Travel and Tourism
TIEZA, Bayad Center launch online travel tax payment
March 27, 2019, 2:19 pm
MANILA -- Queuing for payment of travel taxes at the airport will be reduced soon as the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) partnered with CIS Bayad Center in launching a new Online Travel Tax Payment System (OTTPS). The payment scheme would allow passengers the option to… Read More
Leyte town gets add’l outlay to boost tourism
March 25, 2019, 9:14 pm
PALOMPON, Leyte -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) has turned over PHP1.5 million worth of various gears to three people’s organizations (POs) in this town as part of the post-Yolanda Comprehensive Recovery and Rehabilitation Project for tourism. On Sunday, DOT Regional Director Karina Rosa… Read More
DOT eyes 2 new cruise tourism sites in Eastern Visayas
March 25, 2019, 8:24 pm
TACLOBAN CITY -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) in Eastern Visayas is eyeing two additional tourist destinations in the region to be part of cruise tourism. DOT Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes said they have seen the potential of Sambawan Island in Maripipi, Biliran and the town of Liloan in… Read More
36 groups get ASEAN tourism award
March 22, 2019, 2:58 pm
MANILA – A total of 36 tourism enterprises in the Philippines were recognized for meeting minimum requirements set by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Tourism Standards in the Philippines. Rebecca Villanueva-Labit, director of the Department of Tourism (DOT)-Office of Tourism… Read More
'Balut': Yucky but yummy
March 18, 2019, 12:32 pm
MANILA -- Some foreigners find it yucky but to Filipinos, "balut" (boiled duck embryo) is one yummy delicacy that will never go out of style. Adding to the peculiarity of this appetizing street food is the melodious way vendors go about selling their wares throughout the night. Cries of balut will… Read More
DOH-Calabarzon provides more lifeguards to secure tourists
March 14, 2019, 7:58 pm
MANILA -- The Department of Health (DOH) 4-A (Calabarzon) has intensified its campaign on the safety and security of tourists engaging in water activities in the region through the Lifeguard Qualification Training Program. The training, which was held in Laiya, San Juan, Batangas from March 4-13,… Read More
2 hot air balloon fests set in Pampanga in April
March 14, 2019, 4:27 pm
MANILA -- Two hot air balloon festivals will be held in Pampanga next month, bringing once again the spotlight to the province as the Philippines' prime sports aviation events hub. The Lubao International Hot-Air Balloon and Music Festival, to be held on April 5-7, will be followed by the Front… Read More
Korean Air grounds Boeing 737 Max 8 planes until safety proven
March 14, 2019, 3:16 pm
MANILA -- South Korea's flag carrier Korean Air (KE) on Thursday announced it would not operate Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft "until safety is perfectly secured". "It's our own initiative. For now, the South Korean government has ordered Eastar Jet to suspend the operation of B737 Max 8, as it… Read More
Korean Air bares 50th anniversary plans
March 12, 2019, 8:26 am
MANILA -- South Korea's flag carrier Korean Air (KE) celebrates its 50th year this month, with more bold and exciting plans awaiting travelers. So Yeon Park, Korean Air's Global Communication Team assistant manager, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that continuous upgrade, new fleets, a new… Read More
Local tourists comprise 75% of arrivals in Dumaguete
March 11, 2019, 2:11 pm
DUMAGUETE CITY – About 70 to 75 percent of the total tourist arrivals in Dumaguete City are local visitors and mostly Filipinos. City Tourism Officer Jacqueline Veloso Antonio on Monday said it has been a trend since around 2014 that local tourists are far greater in number than foreigners,… Read More
Revisiting Antipolo's famous 'Hinulugang Taktak'
March 11, 2019, 12:32 pm
MANILA -- Pissed off with the daily commuting grind in Metro Manila's hot, steaming and concrete jungle? There is no need to look farther as "Hinulugang Taktak" Falls, one of Antipolo City's most famous landmarks, is a perfect venue for a weekend getaway. Located 21 kilometers from Manila and… Read More
Boracay citation reflects acceptance of PH tourism reforms: DOT
March 3, 2019, 1:20 pm
MANILA -- The recent naming of Boracay and El Nido as Asia's best beaches in the TripAdvisor 2019 Travelers' Choice Award reflects acceptance on the country's reforms and new policies to attain sustainable tourism, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said Sunday. “We take it that this… Read More
US travel firm names Boracay among best beaches in Asia
March 2, 2019, 6:10 pm
MANILA-- Boracay's White Beach was named the ninth best beach in Asia in TripAdvisor's 2019 Travelers' Choice Award. The recognition came following the island resort's reopening after it went through a six-month intensive rehabilitation last year. The award named 24 other beaches in Asia's Bests… Read More
PRRD to tap Gray as PH tourism ambassador: DOT
February 26, 2019, 5:58 pm
MANILA -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) will continue working with Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray in promoting the Philippines as President Rodrigo Duterte seeks to tap the beauty queen as the country's tourism ambassador, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said Tuesday. "We want her to… Read More
Baguio City remains all-time favorite summer destination
February 23, 2019, 1:44 pm
MANILA -- With the scorching months of March, April and May coming soon, expect thousands of Filipinos to flock to Baguio City (aka the City of Pines) to escape the searing heat. Located 4,810 feet or 1,470 meters above sea level, the nation's Summer Capital is also known for its "Panagbenga" or… Read More
Puyat defends font, logo of refreshed PH tourism campaign
February 20, 2019, 3:24 pm
MANILA -- Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat on Wednesday defended the country's refreshed tourism campaign after its new font and logo generated a few negative reactions from social media users. "The logo is inspired by woven textiles, the green is the rice terraces, the blue is the water… Read More
PH now included in Argentina's easy visa access system
February 20, 2019, 12:37 pm
MANILA -- Filipinos holding a non-immigrant B2 United States visa, who are planning to visit Argentina, may now find it easier to apply for a visa in the South American country. The Argentine government has included the Philippines among a group of selected countries that may avail of easier… Read More
DFA bares countries allowed visa-free entry to PH
February 19, 2019, 3:40 pm
MANILA -- In line with the country's refreshed tourism campaign inviting foreign tourists to the Philippines, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday released the list of nationals allowed visa-free entry to the country. The list, styled with the new font and logo for the country's… Read More
Gov't committed to ensure tourists' safety
February 18, 2019, 9:07 pm
MANILA -- Despite the recent Jolo bombings that prompted the issuance of fresh foreign travel advisories on the Philippines last month, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) assured foreign tourists the government is committed to their safety and security in the country. DILG… Read More
DOT eyes rehab in Siargao, Coron
February 18, 2019, 8:21 pm
MANILA-- The national government is serious in its bid for a sustainable tourism industry in the Philippines, Tourism chief Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said on Monday as she bared that future rehabilitation efforts are seen in Siargao and Coron. This as ongoing activities in Manila Bay, Boracay, and… Read More
