Philippines
House of Representatives vote on 5 Feb to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte.
Latest monthly intl arrivals
574,439
Jan 2025
Recovery vs 2019
79%
Jan 2019: 723,390
YTD Intl Arrivals
5,949,350
No 2024 data
Percent of 2024 Target
77%
of 7.7M target
Source: Intl arrivals - Department of Tourism. Page last updated: 6 Jun 2025.
Latest Travel Industry News
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6-Jun-2025 🛬 inboundThe Department of Tourism (DOT) said in 2024, the Philippines welcomed 5.95 million tourists, of which 5.44 million are international tourists and 510,383 are overseas Filipinos. The arrivals in 2024 were +9.15% YoY but -28% pre-pandemic levels. Overseas Filipino arrivals recorded +14.16% YoY but foreign tourists only recorded +8.7% YoY due to a slow recovery in Chinese tourists. Tourism receipts however recorded 760 billion PHP, +41% of pre-pandemic levels. The Tourism Secretary said these numbers show strong growth in the tourism industry. DOT plans to revise its NTDP 2023-2028 in 2025 due to missing its 7.7 million arrivals target in 2024. DOT data shows only tourist arrivals from Singapore, Canada, and Australia reached pre-pandemic levels while other countries recorded double-digit drops. The top countries are; - South Korea with 1.57 million tourists, -21% of pre-pandemic levels - the US, 947,891 (-11%) - Japan with 388,316 (-43%) - China 312,222 (-82%) - Australia, 272,215 (-4.9%) - Canada 223,944 (-6.2%) - Taiwan 208,736 (-36%) - the UK 160,296 (-23.4%) - Singapore 157,264 (-0.84%) - Malaysia 95,713 (-32%) - Germany 79,886 (-23%) - Hong Kong 79,276 (-13.5%) Compared to 2023, only Japan and China in the top 12 source countries recorded significant increases at 27% and 18.04% respectively. Outside the top 12 list, a few countries made double-digit increases such as; - India, 78,995, +12.4% YoY - France 60,743 (+17.7% YoY) - Spain 46,146 (+35.47% YoY) - Thailand 45,896 (+12% YoY) - the UAE, 40,026 (+18.53% YoY) - Italy 29,943 (+33% YoY)Source: businessmirror.com.ph/2025/01/06/missed-goal-5-95-m-foreign-tourists-visited-phl-in-2024/
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7-Feb-2025 🛬 inboundThe Philippines could lose at least $1.22 billion USD in export revenues in mechanical and electrical machinery, equipment and parts, coconuts, and crustaceans to the US, due to expected broader tariffs under the US President, based on a study by the Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department (CPBRD). The loss in export revenues represents 10% of the $12.12 billion Philippines exports to the US in 2024Source: businessmirror.com.ph/2025/02/07/phl-faces-1-22-billion-loss-from-wider-tariffs-application/
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7-Feb-2025 🛬 inboundThe DOT said that international arrivals saw 626,900 international arrivals, higher than 574,439 in Jan 2024, +9.13% YoY. The DOT sees it as a “robust start” for the tourism industry. They said that they are training more Korean speaking tourism call center agents, as well as adding more Mandarin speakersSource: pna.gov.ph/articles/1243598
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7-Feb-2025 🛬 inboundThe Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) said that the top domestic destinations were Boracay, Siargao, Bohol and SiquijorSource: pna.gov.ph/articles/1243598
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7-Feb-2025 🛬 inboundThe Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) held its Travel Tour Expo 2025, its largest consumer travel fair, from 7-9 Feb. It is expected to see 100,000 in foot trafficSource: pna.gov.ph/articles/1243588
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6-Feb-2025 🛬 inboundThe House of Representatives on 5 Feb impeached Vice President Sara Duterte following her break with President Marcos Jr. The Vice President was accused of culpable violation of the Constitution, bribery, graft, and corruption including alleged misuse of 612.5 million PHP in confidential funds of her office and the Department of Education from 2022-2023Source: newsinfo.inquirer.net/2031957/sara-duterte-impeached-house-gets-215-to-sign
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6-Feb-2025 🛬 inboundDavao City is looking to open 4 eco-tourism destinations in the Marilog and Paquibato districts. The city official said the city has a long-term plan for a theme park similar to Disneyland Hong Kong in the Marilog areaSource: pia.gov.ph/davao-city-eyes-to-open-four-eco-tourism-destinations/
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6-Feb-2025 🛬 inboundPhilippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said the unemployment rate dropped to 1.63 million in Dec 2024 from 1.66 million in Nov 2024. The unemployment rate dropped to 3.1% in Dec 2024. The underemployed Filipinos reached 5.48 million in Dec 2024 equivalent to a 10.9% rateSource: cebudailynews.inquirer.net/621446/unemployment-falls-to-1-63-million-in-december-psa
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6-Feb-2025 👨✈️ aviationClark International Airport operator is expecting 3 million more passengers in 2025 compared to a total of 2.4 million passengers in 2024 with the transfer of more turboprop flights from Manila. He said they are expecting 700 additional passengers per day from Mar with the transfer of some Cebu Pacific flights. Philippine Airlines will transfer its turboprop flights from Q4 2025. Clark Airport will handle 269 flights from Mar 2024Source: abs-cbn.com/news/business/2025/2/6/clark-expects-1-million-more-passengers-after-transfer-of-turboprop-flights-1627
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6-Feb-2025 🌏 outboundHong Kong saw 1.2 million Filipino travellers in 2024, the highest arrivals from Southeast Asia, and nearly half of the total received from that regionSource: pna.gov.ph/articles/1243462
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6-Feb-2025 🌏 outboundThe Philippines is reported to be one of the top source markets in Southeast Asia for Taiwan in 2024, as its Jan-Nov arrivals were 415,635. Malaysian arrivals were 384,000, Singapore 376,000, Thailand 356,000 and Vietnam 344,000Source: focustaiwan.tw/society/202502060015
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5-Feb-2025 🛬 inboundCebu MICE Alliance has been formed and was initiated by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), with 53 participants. The alliance will form working committees for marketing, policy advocacy, infrastructure, training and sustainability. They also plan to conduct a MICE Roadmap for Cebu, incorporating data and specific targetsSource: ttgmice.com/2025/02/05/cebu-mice-alliance-takes-shape/
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5-Feb-2025 🛬 inboundThe Philippines Statistics Authority (PSA) said the inflation reached 2.9% in Jan 2025, the same level as Dec 2024. The government set an inflation target of 2%-4% in 2025 until 2028Source: businessmirror.com.ph/2025/02/05/inflation-stands-at-2-9-in-january-psa/
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5-Feb-2025 🛬 inboundThe Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is optimistic about cruise tourism growth in 2025. MS Europa 2 made a stop in Bohol at the end of Jan as part of its Asia itinerary, carrying 372 crew and 453 passengers, mostly from Germany and Europe. MV Norwegian Sky returned to Manila South Harbor on 30 Jan from Kaohsiung, Taiwan, carrying 2,000 passengers, mostly Filipinos. MV Silver Whisper, carrying 309 passengers and 59 crew, made a port call at Port of Currimao, Ilocos Norte on 30 Jan and departed to Hong Kong. In 2024, PPA recorded 142,574 passengers, +61.9% YoY and PPA forecast growth in 2025 with 185,000 cruise passengers, +29.8% YoYSource: manilatimes.net/2025/02/05/business/maritime/ppa-expects-strong-cruise-tourism-growth-in-2025/2049436
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5-Feb-2025 🌏 outboundThe Philippine Embassy in Japan advised Filipino tourists to purchase travel insurance if they want to visit Japan due to the increasing number of influenza cases in that country. The embassy advised Filipinos to stay vigilant with the public advisories and stay home if they are unwellSource: cebudailynews.inquirer.net/621330/filipino-travelers-warned-of-rising-flu-cases-in-japan
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5-Feb-2025 🌏 outboundThe Japanese Embassy is looking to fast-track the visa process for Filipinos to 5 daysSource: cebudailynews.inquirer.net/621177/japan-embassy-working-to-fast-track-visa-processing-to-5-days
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4-Feb-2025 🛬 inboundLaoag City is developing a farm tourism site in partnership with the farmers’ association. A rice paddy art was unveiled to promote local tourism and to showcase Laoag City’s focus on rice productionSource: pna.gov.ph/articles/1243297
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4-Feb-2025 🛬 inboundThe Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary said a hyperbaric chamber centre worth 80 million PHP will be opened in Negros Oriental within 3 months. This project is being funded by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA). DOT said this will offer safety and convenience to scuba divers. TIEZA will manage the facility with Dauin receiving 10% of its income and the usual taxesSource: newsinfo.inquirer.net/2031227/hyperbaric-chamber-seen-to-ramp-up-tourism-in-negros-oriental
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3-Feb-2025 🛬 inboundThe Department of Tourism (DOT) expanded the Tourist Assistance Call Center (TACC) with Korean-speaking agents. TACC had facilitated 13,502 transactions as of 30 Jan by offering services to tourists from 71 countriesSource: pna.gov.ph/articles/1243262
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3-Feb-2025 🛬 inboundSiargao Island Medical Center (SIMC) is nearing completion. As a top surfing destination, Siargao Island is set to benefit from this hospital. SIMC established partnerships with 3rd party insurance providers for foreign tourists and for medical evacuation services to provide emergency transportSource: newsinfo.inquirer.net/2031079/siargao-island-medical-center-to-transform-surf-spot-into-a-medical-safe-haven
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3-Feb-2025 🛬 inboundManapla port has been opened in Negros Occidental and it is expected to be a key link in the Negros-Panay tourism corridor. The 12th port in the region cost 180 million PHP to construct and will be an important port for tourism and the sugar industry. Manapla Port Stevedoring and Arastre Estate will build the port. The port will connect the province to Ajuy and Concepcion ports with roll-on/roll-off ship from AprSource: rappler.com/philippines/visayas/tourism-sugar-industry-gains-manapla-port-opens-negros-occidental/
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3-Feb-2025 👨✈️ aviationInternational Air Transport Association (IATA) said the Asia Pacific region, including the Philippines, is expected to sustain growth momentum in air travel. IATA said Asia Pacific based airlines registered a 16.9% growth in revenue per passenger kilometre (RPK). The full year traffic growth in 2024 was recorded at 10.4%. IATA Director General said 83.5% of all seats on offer were filled, a new record high. He said the growth in 2025 is expected to be at a moderate pace of 8%. Asia Pacific accounts for a 33.5% share of the global market followed by Europe with 26.7% and North America with 22.9%Source: business.inquirer.net/504479/strong-growth-in-air-travel-seen-continuing-in-2025
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2-Feb-2025 🛬 inboundBoracay welcomed 2,077,977 tourists in 2024, -2% YoY, comprising 412,803 international tourists and 1.641 million domestic tourists. The arrivals; - from East Asia recorded 232,337 visitors, -9% YoY - South Korea recorded -17.5% YoY - Hong Kong, -50.46% YoY - China, +12% YoY - Japan, +16.96% YoY - Taiwan, +22.94% YoY - ASEAN recorded 9,217 visitors, -20% YoY - Middle East recorded 5,147 tourists, -12% YoY - South Asia, +6.44% - North America, +10.11% - South America, +24.18% The top 10 markets from Europe are; - Russia, 14,669 tourists - the UK, 13,209 - Germany, 9,188 - Ireland, 5,380 - France, 5,649 - Italy, 4,781 - Netherlands, 2,686 - Switzerland, 2,736 - Poland, 2,878 - Sweden, 2,303 The visitors by age demography are; - between 13 to 59 years old, 1,840,678 or 88.56% - aged 0 to 12 years old, 133,668 or 6.43% - those aged 60 years and above, 103,631 or 4.98% Most of the tourists arrived via air, accounting for 1,755,578 or 84.47% of total arrivals followed by land, 299,737 or 14,42% and sea transport, 22,662 or 1.09%. Boracay is expecting 17 cruise ships in 2025 an increase from 9 in 2024Source: newsinfo.inquirer.net/2030699/boracay-tourist-arrivals-slightly-dip-in-2024
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2-Feb-2025 👨✈️ aviationThe Department of Tourism (DOT) said the inauguration of the first parallel runway at Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) is expected to improve tourism and aviation in the Central Visayas region. In 2024, MCIA welcomed 11.3 million passengers, +13% YoYSource: cebudailynews.inquirer.net/620728/new-mactan-airport-runway-to-boost-cvs-tourism-dot
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1-Feb-2025 🛬 inboundThe Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) will collaborate to offer free legal services to accredited tourism stakeholders and frontline workers, especially MSMEsSource: manilatimes.net/2025/02/01/news/national/free-legal-aid-given-to-tourism-sector/2047846
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1-Feb-2025 🛬 inboundThe Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is expecting inflation to remain elevated in Jan, averaging between 2.5%-3.3%. The Philippines posted a 2.9% inflation rate in Dec 2024 and 2.8% in Jan 2024, with full-year inflation of 3.2% in 2024. BSP said the increase in petroleum cost and major foods due to weather disturbances contributed to this increaseSource: businessmirror.com.ph/2025/02/01/month-ahead-inflation-forecast-for-january-2-5-3-3/
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31-Jan-2025 🌏 outboundJapanese tourist visa processing is taking at least two months since 9 Jan, way longer than the usual five working days, due to the surging volume of applicants. Some travel agencies accredited by the Japanese embassy in the Philippines are no longer accepting walk-in applicants, whilst others have temporarily stopped accepting tourist visa applicantsSource: rappler.com/life-and-style/travel/japan-tourist-visa-application-updates-january-2025/
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30-Jan-2025 🛬 inboundChief of the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) reported that the Philippines generated 111.3 billion PHP in sales leads through travel events in 2024, +45% YoY. The majority, at 918 million PHP, were acquired at global travel fairs, such as ITB Berlin and the World Travel Market in London. The Philippines recorded 463.33 million PHP in sales leads at the ASEAN Tourism Forum, +8.4% YoYSource: businessmirror.com.ph/2025/01/30/travel-trade-fairs-generate-over-p11-billion-in-sales-leads-for-tpb/
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30-Jan-2025 👨✈️ aviationAirAsia Philippines has suspended its daily Manila-Davao flights in order to get an aircraft to support in adding flight frequency to top-performing leisure destinations Caticlan, Puerto Princesa, Tagbilaran, and TaclobanSource: philstar.com/business/2025/01/30/2417767/airasia-suspends-manila-davao-flights
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30-Jan-2025 👨✈️ aviationPresident Marcos Jr. inaugurated the new 2.55 billion PHP runway at Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA)Source: newsinfo.inquirer.net/2029979/marcos-inaugurates-mactan-cebu-international-airport
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29-Jan-2025 🛬 inboundThe Tourism Secretary said that the Philippines ranks fifth in terms of Japanese nationals’ preferred destination to learn English as a second language (ESL). Department of Tourism (DOT)-Region 7 said Cebu received 50,000 ESL students annually, including Japanese, South Koreans, and Vietnamese, among othersSource: businessmirror.com.ph/2025/01/29/phl-is-5th-top-choice-for-japanese-learning-english/
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29-Jan-2025 🛬 inboundThe Commission on Audit (COA) flagged “unnecessary” foreign travel expenses incurred by Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) officials in 2023. TPB’s foreign travel spending increased 57% YoY in 2023. Several TPB executives, who incurred 3.74 million PHP in travel expenses, were tagged in audit observations. Seven TPB officials also spent 890,500 PHP when they attended the World Travel Market in London in Nov 2023Source: rappler.com/business/tourism-promotions-board-travel-expenses-audit-report-2023/
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29-Jan-2025 👨✈️ aviationCebu Pacific President said the airline is set to lower its capital expenditures (capex) for 2025, due to a reduction in its aircraft ordersSource: businessmirror.com.ph/2025/01/29/cebu-pacific-to-reduce-2025-capex/
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29-Jan-2025 👨✈️ aviationThe Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) passed a resolution calling on the Manila Slot Coordination Committee (MSCC) of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) to suspend the relocation of commercial turboprop plane operations from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to Clark International Airport (CIA). SP Committee on Tourism Chair Board Member believes that the transfer of turboprop to CIA would cause inconvenience to travellers and lead to a “volatile fluctuation of airfare prices”Source: palawan-news.com/palawan-seeks-halt-to-naia-turboprop-shift-to-clark/
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28-Jan-2025 👨✈️ aviationCebu Pacific to launch daily Clark-El Nido flights and Clark-Coron (Busuanga) flights from 30 Mar, operated by CebgoSource: rappler.com/business/cebu-pacific-clark-el-nido-coron-palawan-flights-march-2025/
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28-Jan-2025 👨✈️ aviationThe Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) reported zero fatalities in 2024. The total number of accidents decreased from 13 in 2023 to 4 in 2024. The number of serious incidents fell from six in 2023 to four in 2024Source: businessmirror.com.ph/2025/01/28/caap-reports-zero-fatalities-fewer-aviation-incidents-in-24/
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28-Jan-2025 👨✈️ aviationCebu Pacific is aiming for a “mid-20”% passenger volume growth rate in 2025, up from the 17.6% growth seen in 2024Source: businessmirror.com.ph/2025/01/28/cebu-pacific-aims-to-fly-more-passengers/
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27-Jan-2025 🌏 outboundThe Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) President said the 2026 outlook for tour agencies will be “very robust”. He said there is strong interest among Filipinos to travel to new destinations. In 2024, 1 million Filipino tourists visited Hong Kong and over 300,000 visited Taiwan. He said countries like South Korea and Japan showed promising arrivals from the Philippines based on the arrivals dataSource: business.inquirer.net/503318/local-travel-agencies-see-robust-year-for-ph-tourism
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27-Jan-2025 👨✈️ aviationPhilippine Airlines will resume Manila-Beijing flights from 30 Mar with 3 flights per week, after discontinuing it in Oct 2024 due to low demandSource: pna.gov.ph/articles/1242750
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27-Jan-2025 👨✈️ aviationAirAsia plans to establish an MRO facility in the Philippines. The Department of Finance said this will help to create more jobs and position the Philippines as a regional hub for aviation servicesSource: bworldonline.com/corporate/2025/01/27/649009/airasia-plans-mro-facility-in-philippines-dof/
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27-Jan-2025 🛬 inboundThe Department of Tourism (DOT) announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) titled “Cooperating for a Future with Hope in Tourism”, in response to the Oriental Mindoro oil spill crisis in 2023. Through the partnership, DOT will host alternative livelihood training programmes to emergency- or disaster-hit tourism front-liners. DSWD will include affected tourism workers among those on the priority list for cash transfers, cash for work, and training for cash initiativesSource: traveldailymedia.com/philippine-department-of-tourism-prioritises-disaster-hit-tourism-workers/
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27-Jan-2025 🛬 inboundThe Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) presented a proposed cooperation agreement at the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2025, looking to strengthen partnership with Malaysia in promoting Muslim-friendly and sustainable tourism. The partnership is expected to focus on aligning Halal tourism standards, exchanging market strategies, and expanding opportunities in MICE tourism. Other initiatives include improving tourism infrastructure and simplifying travel processesSource: mb.com.ph/2025/1/27/philippines-malaysia-pursue-stronger-ties-in-green-tourism-development
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26-Jan-2025 🛬 inboundEconomic Planning Secretary said the Philippines remains one of the top-performing economies in Asia even though it fell short of the 2024 target. The country’s GDP grew by 5.8% from Q1-Q3 2024, lower than the 6.5%-8% target. In 2023, the Philippines' 5.6% GDP outpaced China (5.2%), Vietnam (5%), and Malaysia (3.8%)Source: newsinfo.inquirer.net/2028233/ph-growth-remains-impressive-says-neda
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24-Jan-2025 🛬 inboundChef Gordon Ramsay is looking to add 3 restaurants in the Philippines after the success of his restaurant in Newport World ResortsSource: ttgasia.com/2025/01/24/gordon-ramsay-shares-big-appetite-for-expansion-in-the-philippines/
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24-Jan-2025 🌏 outboundIn 2024, 818,666 Filipino tourists visited Japan, +31.56% YoY. The tourist arrivals peaked in Dec 2024 with 108,500 tourists, +37.2% YoYSource: businessmirror.com.ph/2025/01/24/pinoy-visitors-in-japan-surge-to-over-818666-in-2024/
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24-Jan-2025 🛬 inboundThe Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu launched the 2025 Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour for US tourists who want to visit the Philippines. The project is led by the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC. The 2025 VIP Tour will be held on 6-15 Jul and will bring participants to Manila, Laoag in Ilocos Norte, Vigan in Ilocos Sur, and Puerto Princesa in Palawan. There will also be a new VIP Next Gen Tour, which caters to a more active lifestly. The tour will visit Manila, Siargao, and Puerto PrincesaSource: traveldailymedia.com/philippines-launches-very-important-pinoy-tours-2025/
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24-Jan-2025 👨✈️ aviationPhilippine Airlines to list 15.24 billion of its shares on 27 Jan, about 57% of its total outstanding sharesSource: mb.com.ph/2025/1/24/pal-creditors-can-soon-sell-pal-holdings-shares-at-400-profit
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23-Jan-2025 👨✈️ aviationThe Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said Zamboanga International Airport (ZIA) resumed its operation on 23 Jan, after cracks were found in the passenger terminal following a magnitude 5.4 earthquake. CAAP said critical airport facilities didn’t sustain any significant damage and repair work is being carried out to restore the terminalSource: newsinfo.inquirer.net/2027594/cracks-seen-in-zamboanga-intl-airport-terminal-repairs-underway-caap
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23-Jan-2025 👨✈️ aviationCebu Pacific transferred its turboprop operations from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 to Clark International Airport. From 30 Mar, its flights to Masbate and Siargao will operate from Clark. Cebu Pacific will discontinue flights between Manila and Surigao and will offer alternative connections via Cebu. The airline said its subsidiary AirSwift will operate from NAIA Terminal 2 until Mar 2026Source: businessmirror.com.ph/2025/01/23/ceb-shifts-turboprop-operations-to-clark/
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23-Jan-2025 🛬 inboundNegros Oriental’s tourism arrival in 2024 reached 700,000 surpassing the government’s 500,000 targetSource: pna.gov.ph/articles/1242432
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22-Jan-2025 🛬 inboundThe Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said the Philippines will remain under La Nina alert until the Feb-Apr seasonSource: newsinfo.inquirer.net/2027158/fwd-pagasa-ph-remains-under-la-nina-alert-weak-short-lived-la-nina-expected
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22-Jan-2025 👨✈️ aviationClark International Airport operator said they are ready to welcome all island flights transferred from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) after the transfer of turboprops out of NAIASource: philstar.com/business/2025/01/22/2415896/clark-ready-host-more-island-flights
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22-Jan-2025 👨✈️ aviationAirAsia Philippines recorded a surge in bookings with 220,000 passengers travelling to destinations such as Japan, Hong Kong, Incheon, Taiwan, and Kuala Lumpur in conjunction with Lunar New Year festivitiesSource: manilastandard.net/business/314549591/airasia-ph-logs-strong-bookings-for-lunar-new-year.html
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22-Jan-2025 🛬 inboundAgoda pledged $1.5 million USD for conservation projects in Asia. Agoda launched its 4th Eco Deals program in partnership with the WWF. With every booking at a participating hotel, Agoda will donate $1 USD towards WWF’s conservation efforts. The program will be available from 20 Jan-19 Dec. The fund supports; - tiger conservation in Malaysia - whale sharks protection in the Philippines - elephants conservation in Thailand - safeguarding saolas in Vietnam - ecosystems restoration in Indonesia - urban wetlands development in Laos - supporting rangers in CambodiaSource: ttgasia.com/2025/01/22/agoda-pledges-up-to-us1-5-million-for-conservation-projects-in-asia/
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22-Jan-2025 🛬 inboundThe Department of Tourism (DOT) said they are pushing for better visa policies for Indian tourists to attract more tourists. In 2024, 5 million Indian tourists visited Southeast Asia but the Philippines only welcomed 79,000 tourists, which was already +12.8% YoY. The Tourism Secretary said the Philippines has the potential to attract more Indian tourists for wedding tourism and divingSource: abs-cbn.com/news/business/2025/1/22/more-indian-tourists-eyed-as-chinese-visitors-fall-1509
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22-Jan-2025 🛬 inboundThe Clark Development Corporation (CDC) said they are not looking for new owners for Fontana Leisure Parks and Casino after the current operator was issued with a cease-and-desist order (CDO). The park has 2,000 active membersSource: rappler.com/philippines/no-plans-yet-finding-new-owners-fontana-leisure-parks-casino/
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21-Jan-2025 🛬 inboundThe Philippines will host the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026 in Cebu, Manila, and Boracay in 2026. The Tourism Secretary accepted the chairmanship of the ATF 2026 during a ceremonial handover held at the Johor International Convention Center on 20 Jan. The Philippines will take over ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026. The ASEAN Tourism Minister’s Meeting will be held in Cebu in Jan 2026Source: cebudailynews.inquirer.net/618672/asean-tourism-forum-2026-ph-to-host-it-in-cebu-boracay
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21-Jan-2025 👨✈️ aviationNew NAIA Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC) is proposing to limit general aviation to one slot per hour in Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to optimise runway usage for commercial flights. NNIC expects to implement this after the midterm elections in May. The airport recorded 40 aircraft movements per hour in 2024Source: gulfnews.com/business/aviation/philippines-less-private-jets-on-worst-in-the-world-manila-airport-1.500019806
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21-Jan-2025 🛬 inboundThe Philippines is looking to work with Malaysia in various tourism sectors including Muslim-friendly tourism, MICE, wellness, and culture to exchange experiences and knowledge, signing an MoU. The Malaysian Tourism Minister also met with the Cambodian Tourism Minister to discuss the proposal for a joint working group establishment to implement an MoU signed in 2019Source: dayakdaily.com/malaysia-strengthens-tourism-ties-with-philippines-cambodia-sets-sights-on-vmy-2026/
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21-Jan-2025 🛬 inboundThe Philippine Department of Tourism and the Thai Ministry of Tourism and Sports extended their tourism development cooperation with the signing of the Implementation Program of the Agreement on Cooperation on Tourism on 19 Jan, on the sidelines of the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2025. The programme will run from 2025-2030 and will focus on strengthening travel facilitation, enhancing research and development, and improving tourism management and operations; exchange of best practices; talent development; exchange of officials and staff delegation; and joint tourism promotions and marketingSource: ttgasia.com/2025/01/21/philippines-thailand-forge-five-year-tourism-cooperation-deal/
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19-Jan-2025 🛬 inboundAround 4 million people gathered to take part in various activities on 19 Jan for Sinulog 2025 in Cebu City, exceeding the 2024 numbers of 2.5-3 million people. Police said the festival remained peaceful and orderlySource: cebudailynews.inquirer.net/618377/sinulog-2025-4m-people-crowd-cebu-city
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18-Jan-2025 👨✈️ aviationThe Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) said the fuel surcharge will be maintained at Level 4 in Feb for the 5th consecutive month, the lowest in recent years. Passengers will pay between 117-342 PHP for domestic flights and 385.70-2,867.82 PHP for international flights under Level 4. The surcharge will be at; - 184 PHP for Caticlan, Legaspi, Kalibo, and Roxas flights - 232 PHP for Laoag, Iloilo, Bacolod, Cebu, and Puerto Princesa - 296 PHP for Dumaguete, Tagbilaran, Siargao and Cagayan - 318 PHP for Zamboanga, Cotabato, and Davao - 385.70 PHP for Taiwan, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Cambodia - 523.68 PHP for China - 533.42 PHP for Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia - 600 PHP for Indonesia, Japan, and South Korea - 1,327.14 PHP for Australia and the Middle East - 2,731.26 PHP for North America and the UKSource: business.inquirer.net/501813/no-change-in-fuel-surcharge-in-feb-says-cab
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18-Jan-2025 🛬 inboundThe Department of Tourism (DOT) said “no one will be left behind” under the agency’s effort to modernise and make the Philippines more accessible to tourists. DOT will partner with Klook to offer access for tourism stakeholders, including travel agents and tour operators, to Klook’s users. Under the partnership, curated travel and tour packages will be developed through the Philippine Experience Program (PEP) covering Ilocos, Bicol, Calabarzon, Western Visayas, and Palawan. Klook will offer airport transfers and day tours at Clark and Mactan-Cebu AirportsSource: philstar.com/headlines/2025/01/18/2415072/dot-no-one-left-behind-digitalizing-philippine-tourism
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17-Jan-2025 🛬 inboundThe Department of Tourism (DOT) has said that China continues to be an important source market for the Philippines, despite “prevalent” geopoliticsSource: panaynews.net/china-remains-an-important-market-in-ph-tourism-dot/
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17-Jan-2025 👨✈️ aviationSunlight Air has procured a new ATR 72-600, growing its fleet to 4. The airline plans to increase its flight frequencies in 2025, as well as add new routesSource: philstar.com/business/2025/01/17/2414707/sunlight-expands-fleet-new-turboprop
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17-Jan-2025 🛬 inboundThe Great Boracay Gateway from 15 Jan-15 Feb will offer exclusive travel deals and perks from more than 30 hotels, F&B, and wellness providers. This event is an effort by the Boracay MICE AllianceSource: ttgmice.com/2025/01/17/boracay-lures-travellers-with-travel-perks-and-deals/
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17-Jan-2025 👨✈️ aviationThe Mati Airport in Davao Oriental will undergo a major upgrade in 2025. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) will collaborate with the local governments to carry out this project. The upgrades involve a new passenger terminal building, parking facility, runway and taxiway upgrades to accommodate larger aircraftSource: newsinfo.inquirer.net/2025754/mati-airport-in-davao-oriental-set-for-major-rehabilitation
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17-Jan-2025 👨✈️ aviationAirAsia Philippines said they are ready to accommodate 150,000 passengers flying to Aklan for the Ati-Atihan FestivalSource: pna.gov.ph/articles/1242062
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17-Jan-2025 👨✈️ aviationCebu Pacific launched flight service between Manila and Sapporo, Japan from 16 Jan, with 3X weekly flightsSource: manilastandard.net/business/314548102/cebu-pacific-expands-route-launches-flights-to-sapporo.html#:~:text=Cebu%20Pacific%20will%20operate%20direct,to%2063%20percent%20on%20airfare.
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16-Jan-2025 👨✈️ aviationCebu Pacific recorded 24.5 million passengers in 2024, +17.6% YoY. Both domestic and international travellers recorded 15.5% and 24.6% growth. Domestic passengers made up 76% of the passengers at 18.5 million and international passengers were recorded at 6 million. The airline’s seat load factor (SLF) reached 84.4% in 2024. Cebu Pacific’s seat capacity grew to 29.1 million in 2024, +17.1%. Cebu Pacific offers flights to 37 domestic and 26 international destinations with its 98 aircraftSource: rappler.com/business/cebu-pacific-increase-passengers-2024/
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16-Jan-2025 🛬 inboundKlook Philippines and the Department of Tourism (DOT) have signed an MoU and Strategic Alliance to feature top Philippine Experience Program destinations on the Klook website, as well as the Tourist Rest Areas into the site. Klook also plans to have a presence at regional roadshows at major tourism hubs like Mactan-Cebu International Airport and Clark International AirportSource: mb.com.ph/2025/1/16/dot-klook-philippines-promote-digital-innovation-to-improve-tourism-experience-nationwide
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16-Jan-2025 🛬 inboundThe Bolinao Tourism Office said the town in Pangasinan recorded 744,430 tourist arrivals in 2024, +17% YoY. Among the tourists, 511,846 were day tourists and 232,584 were overnight tourists. The tourists were from; - Ilocos Region, 249,175 visitors - Central Luzon, 84,829 - National Capital Region, 67,719 - Calabarzon, 15,359 - Cordillera Administrative Region, 13,255 The town recorded its peak season in Apr 2024 with 121,411 tourists. The top visited destinations in 2024 were; - Bolinao Falls, 148,902 visitors - Balingasay River, 144,660 visitors - Cape Bolinao Lighthouse, 85,884 - Patar White Beach, 65,023 - Bolinao Caves, 49,990 visitors - Camp Puor, 13,849 - River Village, 3,118 visitorsSource: pna.gov.ph/articles/1241990
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15-Jan-2025 🛬 inboundThe Department of Tourism (DOT) said the tourists are spending 11 nights on average in the Philippines compared to 9 nights in 2019. Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines CEO said the tourists are spending $2,073 USD per arrival and over 70% of tourists are repeat visitorsSource: gmanetwork.com/news/money/economy/932999/tourists-in-ph-spend-an-average-of-11-nights/story/
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15-Jan-2025 🛬 inboundDavao Travel Agents Association President said the travel industry recorded a surge of tourists in 2024 attributed to increased aircraft availability and frequent flights. He said the airlines' daily schedules are almost full. Davao International Airport (DIA) recorded +15% YoY passenger arrivals and the trend is expected to continue in 2025Source: sunstar.com.ph/davao/davao-tourists-surge-in-2024
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15-Jan-2025 🛬 inboundThe Philippines President ordered the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to restore the 400 million PHP branding budget for the Department of Tourism (DOT) “to sustain the momentum” the Philippines already has in the international scene. The funding will be sourced from the Office of the President’s contingency fundSource: newsinfo.inquirer.net/2024882/marcos-orders-reinstatement-of-dots-p400-million-branding-budget
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15-Jan-2025 👨✈️ aviationPhilippines Airlines (PAL) launched new daily services between Cauayan, Isabela, and Manila from 15 JanSource: pna.gov.ph/articles/1241854
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15-Jan-2025 🛬 inboundDusit Thani Philippines Inc signed hotel management agreements with IDC Prime, a subsidiary of Italpinas Development Corp, to manage Dusit Princess Firenze and Dusit Princess Moena hotels in Northern Mindanao. Both hotels will be opened in late 2029Source: stg-www.channelnewsasia.com/press-release/dusit-international-strengthens-philippines-presence-two-new-hotels-mindanao-547141
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14-Jan-2025 🛬 inboundJobstreet by SEEK Philippines published a study called “Decoding Global Talent Report: GenAI Edition”. The study found that 40% of Filipino employees are willing to spend time learning new skills at least once a week. The portal also urged employers to upskill their workforce to retain talentSource: philstar.com/business/2025/01/14/2413936/employers-urged-invest-upskilling-retain-talent
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14-Jan-2025 🛬 inboundThe Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines and the Department of Tourism (DOT) will participate in the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) from 15 Jan in Johor Bahru, MalaysiaSource: ttgasia.com/2025/01/14/philippines-delegation-readies-for-asean-tourism-forum-this-week/
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14-Jan-2025 🛬 inboundThe Department of Tourism (DOT) will promote the Philippines in key markets. The Tourism Secretary said they will continue the global campaign for ‘Love the Philippines’ (LVP) in the US, Europe, Asia, and even the Middle East. In 2024, DOT awarded 273 million PHP in projects in branding and marketing. CTV Corporate Television Inc received the largest at 96 million PHPSource: businessmirror.com.ph/2025/01/14/dot-awards-p273-million-in-branding-marketing-projects/
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13-Jan-2025 🛬 inbound1.8 million members of the Christian group Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) protested in Manila against the impeachment cases filed against Vice President Sara Duterte. The group also staged protests in 12 citiesSource: straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/more-than-1m-protest-in-philippine-church-rally-over-impeachment-cases-against-vp-sara-duterte
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13-Jan-2025 🛬 inboundThe Philippines is focusing on the wellness efforts on the Filipino traits of malasakit (compassionate care), and aruga (care and nurture). The Philippines is looking beyond Asia Pacific to luxury buyers in the US, Europe, and the Middle East. In 2024, the Philippines welcomed 200,000 guests for health and wellness tourismSource: ttgasia.com/2025/01/13/the-philippines-intensifies-wellness-tourism-efforts/
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13-Jan-2025 👨✈️ aviationThe Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) is increasing its efforts to prevent bird strikes in airports all over the Philippines following an incident involving a South Korean airline, which claimed 179 lives. In 2024, Ninoy Aquino International Airport recorded 181 incidents. CAAP introduced various measures such as dispersal tools and habitat control but the authorities said long-term solutions are needed. CAAP reported 480 bird strikes around the country in 2024Source: businessmirror.com.ph/2025/01/13/caap-480-birdstrikes-nationwide-in-2024/
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