Philippines
Tourism revenue in H1 2024 reaches 282 bil PHP, +33% YoY.
Latest monthly intl arrivals
459,362
Jun 2024
Recovery vs 2019
71%
Jun 2019: 643,780
YTD Intl Arrivals
3,028,741
Up to Jun 2024
Percent of 2024 Target
39%
of 7.7M target
Source: Intl arrivals - Department of Tourism. Page last updated: 29 Jul 2024.
Latest Travel Industry News
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25-Jul-2024 🛬 inboundThe 2024 Henley Passport Index shows the Philippines’ passport is ranked at 73rd, with access to 67 countries without applying for a visaSource: businessmirror.com.ph/2024/07/25/phl-passport-rank-in-henley-passport-index-up-5-rungs-singapore-tops-list/
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25-Jul-2024 👨✈️ aviationAirAsia Move is partnering with RCBC to offer exclusive travel deals in the RCBC Travel Fair from 25-28 Jul at the Shangri-La Plaza Grand Atrium, Mandaluyong CitySource: businessmirror.com.ph/2024/07/25/airasia-move-rcbc-offer-exclusive-deals/
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25-Jul-2024 🛬 inboundMetro Manila Council (MMC) declared a state of calamity due to Typhoon Carina on 24 Jul. This will allow the release of calamity funds for 16 cities and 1 municipality in Metro Manila and also will allow to implementation of price control in the regionSource: cebudailynews.inquirer.net/586499/typhoon-carina-metro-manila-under-state-of-calamity
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25-Jul-2024 🛬 inbound10,818 families or 46,116 individuals have been evacuated to evacuation centres from the National Capital Region (NCR) due to the floods brought by the southwest monsoonSource: newsinfo.inquirer.net/1965353/over-10000-families-in-ncr-evacuated-due-to-carina-dswd
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25-Jul-2024 👨✈️ aviation143 local and international flights into/from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) were cancelled due to Typhoon CarinaSource: newsinfo.inquirer.net/1965401/143-naia-flights-cancelled-due-to-bad-weather-on-thursday-july-25
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25-Jul-2024 👨✈️ aviationCebu Pacific cancelled flights between Manila and Singapore, and other cities, due to Typhoon GaemiSource: straitstimes.com/singapore/several-flights-between-s-pore-and-fuzhou-manila-taipei-cancelled-due-to-typhoon-gaemi
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24-Jul-2024 👨✈️ aviation600 passengers bound for Manila were stranded at Tacloban City’s Daniel Z. Romualdez (DZR) Airport on 24 Jul due to Typhoon Carina. 4 Cebu Pacific flights and 2 AirAsia flights were affected due to the weather conditionsSource: newsinfo.inquirer.net/1965181/600-travelers-bound-for-manila-stranded-in-tacloban-airport
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24-Jul-2024 🛬 inboundTyphoon Gaemi, locally known as Carina, triggered a flood in Manila and its surrounding cities. 9 international flights and 71 domestic flights were cancelled at Manila Airport on 24 July. Manila evacuated 13,000 peopleSource: straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/not-prepared-filipinos-recall-deadly-2009-typhoon-as-floods-paralyse-capital
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23-Jul-2024 🛬 inboundPhilippine President said the country will focus on experiential tourism such as food, culture, heritage and the arts, education, halal and Islamic traditions, diving, cruise, farming, eco-tourism, and sports, to attract more visitors. He also said the country will expand the one town, one product (OTOP) concept. He also said the Philippines will shift to paperless immigration and customs forms through the e-Travel system and the airports will pilot the e-Gates system to ease the departure and arrival process. He said e-Visa will be the country’s next digital transformation agenda. The Department of Tourism said in 2023, the Philippines recorded 2.09 trillion PHP in revenue from the tourism industry and it contributed 8.6% to the GDP, the highest in 24 years. The total inbound and domestic tourism receipts was recorded at 3.357 trillion PHP in 2023, +75.3% YoYSource: pageone.ph/pbbm-endorses-experiential-travel-multifaceted-strategy-for-tourism/
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23-Jul-2024 👨✈️ aviation30 flights were cancelled at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and 4 incoming flights were diverted following unfavourable weather conditions due to Typhoon CarinaSource: pna.gov.ph/articles/1229562
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23-Jul-2024 🌏 outboundTaiwan Tourism officials are increasing efforts to attract more Filipino tourists to the country. Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) hosted a travel fair and the Taiwan government sent a delegation for the Taiwan Tourism Workshop in North Reclamation Area (NRA) on 18 Jul. Taiwan also extended the 14-day visa entry for Philippines passport holders until 31 Jul 2025. TECO said 116,000 Filipinos visited Taiwan in Q1 2024, +3% of pre-pandemic levels. In 2023, 350,487 Filipinos visited TaiwanSource: cebudailynews.inquirer.net/586065/more-filipinos-are-visiting-taiwan
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23-Jul-2024 👨✈️ aviationCebu Pacific is holding talks with Ayala Land Inc. on the potential acquisition of its boutique airline called AirSWIFT. AirSWIFT operate turboprop planes to El Nido, Cebu, Boracay, and BoholSource: businessmirror.com.ph/2024/07/23/cebu-pacific-in-exploratory/
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22-Jul-2024 👨✈️ aviationThe President said the Philippines will improve airports and docks during his third State of the Nation Address (SONA). He said the Ninoy Aquino International Airport will be able to accommodate 48 flights per hour and 62 million passengers annually soon. He said more than 70 airports and seaport development projects are ongoing and another 350 projects are set to be completed by 2028. He said General Santos Airport and the Bicol International Airport capacity will be expanded by 300% and 500% respectively. General Santos Airport and the Bicol International Airport right now accommodate 2,000 and 1,600 passengers respectively. Batangas Port Terminal can accommodate 8,000 passengers nowSource: newsinfo.inquirer.net/1963835/sona-marcos-vows-to-improve-ph-airports-docks
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21-Jul-2024 🛬 inboundThe Manila Government has asked the National Government to ensure the safety of tourists after the Forbes Advisor report ranked Manila as the 5th “riskiest city for tourists”Source: philstar.com/nation/2024/07/21/2371697/manila-national-government-ensure-tourists-safety
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20-Jul-2024 🛬 inboundThe Department of Justice (DOJ) launched the Cruise Visa Waiver Program (CVWP) in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI). CVWP is only valid for a maximum of 14 days and is available for tourists who intend to stick to the original itinerary during the application. The visa also requires foreign visitors to depart on the same cruise ship they arrivedSource: newsinfo.inquirer.net/1962810/cruise-passengers-allowed-14-day-stay-sans-visas-doj
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19-Jul-2024 🛬 inboundThe Department of Tourism (DOT) has partnered with The Medical City (TMC) to position the Philippines as a top destination for health and wellness. They signed a memorandum of agreement and launched the “Discover Your Wellness” series as part of the “Love the Philippines” campaignSource: businessmirror.com.ph/2024/07/19/dot-tmc-partner-to-promote-phl-as-premier-medical-tourism-destination/
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19-Jul-2024 👨✈️ aviationCebu Pacific (CEB) announced 42 flights were cancelled due to a Microsoft system outage, which also caused them to carry out a manual check-in process. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said the Davao International Airport (DIA) saw congestion due to a system issue with Cebu Pacific, which caused delays and 2 flight cancellations. The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) said only CEB and AirAsia Philippines were affected by the issue at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA)Source: pna.gov.ph/articles/1229383
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19-Jul-2024 🛬 inboundMetro Pacific Investments Foundation (MPIF) signed Memorandums of Agreement with the Del Carmen Government and General Luna in Siargao. providing 4 million PHP for its flagship Shore It Up environmental protection program. MPIF strengthened its partnership with Del Carmen through the Mangrove Protection and Information Center Program. MPIF is launching Marine Protection, inspections, and conservation programs in General LunaSource: businessmirror.com.ph/2024/07/19/mpif-shores-up-siargao-island-with-sustainability-programs-post-odette/
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19-Jul-2024 👨✈️ aviationAccording to Aboitiz InfraCapital GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corp. (AGMCAC) Mactan-Cebu airport is expected to record 12 million passengers in 2024, +20% YoY and return to pre-pandemic levels. In 2023, the airport recorded 10.032 million passengers, +81% YoY. MCIA’s passenger volumes mainly come from domestic and South Korea. AGMCAC Senior Manager said that MCIA’s core international markets such as South Korea, China, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, and Hong Kong have mostly remained the same for the last 10 years, but they are now focusing on new markets such as Australia, India, and Russia as there are no direct flights to this markets. AGMCAC team will meet with Indian airlines by Oct 2024 and hopes to have direct flights from India in 2024 or 2025Source: portcalls.com/mactan-cebu-airport-passenger-traffic-seen-to-hit-12m-this-year/
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18-Jul-2024 🛬 inboundThe Asian Development Bank (ADB) maintained its growth forecast for the Philippines at 6% for 2024. ADB also maintained its GDP forecast for 2025, at 6.2%Source: businessmirror.com.ph/2024/07/18/adb-keeps-2024-growth-forecast-of-6-for-phl/
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18-Jul-2024 🛬 inboundDuring the Philippine Tourism and Hotel Investment Summit 2024 organised by the Philippine Hotel Owners Association (PHOA), STR presented details on Cebu’s hotel industry. STR Senior Director for Asia Pacific said the occupancy rate dropped to 56% YoY in May 2024, a big drop from 78% in May 2018. He said there are not enough international or domestic tourists visiting Cebu. He said no market can replace Chinese tourists, but instead of easing visa restrictions, the government has tightened visa policies for Chinese touristsSource: ttgasia.com/2024/07/18/cebus-tourism-falters-experts-call-for-the-broadening-of-target-markets/
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18-Jul-2024 👨✈️ aviationThe Philippines is developing Pag-asa Island Airport, Thitu Island in the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea to serve civilian and military personnel on the remote islandSource: bnnbloomberg.ca/business/2024/07/18/philippines-to-develop-airport-in-south-china-sea-island/
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18-Jul-2024 🛬 inboundMakati City launched the “Visit a Better Makati” tourism campaign on 18 Jul to showcase its cultural heritage, development programs, and commercial lifestyleSource: newsinfo.inquirer.net/1962295/makati-city-kicks-off-local-tourism-program
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17-Jul-2024 👨✈️ aviationThe Department of Tourism (DOT) said Davao City is looking to attract more direct flights after retaining or maintaining the 3 international routes after the pandemic. The 3 routes are Davao-Doha, Qatar, by Qatar Airways; Davao-Singapore by Scoot Air; and Davao-Quanzhou, China, by Xiamen Air. DOT said Singapore is among the top 10 foreign markets along with the US, China, Japan, Korea, Australia, India, Canada, the UK, and MalaysiaSource: businessmirror.com.ph/2024/07/17/dot-davao-eyes-additional-foreign-direct-flights/
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15-Jul-2024 🛬 inboundClark hosted the Philippine MICE Conference (MICECON) from 10-12 Jul after a decade. The event attracted over 820 delegates from various business events and academic institutions to the SMX Convention Centre ClarkSource: ttgmice.com/2024/07/15/clark-cements-mice-hub-status-with-micecon-2024/
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15-Jul-2024 🛬 inboundThe Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) launched a new Philippine branding for MICE – “MICE Philippines, we take your business to heart” – at the annual MICE Conference (MICECon) held at the Clark Freeport ZoneSource: businessmirror.com.ph/2024/07/15/new-mice-branding-unreels-sans-updated-mice-roadmap/
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15-Jul-2024 🛬 inboundData from the Department of Tourism shows 792,482 Korean tourist arrivals as of Jul, making up 26.17% of the total 2.81 million international touristsSource: business.inquirer.net/468761/for-investors-boracay-no-longer-the-top-beach-destination
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15-Jul-2024 👨✈️ aviationAirAsia Philippines recorded 1.1 million seats booked under various promos from Jan-Jul 2024, including 340,000 booked by Gen Zs, 480,000 Millennials, and the remaining Gen X and Boomers. AirAsia's Head of Communication said 70% of online and app bookings in H1 2024 were from Millennials and Gen ZSource: manilastandard.net/business/transport-tourism/314472159/airasia-registers-1-1m-booked-seats-in-seven-months.html
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15-Jul-2024 🛬 inboundLeechiu Property Consultants said that based on the Philippine Hotel Investment Outlook Survey, they noticed a shift of interest in investors from Boracay toward Panglao Island in Bohol, El Nido in Palawan, and Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte. Leechiu Director for hotels, tourism, and leisure said Bohol has attracted higher spending guests away from Boracay, which has now shifted more towards the domestic tourists. Boracay is still the top destination in terms of arrivals but only ranked 6th on the list, with only 29% of hotel owners preferring to invest there. 41% of respondents want to build a hotel in Bohol and there are hotel developments with 1,798 rooms ongoing. The survey found; Metro Manila comes second with 39% interest Cebu and Siargao come in 3rd with 36% of interest El Nido comes in 4th with 34% Mactan came in 5th with 30% The area hotels with 10,000 rooms in the pipeline in Metro Manila and Cebu have hotel developments with 1,208 roomsSource: business.inquirer.net/468761/for-investors-boracay-no-longer-the-top-beach-destination
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14-Jul-2024 🛬 inboundMimaropa’s tourism sector contributed 8.6% to the Philippines’ GDP in 2023, contributing 2.09 trillion PHP driven by the arrival of 5.4 million international travellers. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas reported a $2.45 billion USD trade surplus in travel services. In 2023, Mimaropa tourism investments reached 509 billion PHP, +34.3% YoY. The Philippines received 123,432 cruise ship visitors from 117 port calls in 2023Source: palawan-news.com/mimaropa-tourism-contributes-%E2%82%B12-09t-to-philippines-gdp-in-2023/
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14-Jul-2024 🛬 inboundUNESCO designated Apayao province as one of the 11 new biospheres making it the fourth UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Philippines after Albay, Palawan, and Puerto Galera. The Apayao Biosphere Reserve is divided into two regions, Upper Apayao and Lower ApayaoSource: businessmirror.com.ph/2024/07/14/apayao-a-phl-eagle-stronghold-chosen-as-unesco-biosphere-reserve/
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12-Jul-2024 🛬 inboundThe Department of Tourism (DOT) said revenues from the tourism industry in H1 2024 are estimated at 282.17 billion, +32.81% YoY. DOT recorded 3.2 million visitors from Jan-10 Jul, 92.55% or 2,937,293 were international tourists while 7.45% or 236,401 were overseas Filipinos. The top 5 countries are; - South Korea, 824,798 tourists(25.99%) - US, 522,667 (16.47%) - China, 199,939 tourists (6.3%) - Japan, 188,805 tourists (5.95%) - Australia, 137,391 tourists (4.33%)Source: newsinfo.inquirer.net/1960330/january-june-tourist-revenues-hit-p282b
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12-Jul-2024 👨✈️ aviationA Cebu Pacific plane got stuck on the grassy part of the taxiway at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport on 12 Jul, impacting some flight departures from the airportSource: newsinfo.inquirer.net/1960384/plane-stuck-on-grassy-part-of-naia-taxiway-may-affect-flights
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11-Jul-2024 🛬 inboundThe “Enhanced e-Travel System” was launched on 10 Jul at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1. A single QR code system will minimise the waiting time, reducing the need for multiple forms, and checkpoints. All passengers have to fill up details 72 hours prior to entering the PhilippinesSource: businessmirror.com.ph/2024/07/11/enhanced-e-travel-system-now-operational-at-naia-t1/
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11-Jul-2024 👨✈️ aviationThe Department of Transportation (DOTr) is finalising details to privatise the Laguindingan Airport. Transportation Secretary said they are expecting to complete the Swiss challenge for the deal as early as 12 Aug. Laguindingan is considered as the main gateway to Northtern MindanaoSource: businessmirror.com.ph/2024/07/11/swiss-challenge-for-laguindingan-airport-ends-in-aug/
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11-Jul-2024 👨✈️ aviationThe President expressed commitment to complete the modernisation work of Tacloban’s Daniel Z. Romualdez (DZR) Airport with a cost of over 2.5 billion PHP by 2026. He said the airport’s new terminal building will be inaugurated in 2025. The DZR Airport suffered damage due to Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013. The airport accommodates 20 flights daily to the Tacloban-Cebu and Tacloban-Manila routes. The President also highlighted a new causeway project with a cost of 4 billion PHP spanning 2.5km from Magsaysay Boulevard to the San Jose district will reduce travel time from 45 minutes to 10 minutesSource: newsinfo.inquirer.net/1960056/president-marcos-vows-to-complete-tacloban-airport-modernization-work-in-2026
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10-Jul-2024 🛬 inboundThe head of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) estimates that due to the 35 PHP daily minimum wage hike, around 40,000-140,000 workers in Metro Manila are expected to lose their jobs, but it is a negligible number. But, the government said the higher pay would not affect the inflow of investments. Socioeconomic Planning Secretary downplayed the impact of the wage increase, saying that it is reasonable and not constraining to the economySource: newsinfo.inquirer.net/1959529/neda-latest-wage-hike-may-leave-140000-jobless
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9-Jul-2024 🛬 inboundThe Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported a 4.1% unemployment rate in May 2024, the highest since Jan 2024. PSA said there were 2.11 million unemployed Filipinos in May 2024, 61,000 less compared to May 2023 with 2.17 million unemployed people and 65,000 more than Apr 2024 with 2.014 million people. The Philippines’ underemployment rate slowed to 9.9%, the lowest since 2005 when it adopted the International Labor Organisation’s employment standards. In May 2024, 4.82 million underemployed Filipinos were recorded, 2.22 million less compared to 7.04 million recorded in Apr 2024. The National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy Roadmap 2.0 is expected to speed up AI development in the Philippines by offering upskilling programs to equip the workforce with AI skills and increase the AI-enabled process and solutions by the business sectorSource: businessmirror.com.ph/2024/07/09/4-1-jobless-rate-highest-since-january-but-neda-upbeat/
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9-Jul-2024 🛬 inboundThe Philippine Hotel Owners Association (PHOA) President said new hotels will help to boost the Philippines’ tourism and hospitality industries. PHOA comprise 217 hotels across the Philippines with 40,000 rooms. He said the Philippines should have 80,000 rooms to compete with regional hotels in Asia. PHOA Executive Director said the group will develop 50-55 hotel projects from 2024-2028, adding 15,000 rooms to the inventory. Philippine Hotel Investment Survey 2024 Report by PHOA and Leechiu Property Consultants, found 41% of respondents are interested in exploring hotel development in Bohol's Panglao IslandSource: zawya.com/en/world/china-and-asia-pacific/new-hotels-to-boost-philippines-tourism-hoteliers-say-fbynv8te
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9-Jul-2024 👨✈️ aviationCebu Pacific will restart 4 domestic routes from Clark. The flights are to Puerto Princesa from 2 Oct, to General Santos and Iloilo from 21 Oct, and to Davao from 22 Oct. Cebu Pacific will operate 10 flights to domestic and international destinations from Clark after this additionSource: businessmirror.com.ph/2024/07/09/cebu-pacific-to-restart-4-domestic-routes-from-clark/
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9-Jul-2024 👨✈️ aviationThe Department of Transportation (DoTr) said under a new bilateral air services agreement, there will be 30,000 seats per week for flight services between the Philippines and South Korea from the existing 20,000 seat capacity. AirAsia Philippines said they consider this opportunity as a strong indicator that outbound tourism is in the sustaining phase and will optimise its current capacity to boost flight service to South KoreaSource: bworldonline.com/corporate/2024/07/09/606814/phl-south-korea-set-30000-weekly-seats-for-manila-incheon-route/
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8-Jul-2024 🛬 inboundThe Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) supports digital nomad visas for foreign nationals to be able to work long-term in the Philippines, but have said that the agency must retain control over the visa issuance for security purposes. The President asked the Executive Secretary to draft an executive order (EO) on nomad visas and select a pilot source country for the initiative. The Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) Tourism Group said the EO can be issued without tax incentives provisions which can be added once the related bill is passed. The House of Representatives is discussing the “Digital Nomad Visa Act” to grant a 12-month visa to international visitorsSource: businessmirror.com.ph/2024/07/08/dfa-nomad-visas-can-work-but-control-is-ours/
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8-Jul-2024 🛬 inboundThe Global Tourism Business Association supports the Private Sector Advisory Council for Tourism (PSAC-Tourism) proposal to offer Digital Nomad visas to boost tourism. However, there are concerns over security and infrastructure, such as high-speed and reliable internet connectivity across the countrySource: globalnation.inquirer.net/241890/gtba-backs-nomad-visa-push-for-tourism-boost
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8-Jul-2024 🛬 inboundThe Accor Group opened its first ibis Styles hotel in the country, in Araneta City in Quezon City. The hotel has 286 rooms and the meeting room can accommodate 120-150 guestsSource: traveldailymedia.com/ibis-styles-makes-philippine-debut/
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8-Jul-2024 🛬 inboundThe World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) forecasts the Tourism Industry contribution to the Philippines economy to reach 5.4 trillion PHP ($91.8 billion USD), +25% YoY, +7.1% pre-pandemic levels of growth and 21.3% of the Philippines’ total economy. Employment in the tourism sector is expected to reach 9.5 million jobs, representing 20% of the national workforce and surpassing pre-pandemic levels. The spending by international tourists is expected to reach 715.6 billion PHP and domestic tourists' spending is expected to reach 3.7 trillion PHP, both exceeding pre-pandemic levels. WTTC predicts that by 2034, the tourism sector's annual GDP contribution will reach 9.5 trillion accounting for 22% of the Philippines’ economy and the employment in the industry will exceed 11.9 million peopleSource: travelweekly-asia.com/Destination-Travel/Philippines-set-for-record-breaking-tourism-year-in-2024
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8-Jul-2024 🛬 inboundCebu hosted the 2024 Padayon Cebu: Tourism Forum at Mactan-Cebu International Airport on 3 Jul. The event aims to promote Cebu’s tourism industry and MICE IndustrySource: cebudailynews.inquirer.net/582937/cebu-solidifies-position-as-m-i-c-e-destination
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8-Jul-2024 🌏 outboundThe Immigration Bureau said the school holiday break months of Jun and July have become peak season for international outbound travel. Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) data shows the number of passenger departures; - in April 946,092 - in May 979,720 - in Jun 1,072,651 BI Commissioner said in Apr 2024 they only recorded 32,000 passengers a day, but in Jun they recorded 36,000 passengersSource: philstar.com/nation/2024/07/08/2368531/june-july-new-peak-international-travel-season-bi
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6-Jul-2024 🛬 inboundThe President will draft an Executive Order (EO) for the creation of a digital nomad/ remote work visa without tax incentives to attract more tourists. the proposed act would allow workers who are employed abroad to reside in the Philippines for 12 months, if they can prove sufficient income generatedSource: philstar.com/headlines/2024/07/06/2368153/marcos-jr-backs-nomad-visa-issuance-boost-tourism
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6-Jul-2024 🛬 inboundThe Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported a 3.7% inflation rate in Jun 2024 on the back of cheaper energy prices. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) recorded 125.6 in Jun 2024Source: businessmirror.com.ph/2024/07/06/june-inflation-at-3-7-prices-still-hurt-poor/
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6-Jul-2024 🛬 inboundTourist sites in Canlaon City in Negros Oriental have been reopened for visitors after being closed for over a month due to the Kanlaon Volcano’s phreatic eruption. Alert Level 2 still remains in effect but the volcanic quakes and sulphur dioxide gas emission dropped on 5 JulSource: philstar.com/nation/2024/07/06/2368050/canlaon-city-tourism-sites-reopen
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6-Jul-2024 👨✈️ aviationThe President ordered the implementation of the Jolo airport development project worth 100 million PHP, to help economic growth in Sulu ProvinceSource: philstar.com/nation/2024/07/06/2368045/marcos-oks-jolo-airport-development
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5-Jul-2024 🛬 inboundThe President orders a review of the e-visa system to attract more Indian tourists. LT Group CEO said the current e-visa system requires Indians to visit the Philippine embassy in New Delhi and takes a month to process. As a member of the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC)’s tourism sector group, they recommend the government to engage a third-party service provider to establish, run, and maintain the e-visa system. PSAC’s tourism group said India’s growing economy and rising middle class are expected to contribute to 30 million outbound trips by 2025. 78% of Indian tourists to the Philippines stay in hotelsSource: philstar.com/nation/2024/07/05/2367861/marcos-orders-review-e-visa-system-indian-tourists
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5-Jul-2024 🛬 inboundThe President has emphasised that the tourism industry should upskill itself through Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) programs. The former Filinvest Development Corp noted that 80% of the tourism workforce already has a TESDA certification, and that these certifications could be increased, led by the private sector who should identify the skills neededSource: manilastandard.net/business/314468032/president-psac-cite-need-to-upskill-tourism-workforce.html
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4-Jul-2024 🛬 inboundThe management and the workers’ union of 5-star hotel Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, Pasay City, have reached an agreement to settle their dispute after the decision to close the hotel for renovations from 1 Jul. The union said they got what the workers deserved such as a guaranteed job if the hotel reopened and respect for its union. The employees have until 5 Jul to accept the separation packageSource: newsinfo.inquirer.net/1957720/unions-get-all-demands-in-deal-signed-with-sofitel
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4-Jul-2024 👨✈️ aviationCebu Pacific has received its 7th aircraft in 2024, an Airbus A321 neo. The airline signed an MoU to purchase 152 A321neo aircraft worth $24 billion USD. This includes 102 A320neo aircraft with an option to purchase additional 50 A320neo aircraftSource: businessmirror.com.ph/2024/07/04/cebu-pacific-gets-7th-aircraft-after-booking-p1-4-t-order/
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4-Jul-2024 👨✈️ aviationThai Vice Minister for Tourism expressed desire to launch direct Thailand-Philippine flights, including from Cebu to Phuket and Koh Samui, as well as from Palawan or Baguio to Chiang Mai. He added that flights from Koh Samui and Phuket to Palawan are also under negotiations. Thailand’s Ambassador to the Philippines said that he is under discussions with several carriers like Thai Airways, PAL, CEB, Thai VietJet Air, and AirAsia to launch direct Phuket-Cebu flightsSource: businessmirror.com.ph/2024/07/04/amazing-thailand-looking-to-love-phl-better-via-direct-flights/
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3-Jul-2024 🛬 inboundMabini, Batangas is offering a bag of rice for every sack of trash gathered by local residents as part of an effort to clean up the shores. The program started 2 years ago and more than 4.3 metric tons of plastic waste have been collected and 2.6 tons of rice have been distributedSource: newsinfo.inquirer.net/1957720/unions-get-all-demands-in-deal-signed-with-sofitel
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3-Jul-2024 👨✈️ aviationPhilippine Airlines (PAL) resumed flights from Clark International Airport (CRK) to Basco, Batanes from 2 Jul after stopping flights due to the pandemic. PAL will operate 3 flights per week on this routeSource: newsinfo.inquirer.net/1957308/pal-resumes-clark-basco-flights
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2-Jul-2024 🛬 inboundLa Mesa Ecopark near the La Mesa Dam reopens after 4 months, following the completion of the first phase of a 3-phase park redevelopment. The first phase will feature the eco-academy hall, eco-view deck, souvenir shop, picnic areas, nipa huts, plant nursery, and food park. The park can accommodate 1,000 reserved slots per day. The management will only accept reservations through the MWF website and no walk-ins accepted. Phase 2 and 3 will be completed by 2025Source: rappler.com/philippines/la-mesa-ecopark-reopens-june-2024/
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2-Jul-2024 🛬 inboundThe Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) will host the TravelTour Expo (TTE) to Visayas and Mindanao (VisMin) after 30 years, from 19-21 Jul at Limketkai Atrium in Cagayan de Oro City. This expo will be carried out with the partnership of Department of Tourism, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, Hong Kong Tourism Board, and UnionBank. Over 50 exhibitors including airlines, hotels, resorts, and tourism boards will join the expoSource: ttgasia.com/2024/07/02/ptaa-stages-inaugural-traveltour-expo-in-visayas-mindanao/
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2-Jul-2024 🛬 inboundThe government has approved a 35 PHP increase in the daily minimum wage for workers in the National Capital Region (NCR). However, labour rights groups and opposition lawmakers called it an “insult” and “disgrace”. The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board approved the daily minimum wage hike from 610 PHP to 645 PHP for nonagricultural workers in Manila. The Nagkaisa labour group said the daily wage increase was significantly short of the 150 PHP daily wage hike proposed by the National Wage Coalition (NWC). Nagkaisa said the adjustment is only 23.33% of the necessary wage recovery needed to increase the minimum wage to a decent living wage levelSource: newsinfo.inquirer.net/1956845/p35-wage-hike-approved-labor-groups-furious
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2-Jul-2024 🛬 inboundAnya Hospitality Group is looking to expand to other parts of the Philippines. The President of Roxaco Land Corp said they are evaluating other areas but hopeful to launch new property in the next 2-3 years. He mentioned the possibility of expanding to Northern Luzon in places like Banaue, Sagada also at Ilocos Norte, Palawan, El Nido, Coron, Busuanga, and Puerto PrincesaSource: businessmirror.com.ph/2024/07/02/anya-hospitality-eyes-expansion-to-other-sites-or-expertise-transfer/
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1-Jul-2024 🛬 inboundA fast craft route connecting Surigao City to Maasin City in Southern Leyte and Cebu is expected to boost tourism and economy in the region. The OceanJet will begin its first voyage on 15 Jul with a capacity of 200 passengersSource: pna.gov.ph/articles/1228001
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30-Jun-2024 🛬 inboundThe Philippine Coral Bleaching Watch said they are seeing more coral bleaching in the Philippines, especially in the Northern, Central, and Western areas with Alert Level 2. Areas in level 2 are Dasol Bay, Palawan region, El Nido, Calabarzon, Tayabas Bay, Marinduque, Negros, Sulu Sea, Moro Gulf, and Celebes Sea off the coast of Mindanao. Coral bleaching is also likely happening in alert level 1 areas, like in parts of Southern Philippines, Zamboanga Peninsula, parts of Mindoro, Romblon, Sibuyan, Masbate, and SamarSource: businessmirror.com.ph/2024/06/30/philippine-coral-reefs-under-siege/
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30-Jun-2024 👨✈️ aviationCebu Pacific’s passenger traffic to Japan in Q1 2024 reached 110,000, +20% of pre-pandemic levels and nearly 2X YoY. Cebu Pacific operates flights from Manila to Osaka, Tokyo (Narita), Nagoya, and Fukuoka in addition to Clark-Tokyo serviceSource: bilyonaryo.com/2024/06/30/osaka-tokyo-calling-cebu-pacific-doubles-passengers-to-japan-in-record-breaking-q1/travel/
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29-Jun-2024 👨✈️ aviationSunlight Air will offer flights from Cebu-Iloilo City starting 1 Jul with 3 flights a weekSource: spot.ph/things-to-do/the-latest-things-to-do/109055/sunlight-air-will-soon-fly-to-iloilo-from-cebu-a5138-20240529
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29-Jun-2024 👨✈️ aviationThe proposed increased fees at Ninoy Aquino International Airport have not yet been finalised, and will be decided at the Cabinet-level, Manila International Airport has confirmedSource: newsinfo.inquirer.net/1956176/new-naia-fees-not-final-yet
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29-Jun-2024 🛬 inboundThe Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said inflation may average between 3.4%-4.2% in Jun 2024 due to expensive food items and the depreciation of the peso, exceeding the initial forecast of 3%-4%. The inflation rate was recorded at 3.9% in May 2024 and at an average of 3.5% from Jan-May 2024Source: businessmirror.com.ph/2024/06/29/bsp-inflation-in-june-may-have-hit-3-4-4-2/
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29-Jun-2024 🛬 inboundThe Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) Consumer Expectation Survey (CES) shows consumer sentiments are negative due to commodity prices and lower incomes. BSP said the outlook of Filipino consumers for Q3 2024 was negative 0.4%, the lowest since the 2.2% recorded in Q1 2021. Consumer outlook for the next 12 months improved to 13.5% from 13.4% in the previous CES outlook. BSP said the overall confidence index (CI) of the business community dropped to 32.1% from 33.1% in Q1 2024. For Q3 2024, the BSP said business confidence weakened as CI dropped to 43.7% from 48.1% in Q1 2024Source: businessmirror.com.ph/2024/06/29/high-prices-lower-incomes-bring-down-pinoys-consumer-business-sentiment/
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29-Jun-2024 🛬 inboundThe Department of Tourism (DOT) is in talks with the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) to draft a framework to help countries, including the Philippines, to attract foreign investments in tourist destinations. DOT Secretary said the discussion has already begun and they hope the document will be ready by the end of 2024. DOT plans to produce a Philippine Hotel Industry Strategic Action Plan to cover accommodation standards, skills matching, digitalisation, and strategic investment in important locations in the PhilippinesSource: pna.gov.ph/articles/1227956
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29-Jun-2024 🛬 inboundThe President said the Philippines’ tourism industry should introduce green tourism products and services to address climate change, resource preservation, and long-term sustainability. He also stressed the importance of investing in education, training, and skills upgrading of tourism workersSource: newsinfo.inquirer.net/1956137/marcos-going-green-good-for-ph-tourism
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29-Jun-2024 🛬 inboundThe UN Tourism Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific said the ‘Love the Philippines’ tourism slogan is “very significant” and “very powerful”. Over 500 foreign and local delegates who attended UN events in the Philippines joined a technical tour organised by the Tourism Department (DOT) in Camotes Islands, Dalaguete, Argao, and AloguinsanSource: pna.gov.ph/articles/1227963
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29-Jun-2024 👨✈️ aviationTraveloka signed a strategic partnership with Cebu Pacific to boost travel in Southeast Asia. In 2023, Traveloka recorded a 5X increase in interest to travel to the Philippines by flying on Cebu Pacific. Traveloka also recorded a 2.5X YoY increase in searchers to the top 5 Philippines airports. The 5 most popular destinations on Traveloka is Manila, Laguindingan, Cebu, Davao, Boracay, and PalawanSource: headtopics.com/ph/filipino-carrier-travel-site-partner-to-boost-southeast-55002624
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28-Jun-2024 👨✈️ aviationSources close to Cebu Air have said that the airline is close to closing a deal with Airbus for 70 jets, including A321neo, with it reportedly set to be confirmed in coming daysSource: channelnewsasia.com/business/airbus-nears-initial-deal-cebu-70-jets-sources-say-4443341
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28-Jun-2024 🛬 inboundA Senator has submitted a resolution to seek an inquiry into the labour policy implications due to the upcoming closure of the Sofitel Philippine Plaza. Sifutel will stop its operations from 1 Jul citing risks due to the age of the building and existing structural defectsSource: newsinfo.inquirer.net/1956155/hontiveros-wants-inquiry-into-sofitels-closure
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28-Jun-2024 🛬 inboundThe President said the tourism industry contributed 2.09 trillion PHP to the Philippines’ economy in 2023, +48% YoY and amounting to 8.6% of the country’s GDP. He also said the country welcomed 5.45 million international tourists, exceeding the 4.8 million target in 2023. He said the Philippines recorded 2.9 million tourists from Jan-Mar 2024Source: pco.gov.ph/news_releases/pbbm-bullish-on-ph-tourism-industry/
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28-Jun-2024 👨✈️ aviationCebu Pacific is working with the consortium led by San Miguel Corp, who is set to take over operations at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), to improve operations and enhance passenger experience in Terminal 3. The New NAIA Infrastructure Corp (NNIC), a subsidiary of SMC, will assume control of NAIA on 14 Sep. Cebu Pacific is looking to improve the baggage handling system, introduce mobile boarding passes, and invest in modern flight information screens and expanded seating areas. Cebu Pacific is expected to serve 24 million passengers in 2024 with its fleet of 84 aircraft in 2024. NAIA, Cebu Pacific’s central hub, serves 35 domestic and 25 international routes. Redevelopment plans for Terminal 3 include increasing capacity in the north wing from 14 million to 25 million passengers per year and increasing the aircraft parking bay from 61 to 104Source: bilyonaryo.com/2024/06/28/faster-check-ins-more-flights-seats-cebu-pacific-smc-collaborate-to-elevate-naia-t3-experience/travel/
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