Korea Tourism Organization Showcases Korea's Spring Wonders at Travel Tour Expo 2026

The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) Manila invites Filipino travelers to discover the beauty of Korea this spring at the Travel Tour Expo (TTE) 2026. With cherry blossoms in full bloom, vibrant cultural activities, and exciting K-pop events, this year’s campaign highlights April’s Holy Week as the perfect time to experience Korea’s breathtaking spring landscapes.

Spring and Cherry Blossom Highlights

Cherry Blossom Season (March–April 2026): Korea’s most iconic spring attraction, with Seoul, Busan, Jinhae, and Jeju offering unforgettable flower festivals and scenic tours.

Intramuros shines with culture and community in first-ever Summer Festival

Summer 2025 will see the Walled City opening its gates not just to history lovers, but to families, music fans, wellness enthusiasts, and curious wanderers looking for summery things to do.

On Saturday, April 26, 2025, the Intramuros Administration (IA) will celebrate its 46th founding anniversary month with the launch of the very first "Intramuros Summer Festival," a full-day celebration of Filipino culture, creativity, and community spirit.

IA sees the festival not just as a one-off event, but the start of an annual tradition that breathes new life into the historic district. With summer in full swing, the festival is expected to draw large crowds and boost local businesses, offering both cultural enrichment and economic benefits.

Palawan Launches Travel and Trade Expo 2025 to Promote Domestic Tourism

Palawan is set to take center stage as the Palawan: World’s Best Island Travel andTradeExpo 2025 unfolds from February 5 to 7, 2025, at the Glorietta Mall Activity Center. 

This event aims to inspire Filipinos to explore the wonders of Palawan, promoting domestictravel as a significant contributor to the local economy. 

It also aims to position Palawan as a must-visit destination for 2025, highlighting its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and commitment to sustainable tourism. It will feature exclusive travel deals, live cultural performances, and networking opportunities. 

Domestic Tourism: A Call to Action 

Have Tickets, Will Travel: Filipino Concert Tourism Takes Flight with Seamless Travel Tools

With Filipinos investing in ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ musical experiences, GCash enables worry-free travel with a convenient platform for travel insurance and enables payment options overseas

From Swifties who flocked to The Eras Tour to KPop stans chasing their biases, Filipinos are increasingly willing to travel overseas to see their favorite music acts.

Many combine these trips with vacations to fuel the growing trend of music tourism. A study by Expedia notes that 44% of the respondents would travel to take in a concert as an excuse to visit a new destination.

Dive Into Beauty: Discover Why the Philippines Is a Premier Dive Destination

Known as one of the world’s top diving destinations, the Philippines was hailed as Asia’s Leading Dive Destination at the World Travel Awards (WTA) Asia and Oceania Gala Ceremony which was held at City of Dreams Manila last September. 

The Philippines is honored to host the prestigious WTA for the first time as it shows the country’s readiness to stage such international events. Known as the “Oscars” of the travel industry, the WTA was established in 1993 and rewards outstanding members of the tourism industry. Internationally recognized for being the ultimate hallmark of quality, WTA winners are seen as the benchmark for everyone in the tourism industry.

DOT, TPB to lead Philippine Delegation to World Travel Market 2024 London

With the goal of showcasing the Philippines' diverse tourism offerings and solidifying its position as a premier global destination, the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines will lead the largest Philippine delegation to the World Travel Market (WTM) 2024 since the pandemic. The WTM 2024 will be held from November 5 to 7, 2024, at ExCeL, London.

The WTM is one of the leading global business-to-business events for the travel industry, bringing together tourism professionals, government ministers, and international media to showcase innovations in travel and tourism. Founded in 1980, the event serves as a vital platform for nations to build business connections and strengthen their global presence.

"We see the World Travel Market London as a vital platform to present the Philippines to a global audience, showcasing the distinctive qualities that set our country apart—from our award-winning destinations and vibrant culture to our rich gastronomy, world-class hospitality facilities, and the renowned warmth of the Filipino people. With our largest delegation of tour operators, hotels, and resorts since the pandemic, the DOT and TPB Philippines are strategically positioned to strengthen international partnerships and solidify the Philippines as a premier destination in the global tourism market, reaffirming our commitment to transforming the country into a tourism powerhouse in Asia, as envisioned by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.,” said DOT Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.

Exploring Manila’s Storied Past Through the Walled City

Take a journey back in time and immerse yourself in the Philippines’ rich history and culture when you visit Intramuros. Conveniently located in the heart of Manila, this popular attraction was once again hailed as Asia’s Leading Tourist Destination last September 3 at the World Travel Awards (WTA) Asia and Oceania Gala Ceremony held at City of Dreams Manila.

“We are delighted that Intramuros continues to spark the interest of both local and foreign travelers as the Walled City is our gateway to our past. Its storied walls and timeless streets remind us of our resilience as a people. We are grateful for its recent win as Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction at the World Travel Awards as it validates our efforts to create the best experiences for our guests,” said Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco. 

Frasco returns to Sulu, leads groundbreaking of Tourist Rest Area

A promise fulfilled, Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco led the groundbreaking of a Tourist Rest Area (TRA) in Patikul, Province of Sulu on Wednesday (Sept. 18).

“I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to return, to fulfill a promise, the promise that under the Administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.—under the vision of a Bagong Pilipinas—no one will be left behind in the development of our country,” the Tourism Chief said.

Philippines successfully hosts World Travel Awards 2024, bags eight awards

The Philippines has once again demonstrated its status as one of Asia’s premier tourism destinations by clinching a total of eight recognitions at the 31st World Travel Awards (WTA). This is the first time the country hosted the prestigious travel and tourism awards gala ceremony through the combined efforts of the Department of Tourism and its attached agency, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines.

During the Asia & Oceania Gala Ceremony 2024 at the City of Dreams held on Tuesday (Sep. 3), the Philippines was honored as Asia’s Leading Dive Destination for the sixth consecutive year since 2019, as it bagged the titles of Asia’s Leading Beach Destination and Asia’s Leading Island Destination.

Some of the country’s top destinations also took center stage at this year’s WTA, with the historic Walled City of Intramuros recognized as Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction, while Boracay nailed the title of Asia’s Leading Luxury Island Destination, and Cebu as Asia’s Leading Wedding Destination.

Iloilo's first Tourist Rest Area to further boost Western Visayas tourism

Tubungan, Iloilo–The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Friday (Aug. 23), led the groundbreaking ceremony and memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing of the Tourist Rest Area (TRA) in the Municipality of Tubungan, Iloilo.

Situated in Brgy. Igpaho, the TRA in Tubungan is the first to be constructed in the province of Iloilo and the Western Visayas region.

In her address during the MOA signing program, DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco underscored the importance of basic infrastructure in the development of towns and the nation, as she had seen first hand as a former Mayor.

Another First: Philippines to Host the World Travel Awards in September

The Philippines is solidifying its position as a premier MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination by hosting, for the first time, the World Travel Awards (WTA) Asia & Oceania Gala Ceremony. The red-carpet event organized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) will be held on 03 September 2024 at the City of Dreams Manila.

DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco expressed her enthusiasm, “This not only marks a historical tourism milestone for our country under the Marcos administration, but also serves as a testament to the Philippines' growing prominence and readiness to host high-caliber international events. We are glad that esteemed global organizations, like the World Travel Awards, are recognizing our capacity to deliver world-class hospitality, superior event management, and unparalleled tourism experiences,” adding that the gala is also an avenue to network with various tourism stakeholders in the region.

Enjoy a magical and sun-sational Winter in Dubai with Emirates

Travelers can enjoy attractive deals on flights and exclusive discounts at retail, leisure, and dining outlets

From stunning sandscapes and a winter wonderland, to a sneak peek into the future, a winter in Dubai promises to invigorate and delight all travelers. For a limited time only, travelers from the Philippines can enjoy special fares to Dubai when flying with Emirates, with all-inclusive Economy Class fares from Manila, Cebu, and Clark to Dubai starting at USD 517 and Business Class fares starting at USD 1883. Bookings have to be made from December 4 to 17, 2023 for travel from December 5, 2023, to June 30, 2024, both dates inclusive.

New report shows Airbnb contribution to the Philippines economy and jobs since post pandemic travel reshuffle

Airbnb activities contributed USD$840 million (45.7 million pesos) to Gross Domestic Product and supported almost 103,800 jobs in the Philippines in 2022* alone. 

In 2022*, one in every 77 jobs in the tourism industry in the Philippines was associated with Airbnb.

Report also explores dispersal of tourism away from urban areas, and long-term stays driven by the emergence of flexible work arrangements since the pandemic.

New research from Oxford Economics found Airbnb is an important pillar of the Philippines’s tourism industry, with its activities contributing USD$840 million (45.7 million pesos) to Gross Domestic Product and supporting almost 103,800 jobs in the Philippines in 2022* alone. 

Services at Qatar Visa Center: What you need to know before you visit Qatar

With some 250,000 Filipinos working in Qatar, the Gulf country remains one of the more popular destinations for Overseas Filipino Workers. Filipinos going to Qatar for work, must obtain a work visa (VRN) through their sponsor in Qatar and subsequently complete their biometric enrollment, undergo medical examinations and sign their work contracts by visiting the Qatar Visa Center in Manila, before traveling to Qatar.

Qatar Visa Centers (QVC) are operated under the mandate of the Ministry of Interior (MoI). These centers only handle administrative and non-judgmental aspects, including biometric enrollment and medical services following the requirements of the Ministry of Interior, state of Qatar.

Emirates and Etihad announce interline expansion, offering better itinerary options to boost UAE tourism

Emirates Airline and Etihad Airways have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand their interline agreement and provide travelers additional itinerary options when visiting the UAE. This first of its kind agreement between the two UAE carriers aims to capitalize on opportunities to boost tourism to the UAE from key source markets by enabling visitors to experience more than one destination in a single itinerary.

This summer, customers of each airline will be able to purchase a single ticket to fly into either Dubai or Abu Dhabi, with a seamless return via the other airport. The new agreement also provides travelers planning to explore the UAE with the flexibility of one-stop ticketing for their full journey and convenient baggage check-in.

10 Interesting Places in Puerto Galera

by Indie Lifestyle

Many of us are keen on exploring what kind of world there is outside Manila. We love travel, adventures and new experiences. We seek time to finally do it one day. But what if we tell you that going to Puerto Galera feels just like going to another country?

The Indie Lifestyle team, partners as well, we, Marco Julio and Rishen Ashikaga (and Mr. Chow) ventured into the unknown island, a magical town in Mindoro called Puerto Galera. We are about to tell you the adventures we had during our one week of stay.

Let's begin with some basic info.

New Airbnb data shows how tourism has dispersed post-pandemic, benefiting rural off-the-beaten-path communities in the Philippines and Southeast Asia

• Across parts of Southeast Asia and Asia Pacific, Airbnb recorded an increase in non-urban nights booked in Q2 2022 when compared with Q2 2019
• In the Philippines, travel interest in destinations outside major cities have increased with guest searches for Siquijor surging over 280 percent
• Tourism dispersal is creating new economic opportunities for more people in emerging destinations as they look for ways to combat rising costs of living

 

 

As the travel rebound continues to unfold, the benefits of tourism are spreading across the Asia Pacific. In Southeast Asia, new analysis by Airbnb reveals that the resurgence in domestic and inbound tourism is empowering locals to earn a living and make ends meet.

 

With people continuing to embrace flexible new approaches to travel and living, communities that have traditionally missed out in the past are increasingly well-positioned to secure a bigger slice of the tourism pie, according to new Airbnb report ‘Further Afield: Spreading the Benefits of the Travel Revolution’. Across the region, this has presented fresh opportunities for locals looking to supplement their income as they grapple with rising costs of living.

Positive signs of Philippine tourism recovery with more than 140 percent increase in international guest searches for Airbnb stays in the country

As travel restrictions continue to ease, international travelers are increasingly looking to visit the Philippines, according to newly released Airbnb data. Travelers are also eager to stay longer and explore more places than ever before, as part of a travel revolution that’s creating more economic opportunities for locals.

Since the country eased all travel restrictions in April, there has been an incredible amount of enthusiasm among international travelers looking to travel to the Philippines. Searches by international guests for Airbnb stays in the Philippines grew by more than 140 percent year-over-year from Q1 2021 to Q1 2022¹, suggesting that the travel industry is once again spurring economic recovery for the country.

Singapore Sights and Sounds from Orchard Road and Chinatown

Join Victor Anastacio in a tour around Singapore’s neighborhoods

Watch “VicTour Singapore”  here

With the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) now open between Singapore and the Philippines, vaccinated Filipinos can now enjoy easier and more convenient travel to the Lion City. Uncover more of Singapore with these hidden gems hiding in plain sight.  From Design Orchard’s wholesome locally made crafts, uniquely spicy beverages from No. 5 Bar, and an entire Museum of Ice Cream, all are found along with our favorite spots in Orchard Road or Chinatown. 

PH cited world’s top dive destination anew in 2021 World Travel Awards

The Philippines Department of Tourism (PDOT) announced today that the Philippines is, once again, the World’s Leading Dive Destination at the World Travel Awards (WTA) 2021. 

Tubbataha Reef, Puerto Princesa. Photo by Department of Tourism

“This distinction is indeed a great privilege, yet, it underlines our great responsibility of protecting and conserving our underwater resources so that these will also be enjoyed and experienced in their pristine natural state by future generations,” said Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.