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Australia

Jetstar to Launch Exciting New Routes to the Philippines

Jetstar is making headlines with plans to introduce two brand-new routes connecting Australia and the Philippines, starting in November 2025. The airline aims to launch services from Brisbane to Cebu and Perth to Manila, marking a significant milestone for Australian travellers and Philippine tourism alike. Brisbane to Cebu: A Game-Changing Connection If it goes ahead, the Brisbane-Cebu service will create the only nonstop connection between Australia and Cebu City, the Philippines’ second-largest city. This route will also be the first direct link to the Philippines outside of Manila, opening up new travel opportunities for Australians while bringing a boost to Cebu’s thriving tourism sector. Famed for its stunning beaches and rich cultural heritage, Cebu is a gateway to some of the Philippines’ most iconic destinations. Nearby attractions include Bohol, home to the famed Chocolate Hills and adorable tarsiers, as well as the pristine beaches and lively festivals that define Cebu’s unique appeal. Events like the vibrant Pasigarbo sa Sugbo Festival showcase the province’s rich traditions, making it a must-visit destination. Perth to Manila: Expanding Options for West Coast Travellers Jetstar’s Perth-Manila route will complement existing flights by Philippine Airlines, offering Western Australians more options for travelling to the Philippines. Manila, the bustling capital, serves as a hub of cultural, historical, and culinary experiences, with highlights like the iconic Manila Cathedral and lively street markets. It’s also the perfect starting point to explore the rest of this diverse and captivating country. Details of the New Routes Jetstar has applied to the International Air Services Commission (IASC) for approval to operate the routes, with plans to begin services from 27 November 2025. Each route will run three times per week, operated by an Airbus A321NEO with 232 seats. Brisbane to Cebu (JQ101): Flights will depart Brisbane on Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday at 12:30pm, arriving in Cebu at 5:15pm (local time). The return flight (JQ100) will leave Cebu at 7:15pm, landing back in Brisbane at 4:00am the next day. Perth to Manila (JQ81): Flights will leave Perth on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 9:30pm, arriving in Manila at 4:35am the following day. Return flights will depart Manila on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 6:00am, arriving in Perth at 1:00pm. Jetstar’s application includes a total of 696 weekly seats, which will be fully utilised by 8 February 2026. The capacity may also be operated by Qantas, Jetstar, or another Qantas Group carrier. A Boost for Travel and Tourism Jetstar’s new services are expected to invigorate tourism between Australia and the Philippines. With stunning destinations like Great Barrier Reef-esque beaches, vibrant cultural experiences, and warm Filipino hospitality, the new routes are a win for Australian travellers looking for adventure. This expansion also marks Jetstar’s return to the Philippines after more than a decade. The airline’s last Philippine flights—between Darwin and Manila—ended in 2010, making this a highly anticipated comeback. Jetstar’s most recent new route, Sydney to Port Vila (Vanuatu), launched in December 2024, underscoring the carrier’s commitment to expanding travel options for Australians. A Bright Future for Philippine Tourism With these new routes, Jetstar is set to provide Australians with greater access to one of Southeast Asia’s most enchanting destinations. From the bustling streets of Manila to the island paradise of Cebu, these flights will bring new opportunities for cultural exchange, economic growth, and unforgettable travel experiences. Ready to experience the best of the Philippines? Jetstar’s flights are on track to take off, delivering more fun in the Philippines starting November 2025!

Adventure Tourism

Decommissioned Philippine Navy vessel to become tourist attraction in the Southern Philippines

The decommissioned Philippine Navy vessel BRP Rizal (PS-74) is slated to become the newest tourist attraction in the Southern Philippines. Dinagat Islands governor Nilo Demerey Jnr announced on Monday, 24th March, that he formally received approval for the vessel’s transfer. Originally lodged in October 2022, Demerey’s request to acquire the BRP Rizal was finally cleared by the US State Department as the vessel was built in the United States. Demerey said: "We're scheduled to meet Philippine Navy officials this week to process the transfer documents.” A storied vessel Originally named the USS Murrelet (AM-372), the vessel was built during the Second and will find a new life as a floating museum, hotel, and educational facility for both local and foreign tourists. The Auk-class minesweeper served in the Korean War before being transferred to the Philippines in 1965 under US military assistance.  It was decommissioned in January 2020. According to Demerey: "The people of Dinagat are grateful to both US and Philippine administrations for this approval.”

Asia

The Manila Hotel hailed the Philippines’ Best Heritage Hotel

The Manila Hotel, an icon of Philippine hospitality, again shone as a contemporary legend as it was hailed as the country’s Best Heritage Hotel at Tatler Best Philippines 2025.  The accolade is part of Tatler Philippines’ recently reconceptualised Tatler Best guide, and was given in recognition of the hotel’s steadfast commitment to preserving its storied past while delivering the true Filipino hospitality it is known for. The Manila Hotel’s vice-president for sales and marketing Marvin Kim Tan declared: “This award is a testament to The Manila Hotel’s unwavering commitment to preserving its rich legacy while providing exceptional service. We are immensely grateful for the guidance of our president, Atty Jose D Lina Jnr, and the visionary leadership of our board of directors, whose dedication has enabled this remarkable milestone possible.”  A true icon Steeped in history, The Manila Hotel has long been a witness to pivotal moments in Philippine history, having hosted dignitaries, celebrities, and industry leaders.  Its storied halls echo with the narratives of those who have shaped the nation, making it a living landmark of heritage and grandeur. Beyond its rich historical significance, The Manila Hotel remains a benchmark of luxury and Filipino hospitality, offering a carefully curated selection of experiences.  These include historical tours of Rizal Park, Intramuros, the National Museums, and more, as well as the Heritage Museum, which features the hotel’s captivating historical photos and archives.  The hotel also maintains an Art Gallery that celebrates Filipino creativity, alongside dining experiences that pay homage to local culinary traditions. As The Manila Hotel pays tribute to its illustrious past, it also looks toward the future, ensuring that every guest enjoys an unparalleled blend of history, luxury, and true Filipino hospitality: an institution where history lives on.

Adventure Tourism

Villages in the Northern Philippines are benefiting from tourism

The recent efforts of the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT)’s search for more destinations in the Northern Philippines has proven fruitful. Thanks to the DOT-Cordillera Office’s efforts, more villages have become destinations for cultural and ecotourism, drawing visitors who want to experience tranquility in natural surroundings. Prior to the initiative, La Diyang Haven in Tuba, Benguet was the only eco-tourism destination in the area, one that collaborated with nearby attractions for a holistic tourism experience.   According to La Diyang Haven’s head Cristina Tolero, the inclusion of nearby villages will prove a boon to everyone. Tolero said: "We offer loop tourism service so that there will be more activities for the visitors and there will be more of us to benefit aside from sharing our practices.” The collective destination now gives visitors an experience where they can commune with nature by walking through a virgin forest, munching on food growing from the ground and enjoy a slow food meal of organically grown or raised fruits, vegetables, fish, and livestock.   Cultural presentations are also prepared for tourists whose visits are scheduled, showing the Ibaloi dancers garbed in their traditional attire. Acceptance leads to benefits DOT regional director in the Cordillera Administrative Region Jovita Ganongan, expressed appreciation that villagers are accepting tourism and opening their places for the appreciation of tourists. She noted that the Department’s search for The Best Tourism Village is making even the indigenous peoples (IPs) of the area more open to promoting the beauty of their places and their unique culture to the outside world.  While there are several beautiful attractions in the six provinces and two cities of the region, inviting tourists to visit these places requires the readiness of the local residents, and sustainability requires community acceptance and willingness.  Ganongan said: "The issue of acceptance and opening up is already addressed in the search because it is the community members themselves that come out and say they are ready to accept outsiders and show the beauty of their places.”

Asia

Philippines generates over US$10 million in sales leads at ITB Berlin

The Philippine Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) announced that its participation at the Internationale Tourismus-Börse (ITB) Berlin 2025 in Berlin, Germany yielded over US$10 million in sales leads. In a statement released on Monday, 17th March, the TPB declared that leads generated at ITB 2025 were 30.31 percent higher than in 2024. TPB chief operating officer Maria Margarita Nograles said: “The enthusiasm for our renowned and emerging destinations affirms the transformative experiences that await visitors to our shores. I am immensely proud of the unwavering commitment of our Philippine sellers, whose hard work translated into strong partnerships with the global tourism industry.” This is the 40th time that the Philippines has participated at ITB Berlin, having originally joined in 1985. Best foot forward on the world stage The Philippines showcased world-class artistry and creativity at this year’s ITB Berlin, with 29 private sector exhibitors from the travel and tour agencies, destination management companies, and the accommodation sector making up its delegation As part of the booth activations for the three-day fair, guests witnessed a live demonstration of handmade Sagada stoneware pottery and had the opportunity to make their own pottery. Likewise, exhibitors presented the country’s foremost destinations, namely Siargao, Boracay, Palawan, Cebu, Iloilo, Ilocos Sur, and Negros Occidental, to potential foreign buyers and travellers. According to Nograles: “Along with our country's breathtaking destinations comes a diversity of immersive experiences visitors can enjoy. We are optimistic that the partnerships we have forged and the interest we have generated will lead to greater global awareness of the Philippines and, ultimately, increased visitor arrivals, strengthening our tourism industry in the years ahead.”

Asia

Philippines launches travel permit system for minors travelling abroad

The Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has launched an automated travel permit system for minors travelling abroad (MTAs). The new system was developed to expedite transactions, thus doing away with the intervention of middlemen when it comes to obtaining official government permits. According to assistant secretary Ada Colico, head of the DSWD Protective Programmes Office, only parents or legal guardians of minors may use the system to apply for a child’s travel clearance.  At a press forum held on Thursday, 13th March, Colico stated outright: “The only people authorised to create accounts for MTAs are their parents and legal guardians. Anyone else, such as fixers, will not be allowed to create accounts as the system requires the identity of a parent or a guardian through relevant documents such as their National ID.” Why the system is necessary The MTA travel permit system is part of the Philippine government’s preventive measures against child-trafficking. Without a government-issued clearance, individuals under 18 years of age may not be allowed to travel outside the country. Colico explained that the old system was time-consuming on the part of parents and guardians, prompting them to seek the services of travel agents or fixers to expedite the process. Under the streamlined process of securing travel clearance, parents or guardians no longer need to visit a DSWD national or regional office in person, and may submit their applications directly online. Applicants can receive their requested document between one to three working days upon their compliance to complete and verified documents. This new online system is also a sustainable way to address red tape whilst ensuring that minors travelling outside the country have received the full consent of their parents or legal guardians. Colico said: “We have simplified and streamlined the processing of applications, making it more client-centric to ensure the protection of children from the perils of abuse, trafficking and other forms of exploitation.” The digitisation of the DSWD’s MTA travel permit system complies with the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) or Republic Act (RA) No. 11032, legislation that recognises technology as an essential tool in enhancing transparency and accountability in government transactions with minimal human intervention.

Global

DOT Philippines opens TRA and first Klook kiosk in CamSur 

In its goal to enhance the overall tourist experience, the Department of Tourism (DOT) inaugurated the Tourist Rest Area (TRA) and the first Klook Kiosk at Talisay Port, Brgy. Dolo, San Jose, Camarines Sur. The TRA is designed to provide essential amenities and information services to both local and international visitors, while the Klook Kiosk allows tourists to conveniently book local tours and travel services. Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco led the ribbon-cutting ceremony together with Camarines Sur 4th District representative Arnulf Bryan Fuentebella, San Jose Mayor Jerold Peña, Klook Philippines General Manager Michelle Ho, and Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) Assistant Chief Operating Officer (ACOO) Gregory Oller. Also present were DOT officials Undersecretary Ferdinand Jumapao, Director Glenn Albert Ocampo, and Region V Director Herbie Aguas. TRA to bring improved tourism experience and economic opportunities Similar to other TRAs earlier launched by the DOT, the TRA in San Jose, Camarines Sur features an information lounge, charging stations, shower rooms, toilets, first aid supplies, a rainwater harvesting system, and a pasalubong center showcasing local products from San Jose and nearby municipalities. Secretary Frasco highlighted the Marcos Administration’s commitment to improving tourism infrastructure and creating economic opportunities for local communities through their initiatives: “The Tourist Rest Area program of the Marcos Administration is born out of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s desire to elevate the quality of the Philippine tourism experience, and importantly, to provide added opportunities for economic advancement para sa ating mga kababayan in our tourism destinations.” More than 90 TRAs are slated to be constructed within the year, underscoring the DOT’s strategic focus on improving tourism infrastructure nationwide. Secretary Frasco also provided an overview of the TRA’s modern amenities designed to offer tourists convenience and comfort, encouraging them to explore more of the region. “All in all, what I hope that the Tourist Rest Area project conveys is that this is only the beginning of the relationship that we wish to be able to establish here and the measures of support that the Marcos Administration is ready, willing and able to provide for the development of your tourism industry,” she added. Book your Klook tours at the nearest TRA The Klook Kiosk launched in San Jose, the first of its kind in the Philippines, allows tourists to easily book tours and travel services, offering exclusive discounts for both local and international travelers. Secretary Frasco stressed the significance of the DOT’s partnership with Klook in promoting local tourism and making travel bookings more accessible by leveraging the platform’s wide reach and extensive customer base. “This partnership with Klook, we are very, very grateful for, and we are hopeful that it can add to the local economy of San Jose and of course, CamSur”. Klook Philippines General Manager Michelle Ho expressed confidence that the new facility would improve connectivity between tourists and local providers. “The Tourist Rest Area is not just a space for rest—it’s a gateway for our tourists to explore and to also experience the unique and vibrant offerings of the region,” the Klook official said. “This Tourist Rest Area initiative is the true testament of a collaborative spirit between the Department of Tourism, the private sector, including Klook Philippines, our LGUs, our other tourism partners and everyone, each one of you that believe in the potential of tourism to enrich lives,” she added. The DOT and Klook formalized their partnership through an agreement last January, to make Philippine Experience Program (PEP) tours, including those in the Bicol Region, available on the Klook platform. Camarines Sur, known for its rich cultural heritage and natural attractions, is home to popular destinations such as the Caramoan Islands, Mount Isarog, and Camsur Watersports Complex (CWC). San Jose, in particular, offers a range of natural and historical sites, including Talisay Beach, Adiangao Cave, and the Archdiocesan Shrine and Parish of St. Joseph, as well as its Harana Festival, which reflects the town’s cultural and religious heritage. As part of her advocacy to support community tour guides, Secretary Frasco presented tour guides from the province with tour guiding kits containing sunscreen, a notebook and pen, a tumbler, a hat, shades, and a portable lapel. The recipients also received P50,000 worth of personal accident insurance from Secretary Frasco’s personal funds. San Jose Mayor Jerold Peña welcomed the opening of the TRA and Klook Kiosk in the municipality. "We have this hope, and we're really very thankful of having this consideration to be one of the location for the first-ever TRA in 2025 to be inaugurated, first ever TRA to be established in Region V, and pinakaunang TRA na may Klook services in the whole country," the Mayor said.    

Asia

Slovenia opens its embassy in the Philippines

The Slovenian government formally opened its embassy in the Philippines on Tuesday, 11th March. Aside from being the first Slovenian embassy in the Philippines, the agency is also the Eastern European nation’s first-ever mission established within Southeast Asia. While the embassy has been in operation since 10th May last year at the RCBC Plaza in Makati City, consular services have been limited as it remained under construction. Construction on the site was completed in time for the official visit of Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister and foreign minister Tanja Fajon which ran from 10th to 12th March. Fajon formally opened the embassy together with Philippine undersecretary of foreign affairs Maria Theresa Lazaro and Slovenian ambassador to the Philippines Smiljana Knez. Visiting Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon led the official opening of the embassy in a ceremony on March 11. The renovation of the embassy premises was co-financed by two European Union funds: the Border Management and Visa Policy Instrument. For stronger partnerships In a statement released on Wednesday, 12th March, Fajon pointed out that strong international partnerships are a necessity in an ever-changing world. She said: “The Philippines, like Slovenia, is a strong advocate of multilateralism, respect for international law and human dignity.” Fajon further expressed her belief that the embassy will not only strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

Annual Reports

Tourism is uplifting livelihoods in the Northern Philippines

The Department of Tourism in Cordillera Administrative Region (DOT-CAR) in the Northern Philippines reports that the growing number of tourists in the region is uplifting the lives of their people. At a media event held in Baguio City today, 12th March, DOT-CAR director Jovita Ganongan remarked that greater tourist numbers have translated into economic gains. CAR received a total of 1,983,511 tourists in different destinations across its six provinces and two cities in 2024. The number is significantly higher than the 1.68 million reported in 2023 and 1.28 million in 2022.  Significant earnings Ganongan said that based on the average daily expenditure of a foreign and a domestic tourist of PHP7,000 and PHP4,000 respectively, the region received PHP10.72 billion in receipts from tourism. She said: “This is just a one-day computation but a tourist spends an average of two to three days in a destination. The economic contribution of tourism is seen from the jobs generated and the opportunities created from tourism.” Ganongan explained that expenditures for tourists in any place translates to opportunities for the residents.  She said: “Tourists require a bed to sleep on and a place to eat food. They also look for souvenirs to buy for their friends and loved ones. All these opportunities translate to livelihood activities which in turn creates local jobs." Ganongan added that Ifugao, Kalinga, and the Mountain Province are top destinations for Europeans, while American tourists prefer Baguio City. French visitors topped the region’s foreign arrivals in 2024 with 8,829; Americans at 5,325; and Germans, 4,706.  Ganongan added that with the robust tourism in different regions, the government also invests in terms of infrastructure.  She said a total of 376.33 kilometers of tourism road infrastructure projects were built at the cost of PHP11.47 trillion from 2012 to 2024.  Ganongan concluded with: “The government through the DOT is not just investing in infrastructure but also in the capacity building and human resource development to further boost the Filipino brand of service for domestic and for foreign tourists.”

Asia

Central Philippines’ Nature’s Village Resort takes spot in Green Destinations Top 100 Story Awards

The Nature’s Village Resort in the Central Philippine province of Negros Occidental won first place in the Environment and Climate Category of the global Green Destinations Top 100 Story Awards. The award was given at a ceremony held at the Internationale Tourismus-Börse (ITB) Berlin in Germany on Tuesday, 4th March. On their social media account, resort officials stated: “This recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.” The resort’s entry was among the four from Negros Occidental representing the Philippines that made it to the finals under the same category; it was also the only winning entry from the country. The Green Destinations Top 100 Story Awards showcase and celebrate the most inspirational initiatives for sustainable tourism development from stories submitted to the annual Green Destinations Top 100 Stories competition based in The Netherlands. Following nature’s way With its good practice story Nature’s Way: Fostering Sustainable Practices and Positive Environmental Impact, the resort’s strongest gains have been the reduction of economic leakage by producing compost material through vermiculture, its eco-bricks program, reduction of electricity bills by installing solar panels, and selling excess food waste to local hog growers. Resort officials recognised key environmental issues in its home city of Talisay, specifically regarding pollution and waste management.  They pointed out: “Reducing our carbon footprint by growing our own vegetables, eradicating the use of single-use plastics, consciously reducing greenhouse gas emissions while saving thousands of liters of water every month are among our strong interventions.” Regenerative agritourism in the Philippine south Meanwhile, neighbouring Bago City placed third in the same category for its Regenerative Agritourism: Cultivating a Sustainable Future for Bago City, Going towards Bago City’s Climate Positive Tourism. The initiative was developed to support Bago City's economic recovery, in tandem with the Booming Green Agritourism programme developed by local tourism and agriculture agencies. The initiative transforms farmers into agri-entrepreneurs, maximises farm resources, and promotes sustainable tourism whilst prioritising a triple bottom line: planet, people, and prosperity.

Seatrade Cruise Asia – November 12-13, Shangri-La The Fort. Manila. The Philippines

Seatrade Cruise Asia is heading to Shangri-La The Fort. Manila. The Philippines on 12-13 November 2024. Join hundreds of cruise professionals to gain insight into the Asian region, discover ports, destinations and service providers, and reconnect with industry figures and key decision-makers. Find out more

7th Hospitality Philippines Conference #HPC2024

The 7th Hospitality Philippines Conference 2024 stands as a pivotal gathering for over 400 delegates and 80 esteemed speakers from across the Philippine hospitality and tourism industry. This year, we're bringing together a diverse array of professionals – from hotel chains to government entities, and from real estate firms to eco-tourism advocates. Our attendees include academic institutions, branding agencies, consultants, lawyers, technology providers, and many more, each bringing their unique expertise to the table.

6th Hospitality Philippines Conference – Marriott Manila

Hospitality Asia Event Series is most influential conference brand which attracts industry contributors in Tourism and Hospitality Communities in Asia.

November ’17 – 2nd Annual Hospitality Philippines Conference

“Hospitality Philippines Conference” will be an astounding Conference serving the Hospitality industry professional which will cover the topics of Hotel and

7th Hospitality Vietnam Conference #HVC2024 April 3-5, 2024 Caravelle Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City

The conference promises a vast array of knowledge dispersed across three uniquely curated summits: Hotel Investment Summit Vietnam (#HISV), Hotel Design Summit Vietnam (#HDSV), and Hotel Revenue Summit Vietnam (#HRSV).

5th Civil Aviation South East Asia Summit 2022

5th Civil Aviation South East Asia Summit 2022

The aviation industry in Southeast Asia has recorded significant growth over the past few years. The total seat capacity of Southeast Asia airlines experienced double-digit growth in the four-year period of 2009-2013. It has established itself as one of the world’s fastest growing aviation markets – and has huge potential for more rapid growth. Nearly all of the 10 countries that comprise ASEAN have robust economies and expanding middle classes, resulting in a favorable environment for airlines.

Luxury Oceanfront Pool Villa seeks fun-loving travellers! Apply within

In partnership with TD, Conrad Koh Samui is giving you the opportunity to win two nights in a Oceanfront Pool Villa including breakfast for two all by answering one easy question.

Win 2 nights in a Ocean front Balcony Pool Suite at SALA Samui Chaweng Beach!

SALA Samui Chaweng Beach Resort is Koh Samui’s stunning new 5-star pool suite and villa beach resort and spa. Replete with a white sandy beach, luxury pool villas and all the amenities needed to create a magical getaway drenched in sunshine -- it really is the quintessential Asian paradise.

Win two nights at the AVANI Atrium Bangkok

Travel Daily Asia has teamed up with AVANI Atrium Bangkok to offer travel professionals the chance to win a 2-night

March: Resorts & Attractions Asia (RAA)

Asia has exceeded North America to become the world’s largest theme park market in attendance, and the region is expected

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