Travel and Tourism

Foreign tourists visiting the Philippines, at 8.26 million in 2019, slightly exceeded the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) target of 8.2 million for the year. The year-end figure was also 15.36 percent higher than the 7.16 million arrivals in 2018.

By Jonathan P. Gesmundo Interesting stories swirl around beauty pageants – dreams fulfilled, the winding road to the finals, pain and sacrifices, strain on family relations, the drama of a high-stakes contest.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has lifted the public notice on its security concerns at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia).

Six officials of the Philippine Coast Guard and Maritime Industry Authority were relieved from their posts following the recent tragedies at sea in the Iloilo Strait that killed 31 people.

Ride-sharing app provider Angkas called for Skyway O&M Corp. (SOMCo) to clarify its move to prohibit sub-400cc motorcycles to ply along Osmeña Highway, which took effect on July 22, as it is deemed uncoordinated with proper authorities and beyond its mandate of operating and maintaining toll roads under the South Metro Manila Skyway Project (SMMS).

British Airways canceled more than 100 flights to and from London airports and delayed many others August 7 after its check-in systems were hit by computer problems, stranding about 20,000 passengers.

License plates for vehicles registered before the start of the Duterte administration will be issued by mid- 2020.

Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Ed Monreal has assured the public that weighing scales at the check-in counters in all four Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) terminals are calibrated periodically before the first morning flight.

Philippine Airlines is flying two Philippine eagles from their sanctuary in Davao to Singapore, via Manila, as part of the first international Philippine Eagle loan Agreement between the governments of the Philippines (through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources) and Singapore (through Wildlife Reserves Singapore [WRS]).

By Nelly Lumbaca I met an extraordinary young man in Antique.