Travel and Tourism

The Metro Manila hospitality sector is expected to reclaim its pre-pandemic occupancy levels by 2028, according to Colliers Philippines, a real estate services firm, arguing that a surge in domestic travel would offset the wave of new hotel room openings. Average hotel occupancy in the national capital region (NCR) is projected to climb to 65% in 2025 and 68% in …

Additional automated gates and self-check-in kiosks at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) have become available to passengers. A total of seven carriers are now participating at NAIA’s automated passenger processing program. The New Naia Infra Corp. (NNIC) said additional airlines have completed system integration across Terminals 1, 2 and 3, as part of NAIA’s ongoing airport modernization. These kiosks …

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is fast-tracking construction of relocation sites for families affected by the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) system in Bulacan and Pampanga. DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez said Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed all partner agencies, including local government units, to prioritize improved housing and recreational facilities for displaced households. The relocation project, named “El Nuevo De Municipio …

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is adding another $3 billion to the existing $4 billion it had already invested in the tourism sector of the Philippines, according to ADB East and Southeast Asia and the Pacific Vice President Scott Morris during the recently concluded ASEAN Tourism Summit held in Cebu.  ADB plans to pour in the $3 billion by 2030 …

Travel and tourism contributed $91.8 billion to the Philippine economy, according to the 2025 World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Economic Impact Report (EIR). According to the Department of Tourism (DOT), the report reflected the sector’s importance in driving growth and economic resilience in the country. The report was formally presented by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) during therecent ASEAN …

The Bohol Provincial Government proudly announced the reopening of Virgin Island, more than a year after it was closed due to environmental abuses. However, vendors will no longer be allowed to sell their wares on the sandbar while boat operations will be strictly monitored. The island’s reopening is part of the efforsts of Governor Erico Aumentado to promotesustainable tourism while …

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced that EDSA near the corner of West and North Avenues in Quezon City will be closed to traffic beginning February 1, 2026 due to scheduled girder launching activities of Metro Rail Transit 7. The lane closures will ensure safety of the motoring public while heavy equipment and …

The Philippines has a line-up of initiatives supporting the long-term growth of tourism, including expanded air access, language training for tourism workers, and new study-based travel offerings, according to Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco during the 5th meeting of ASEAN–Russian Federation Tourism Ministers. The tourism chief said the Philippines’ approach reflects the need to rebuild traveler confidence through reliable connectivity, clear …

Major transport groups, including the Provincial Bus Operators Association of the Philippines (PBOAP), oppose the proposal by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to allow large private vehicles used for carpooling services to enter the exclusive EDSA busway. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) thanked PBOAP executive director and spokesperson Alex Yague, Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers …

The Philippines was recognized as Asia’s Best Retirement Destination at the recent 11thTripZilla Excellence Awards, buttressing the Department of Tourism’s goal of positioning the country as a top retirement location in the world. TripZilla also recognized the Philippines as the Best Dive Destination and Destination of the Year. TripZilla is a leading Southeast Asian online travel platform. DOT Secretary Christina …