corp.-University of Asia and the Pacific (FMIC-UA&P) Capital Market Research’s latest Market Call report projects inflation to remain within the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)’s target of 2%-4% in H1 2024

The Bohol Provincial Government is creating the Review and Development Committee (RED COM) to review investments and applications for resort developments to ensure they adhere to environmental law. DOT will be a part of the committee

The Bohol Governor announced that the province will no longer host the Bohol Loop of the “Motourismo” programme, as it is “prone to accident, air, and noise pollution”. The Bohol Loop 2024, which was held on 23-24 Mar, received public backlash after recording one fatality and at least five injured loop riders in separate road incidents

The Intramuros administration has released guidelines for visitors to the city during Holy Week, including reminders to wear comfortable and decent clothing; stay hydrated; observe traffic, mobility, and parking rules; observe proper decorum inside the churches and chapels; do not hesitate to approach public assistance desk for help; report any suspicious activities; and throw and segregate trash in the proper trash bins

Royal Caribbean International’s GTS Serenade of the Seas made its inaugural call at Subic Bay on 25 Mar, carrying 1,371 guests and 819 crew members. Chair of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) said that six more cruise arrivals are expected so far in 2024, including MV Mediterranea on 16 Apr; MV Resorts World One on 8 May, 5 Jun, 31 Jul, 28 Aug, and 25 Sep; and MV Costa Serena on 13 Nov

The Philippines, via the Office of the Solicitor General, filed its submission to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague regarding the current request for advisory opinion on two questions: “What are the obligations of States to protect climate systems?” and “What are the legal consequences for States that have caused significant harm to the climate system through their acts or omissions?”. The Philippines wrote that “prompt reliefs should be given and made available to affected States and peoples so as to immediately cease or mitigate any environmental damage”. The Philippines also invoked the “polluters must pay” principle

The inaugural PATA International Conference on Women in Travel was held on 20-22 Mar at BE Grand Resort in Bohol, with the participation of nearly 200 attendees from 15 locations. The event was founded by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and hosted by DOT. DOT also introduced the appointment of Tourism Integrates, Supports, and Minds Women’s Rights and Child Safety (TourISM WoRCS) Officers nationwide, which aims to ensure the Philippines as a destination that prioritises women and children safety. A manual to train department units in combating sexual harassment, trafficking, and gender-based violence within the tourism sector will also be launched as part of the initiative

The Philippine Ports Authroity (PPA) reported that 517,135 travellers passed through seaports nationwide from 22-24 Mar, including 159,578 on 22 Mar, 174,610 on 23 Mar, and 182,974 on 24 Mar (Palm Sunday). PPA General Manager said that they initially projected around 2.1 million passengers for Lenten Season, but noted that they may surpass that based on current figures. He noted the main problem for sea travellers is with ticketing as they don’t have an electronic or online ticketing system for shipping lines

The Cebu Travel Catalogue International 2024 to be held at Ayala Centre Cebu from 12-14 Apr, featuring 80 exhibitors. The travel fair is organised by the Cebu Travel and Tours Alliance Inc. (CTTA) and the Cebu Alliance of Tour Operation Specialists, Inc. (CATOS)

Alaminos City held the inaugural Hundred Islands Amazing Race Challenge, which featured a combination of trekking, kayaking, and running across Sandal Island, Ramos Island, Pilgrimage Island, Bued Mangrove Park, and Lucap Wharf. Eight teams participated in the event. Head of Alaminos City Youth and Sports Development Office said the response for the race was “fantastic”, and revealed plans to include biking in the next race

DOT issued a statement regarding the controversy surrounding the Captain’s Peak Resort built within the Chocolate Hills area in Bohol, declaring that it “agrees with the Bohol Provincial Government’s position that developments within the Chocolate Hills area are not consistent with its long-term sustainability and should be disallowed”. It added: “While development is essential for growth and progress, it must be conducted in harmony with environmental and cultural preservation. We urge all parties involved, including government agencies, private sector entities, and local communities, to work together towards sustainable and responsible tourism practices that uphold the integrity of our natural heritage”

Advocate group Tagbilaran Baywatch called out the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB)’s resolutions that “allowed” Captain’s Peak Resort to be developed within the Chocolate Hills protected area in Bohol. They believe the resolutions “were issued in favour of Captain’s Peak… without any legal basis” and called for the “permanent closure and removal” of all illegal structures at the Sagbayan area

Thailand Ambassador to the Philippines said that Thailand hopes to sign the “two-country, one-destination” tourism initiative agreement with the Philippines within 2024. He noted that the agreement could be signed by Jun during the Philippine-Thailand tourism ministerial meeting or even sooner “if there’s a high-level visit”. He added that stakeholders are under discussions for a possible direct Cebu-Phuket flight

The Philippines accused China's coastguard of using water cannon against a civilian boat supplying troops stationed on a grounded warship at the disputed Second Thomas Shoal. The Foreign Ministry summoned the Charge d'affaires of the Chinese embassy and instructed its mission in Beijing to lodge a formal complaint with the Chinese Foreign Ministry over the "aggressive actions". It added that China “has no right to be in the Second Thomas Shoal” in the South China Sea, condemning the move to interfere with the Philippines' routine resupply mission as “unacceptable”. The Defence Secretary challenges: “If China is not afraid to state its claims to the world, then why don't we arbitrate under international law?”

China described the Philippines’ rotation and resupply mission (RORE) to Second Thomas Shoal as “irregular” as it has been only 18 days since the last RORE mission, stating: “It is a deliberate and provocative move that infringes upon China’s sovereignty and legitimate rights and interests and undermines peace and stability in the South China Sea”. The China Coast Guard (CCG) stressed that it made “repeated warning” on UM4 before blasting the water cannon, stressing that the interceptions were “lawful” and done in “reasonable and professional manner”. The ambassadors of the US, the European Union, the UK, France, Australia, Canada, Sweden, Japan, and Germany expressed concerns and condemned China’s actions against the Philippine vessels

Boracay Island authorities conducted a series of dog impoundments ahead of the expected tourist influx for the Holy Week period. Malay Mayor noted the ordinance is implemented to “ensure environmental sustainability”. Pet advocates group Animal Lovers of Boracay conducted crowd fundings to help pay the penalty for impounded dogs to avoid them being subjected to “mercy killing” by the Malay Agriculture Office

The Tourism Secretary said that DOT will push for inclusion in the national government’s Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) following the controversy surrounding the construction of the Captain’s Peak resort within the Chocolate Hills protected area in Bohol, so the agency “may give its insights and guidance on sustainable tourism development for protected areas”. The Bohol government said that it would create a new committee to oversee and review guidelines on related to investments and initiatives that would not compromise the environment and protected areas. DOT noted that the Captain’s Peak Resort was not accredited by DOT and did not have a pending accreditation application. The Tourism Secretary added that DOT would offer alternative livelihood training programmes and tour guiding kits for workers affected by the closure of the resort

DOT advised the public to “travel wisely” during the Holy Week celebrations, with a travel surge expected from 24 Mar-30 Apr. DOT “strongly advised” travellers to patronise DOT-accredited tourism enterprises, including accommodation, tours, transportation, and other tourism-related services. DOT also warned travellers against scams that are targeting tourists such as “fake accommodation, travel tickets, vacation deals, among others”

Indian Foreign Minister to visit Southeast Asia from 23-27 Mar, including the Philippines, to further boost bilateral relations

The Environment Secretary believes that illegal structures in the Chocolate Hills must be removed “if Bohol wants to keep its geopark status”. She said that the area “needs to have certain standards in terms of its development moving forward and part of that has to do with the rehabilitation of sites like this”. She added that “it is very possible all of these [structures] will have to be demolished and restored because there is a disturbance in the ecology”. The Environment Secretary, along with the Interior and Local Government Secretary, inspected structures built within the Chocolate Hills, including the controversial Captain’s Peak Garden and Resort. The resort reportedly had no environmental compliance certificate (ECC) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) but was able to secure a business permit from the Sagbayan local government in 2018. The permit was renewed in Jan 2024, but has been revoked on 14 Mar in light of the controversy

AyalaLand Hotels and Resorts Corp (AHRC) has signed an agreement with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to express its commitment in achieving EDGE Zero Carbon certification for 2,826 rooms in 11 of its hotel portfolio by 2026, the first for a Filipino hotel group

Agoda, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) are collaborating to provide sustainability training for hoteliers across Asia, including in the Philippines. The programme, which will cover different aspects of the GSTC Hotel Criteria, comprises a self-paced training course that offers localised, interactive learning modules, supplementary study materials, and quizzes that address on distinct sustainability challenges across the region. A sustainability scholarship fund has also been established to support select hotels, particularly small, medium, and women-owned enterprises

Bloomberry Resorts Corporation (BRC), owner and operator of Solaire Resort Entertainment City, to open the Solaire Resort North in Quezon City in late May, its second integrated resort (IR) in the Philippines. The IR has an investment of $1 billion USD and is expected to generate 4,200 direct employment opportunities for Filipinos

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) estimates inflation to have reached around 3.9% in Mar, within BSP’s target of 2%-4% for the fourth consecutive month, and up from 3.4% in Feb but down from 7.6% in Mar 2023

The Loboc Municipal Tourism Office announced that the rate for the river cruise along the Loboc River will be increased from 850 PHP to 1,000 PHP per pax from 1 Apr. Senior citizens’ rate is set at 800 PHP, whilst children below 3 feet tall would be free of charge. Children between 3-4 feet tall would be chared 412 PHP, whilst those above 4 feet tall would need to pay the full fee. The rate includes a lunch buffet and a stopover to watch local singing and dancing performance

The National Water Resources Board (NWRB) issued a cease-and-desist order (CDO) against the Captain’s Peak Garden and Resort, which was built within the Chocolate Hill protected area in Bohol, for failing to secure permits to tap water sources in the area. NWRB alleges that the resort was using deep wells to meet the water needs of the resort without any water rights or water application permit. Captain’s Peak was given 15 days to submit an explanation to the NWRB. The Sagbayan local government has revoked the resorts’ business permit, which was built on a private property acquired in 2005. The resort announced on its Facebook page that it will temporarily close for “maintenance and environmental preservation efforts”, claiming that they are “committed to upholding the highest standards of environmental stewardship and ensuring the preservation of the natural beauty that surrounds us”. The Senate, through the committees on tourism, environment, and natural resources and climate change, have sought an investigation into the resort’s operations within a protected area. The Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Bohol provincial government are also investigating the case

DOT has launched its Philippine Experience Programme (PEP) in Ilocos Norte on 19 Mar, featuring a tour to the Domeless Bell Tower and Museo de Bacarra, the Malacañang of the North, the St. Augustine Church, as well as meals including pinakbet pizza and crispy dinuguan

The 2024 World Happiness Report ranks the Philippines as the 53rd happiest country in the world, and 2nd in Southeast Asia

The Philippines and Austria have signed a Memorandum of Tourism Cooperation to mutually grow tourism numbers between the two countries; exchange best practices in culture, heritage, and retirement tourism; strengthen sustainable tourism frameworks and upskilling programmes in hospitality; and facilitate enhanced connectivity

General Manager of AccorHotels-managed Joy-Nostalg Hotel and Suites Manila reported that 2023 “was a really very good year. Suffice to say, we have surpassed 2019 levels, and we have generated revenues that have been one of the highest, if not the highest in the existence of the hotel”. She said that more companies have begun sending new staff to the Philippines for longer stays, accounting for 40% of the hotel’s market

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) reminded sea travellers to avoid last-minute bookings as seaports nationwide are expected to see an influx or travellers during the Holy Week. PPA expects over two million sea passengers, higher than 2023’s 1.8 million. The five busiest ports are Panay/Guimaras/Iloilo, Batangas, Panay/Guimaras/Jordan, Mindoro/Calapan, and Panay/Guimaras/Dumangas. Holy Wednesday (27 Mar) and Easter Sunday (31 Mar) are expected to be the busiest days. PPA said that it had deployed “full manpower” and placed a “no leave policy” among its personnel to anticipate the surge in passengers

The Leyte Provincial Director of the Department of Science and Technology said that at least 15 sites in the province have been identified for science tourism, pending validation by the DOT for readiness and compliance with educational tourism standards. DOST and DOT will assess the sites and design tour programmes customised to the region’s tourism offerings

DOT led the celebration of Filipino Food Month 2024