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Manila’s NAIA braces itself for the coming holiday exodus
With the holiday rush in full swing, Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is gearing up for an influx of up to more than 2.5 million passengers between now and the end of the year. According to airport officials, a projected 2,553,622 travellers are set to pass through all four of the NAIA’s terminals from 20th December 2025 to 4th January 2026. This projected volume is slightly higher than the 2,432,021 passengers year-over-year reported last year. The country's main gateway is also expecting 13,995 inbound and outbound flights during this period, also higher than the 13,327 flights reported towards the end of 2024. Necessary preparations Earlier this month, operator New NAIA Infra Corporation (NNIC) began the phased roll-out of 78 Immigration electronic gates (e-gates) to help ease congestion. The system, powered by technology firm Amadeus, will allow passengers to clear immigration in about 20 seconds. Office for Transportation Security (OTS) administrator Gilberto Cruz, declared that they conducted inspections at airports earlier, and security auditors are constantly deployed to ensure compliance with national and international standards. More than 100 security screeners hired in October will be augmenting the airport workforce this Christmas season; there are currently 2,368 security screeners across all airports in the country. Meanwhile, as part of enhancing passenger experience, the NNIC will soon launch an all-Filipino food hall and a new Dignitaries Lounge at Terminal 3. The food hall features 17 home-grown brands, showcasing regional flavours and local products from across the Philippines.
Winford Manila unveils ‘Pasko in Full Bloom’ holiday theme
Winford Resort & Casino Manila has launched its 2025 holiday theme, 'Pasko in Full Bloom', in collaboration with the University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts Alumni Association, Inc. (UPCFCAAI). The initiative, which began last November, aims to celebrate the warmth and wonder of Filipino Christmas traditions through an art exhibit and elaborate decorations. The 'Pasko in Full Bloom' theme transforms the resort into a vibrant display of Filipino craftsmanship and culture, offering visitors a unique festive experience. The collaboration with UPCFCAAI includes the 'Flourish in Full Bloom' art exhibit, which runs from 14 November to 5 January 2026. This exhibit features colourful and expressive artworks that highlight the artists' celebration of life and supports the Hapag-Sining nutritional subsidy programme for financially-challenged students. A symbolic occasion During the tree lighting ceremony on 14 November, Winford Manila's President and COO, Jeffrey Evora, highlighted the symbolic nature of the celebration. Evora said: "As we officially launch the Pasko in Full Bloom, we are also reminded that Christmas is more than just a season, but it is also a symbol of renewal, new beginnings, and of the power to rebuild after hardship." Pearl Ortega, UPCFCAAI President, remarked on the exhibit's purpose: "This exhibit aims to contribute to our nutritional subsidy programme called Hapag-Sining for the financially-challenged students of UP College of Fine Arts." For more information on the festive celebrations at Winford Manila, visitors are encouraged to explore the resort's official social media pages or visit in person to experience the art exhibit. ```
Jetstar Airways commences its new Perth-Manila route
Travel between the Philippines and Australia just got better through the launch of Jetstar Airways’ direct flights between Perth and Manila on Friday, 5th December, via Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3. In a news release dated 1st December, tourism secretary Christina Frasco said the new service enhances air connectivity and is seen to support tourism, business, and cultural exchanges between the two countries. She said: “This flight represents more than just travel; it symbolizes our commitment to offering opportunities for tourism and business, making it easier for travelers to fly to Manila and further connect the Philippines to the world.” As of 30th November, 15 new international direct routes have started operations in the country. A thrice-weekly service Jetstar’s inaugural flight, which carried 169 passengers, arrived after six hours and 35 minutes of travel. The airline will operate the route three times weekly: every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, utilising a 232-seat aircraft. Flight JQ80 departs Manila at 5:35am and lands in Perth at 1pm, while flight JQ81 leaves Perth at 9:10pm and arrives in Manila at 4:15am. Meanwhile, a new seasonal route connecting Brisbane to Cebu took off on Wednesday, 3rd December, and will be operating thrice weekly till 16th May 2026. 2025 and run until May 16, 2026. More options for a key market Likewise, the new routes provide more options for Australian travelers visiting the Philippines’ major destinations, including Cebu, Palawan and Boracay. Australia remains the country’s fifth-largest inbound tourism market, and, as of end-March, around 271,207 Australian travelers arrived via air, representing about five percent of total international arrivals. The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) likewise reports that 53 percent of Australian visitors return to the Philippines to revisit top destinations and experience Filipino hospitality. Frasco remarked that direct flights support the DOT's strategy to expand international air access under the National Tourism Development Plan.
Philippine Airlines to launch Manila-Palau route next year
Philippine flag carrier Philippine Airlines announced earlier today, 4th December, its plan to launch direct services between Manila and Koror, Palau from 29th March 2026. The twice-weekly services from Manila will be scheduled for Wednesday and Sunday, while flights from Palau will operate every Monday and Thursday; both of which will be flown using the 199-seater dual-class Airbus A321ceo. In a statement released to the media, airline president Richard Nuttall declared: “Creating flights to this Pacific island will stimulate tourism travel among beach lovers and the diving community.” It should be noted that the new route complements PAL’s existing Western Pacific service to Guam, thus expanding travel opportunities for both leisure and business passengers across the region.
PPHG signs MoU to manage PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Manila Bay
Pan Pacific Hotels Group (PPHG), the hospitality arm of Singapore-based UOL Group Limited, has signed a management agreement to manage PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Manila Bay, advancing the Group’s expansion in Southeast Asia’s fast growing long-stay segment. Situated within Metro Manila, the country’s financial and commercial heart, the property will sit inside a two-tower mixed-use development comprising offices, retail space, and serviced suites. The project will have 169 suites, across studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom options for guests. It is targeted to open in 1H 2027. “Across Southeast Asia, we’re seeing a clear shift towards longer stays driven by traditional corporate travel, relocations, multi-generational trips, extended assignments, and project-based group stays that blur the lines between work and leisure. The Philippines sits at the heart of that trend, with Metro Manila emerging as a hub for enterprise, innovation and conventions. PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Manila Bay is a strategic step in our long-stay roadmap, building on our recent launch in Hanoi. It reflects our vision for thoughtfully designed, community-oriented residences that give guests the space and flexibility they need, delivered with the warmth and consistency of our brands,” said Choe Peng Sum, Chief Executive Officer, Pan Pacific Hotels Group. Building on Philippines’ Growth Momentum Metro Manila is home to government, finance, education, culture and embassies of various countries. It is the Philippines’ premier hub for commerce and investment and is poised for sustained growth driven by a robust economic landscape. The country is one of the fastest growing economies in the region. According to the Asian Development Bank1, the Philippines’ gross domestic product (GDP) is forecast to expand by 6.0% in 2025 and 6.1% in 2026, up from 5.6% growth last year. The country is also seeing a sustained recovery in international arrivals post the pandemic. According to the Bureau of Immigration2, the Philippines recorded 14,7 million international arrivals in 2024 with South Korea, US, China, Japan, Australia, and Singapore among the top countries where people arrived from. According to data from the Department of Tourism3, tourist arrivals have grown more than 60% between 2022 and 2024. In addition, tourists are staying for longer durations. According to the Department of Tourism4, tourists are now staying an average of more than 11 nights, up from around 9 nights pre-pandemic. This is fuelling the demand for premium long-stay accommodation in Metro Manila. The environment for long stay market remains healthy as overall hotel occupancy rates remain high. According to JLL5, Metro Manila’s overall hotel occupancy rose to 83.2% in Q4 2024 from 78.4% in Q3 2024, driven by strong demand from leisure and corporate guests. Shaping the long-stay future in Southeast Asia The signing of PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Manila Bay marks another step forward in PPHG’s Version 2.0 growth roadmap. The strategy is centred around an ambition to strengthen and sharpen the Group’s portfolio in line with how guests are travelling today. At the heart of this strategy is the long-stay segment, which continues to expand as business travellers, relocating executives and extended-leisure guests look for flexible living with hotel-level assurance. Across Asia Pacific, industry forecasts point to a strong multi-year trajectory for serviced apartments, underscoring demand for high-quality, professionally managed residences in gateway cities. Building on its proven track record, PPHG has refreshed its PARKROYAL Serviced Suites brand with future-ready concepts that blend residential comfort, thoughtfully curated services and contact-light convenience. “Our focus is to stay ahead of evolving lifestyles and the choices guests make because of them. We are shaping the long-stayconcept around flexible spaces, intuitive technology and a sense of community, delivering the comforts of home with our signature hospitality and a clear commitment to sustainability, so that longer stays feel seamless,” said Choe. With Manila joining the Group’s growing long-stay portfolio alongside recent openings in the region, PPHG is setting new benchmarks for extended-stay hospitality, where convenience, lifestyle and sustainability come together in spaces designed for the way people live, work and connect today.
Pan Pacific Hotels Group inks management agreement for PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Manila Bay
UOL Group Limited’s hospitality arm Pan Pacific Hotels Group (PPHG) recently signed an agreement to manage PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Manila Bay. The signing for the new property further accelerates the Group’s expansion in Southeast Asia’s fast growing long-stay segment. According to PPHG chief executive Choe Peng Sum: “Across Southeast Asia, we’re seeing a clear shift towards longer stays driven by traditional corporate travel, relocations, multi-generational trips, extended assignments, and project-based group stays that blur the lines between work and leisure. The Philippines sits at the heart of that trend, with Metro Manila emerging as a hub for enterprise, innovation and conventions. PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Manila Bay is a strategic step in our long-stay roadmap, building on our recent launch in Hanoi. It reflects our vision for thoughtfully designed, community-oriented residences that give guests the space and flexibility they need, delivered with the warmth and consistency of our brands.” Located in the heart of the Philippine capital, the property will sit inside a two-tower mixed-use development comprising offices, retail space, and serviced suites. Slated to open within the first half of 2027, the project will have 169 suites, across studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom options for guests. Rethinking long-term stay options within Southeast Asia The signing of PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Manila Bay marks another step forward in PPHG’s Version 2.0 growth roadmap. The strategy is centred around an ambition to strengthen and sharpen the Group’s portfolio in line with how guests are travelling today. At the heart of this strategy is the long-stay segment, which continues to expand as business travellers, relocating executives and extended-leisure guests look for flexible living with hotel-level assurance. Across Asia Pacific, industry forecasts point to a strong multi-year trajectory for serviced apartments, underscoring demand for high-quality, professionally managed residences in gateway cities. Building on its proven track record, PPHG has refreshed its PARKROYAL Serviced Suites brand with future-ready concepts that blend residential comfort, thoughtfully curated services and contact-light convenience. Choe explained” “Our focus is to stay ahead of evolving lifestyles and the choices guests make because of them. We are shaping the long-stay concept around flexible spaces, intuitive technology and a sense of community, delivering the comforts of home with our signature hospitality and a clear commitment to sustainability, so that longer stays feel seamless.” With Manila joining the Group’s growing long-stay portfolio alongside recent openings in the region, PPHG is setting new benchmarks for extended-stay hospitality, where convenience, lifestyle and sustainability come together in spaces designed for the way people live, work and connect today.
Quest Plus Conference Center, Manila gives back at its first-ever tree-lighting ceremony
Quest Plus Conference Center, Manila ushered in the Holiday Season tonight, 12th November, with a tree-lighting ceremony. The event is the hotel's first Christmas salvo following its recent rebrand from Crimson Filinvest City Manila, as well as the first Philippine Christmas for its new hotel manager Olivier Ramos. In his welcome remarks, Ramos welcomed guests to experience the warmth and conviviality of the Season at the property which combines contemporary comforts with classic traditions. The event also served as a venue for Quest Plus Conference Center, Manila to give back, as it introduced its beneficiary for this year's holiday promotions: the SOS Children's Villages Pilipinas. For a happier future The organisation's head of philanthropy and partnerships Ivy Ramos Evangelista pointed out that, while this is the first time that they are Quest Plus' beneficiary, this is actually the third year with the property as it partnered with Crimson for two consecutive years. A portion of proceeds from this year's holiday promotions will be donated to SOS Children's Villages Pilipinas to be used in their efforts to providehope to familes and children in compromised situations. To date, SOS Children's Villages Pilipinas has transformed 30,000 lives, empowered 2,000 families, and currently has more than 3,000 children in its care. Evangelista said: "Now, zeroing in in the partnership with Quest Plus Conference Center, Manila, we will be having an impact on 75 children and young people. Let's continue to advocate for our children and young people and jointly deliver impact to the Filipino community." At present, SOS Children's Villages Pilipinas has two major programmes: one centred on family life care, the second a preventive programme to safeguard against child abandonment. Evangelista said of these: "We provide families and children with homes that they will be proud of. We also provide holistic alternative family life care. With our new programme, we hope to prevent child abandonment and family breakdown." A taste of the Holidays Guests attending the event enjoyed a variety of traditional Filipino Yuletide sweets paired with festive cocktails, including contemporary takes on classics like puto bumbong (steamed purple rice cakes) and bibingka (fluffy rice flour cakes made with coconut milk). The De La Salle - Zobel Chorale likewise regaled the audience with Christmas carols and Filipino Christmas melodies. From now until the New Year, guests can enjoy holiday-themed dishes and drinks at the hotel's Cafe Eight, as well as at Firehouse Pizza and Baker J on the ground level on top of staycation packages for a truly meaningful Christmas with family and friends. Photos: Marga Manlapig
Philippine Department of Tourism announces new flights to Manila and Cebu
The Philippine Department of Tourism announced new direct flights to Cebu and Manila from eight regional eight destinations are scheduled to operate in the last quarter of this year. In a statement released on Tuesday, 11th November, these routes include new ones as well as resumptions. The list includes: The new and returning routes include the following: Firefly’s Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)-Cebu Jetstar’s Perth (Australia)-Manila Jetstar’s Brisbane (Australia)-Cebu Vietnam Airlines Hanoi (Vietnam)-Cebu VietJet’ Saigon (Vietnam)-Manila AirAsia’s Cebu-Kuala Lumpur and Cebu-Macau Philippine Airlines’ Cebu-Guam Business as usual The DOT emphasized that connectivity remains robust in Cebu despite the recent typhoons and earthquakes that left severe destruction in some parts of the island. Indeed, the Mactan–Cebu International Airport maintains normal operations and major sea routes have resumed. In a statement, Tourism secretary Christina Frasco urged all stakeholders to proceed with planned visits and inaugural flights to Cebu. She declared: “We acknowledge that a few groups have chosen to defer travel, and we stand ready to help them rebook and adjust itineraries. Our foremost commitment is safety; our message is confidence. Cebu is moving forward, our gateways and core tourism areas are open, and together we will turn recovery into renewed growth.”
Jetstar Japan resumes its Manila-Osaka route
In response to strong inbound travel demand, Jetstar Japan resumed its Manila=Osaka (Kansai) route on 27th October, the first time it has been flown in six years. The inaugural resumed flight GK81 departed Kansai International Airport at 22:08 (Japan local time) and took off at 22:30 (Japan local time), bound for Manila. As of press time, Jetstar Japan is the only Japanese airline operating direct flights between Kansai and Manila. More options The relaunch of the Manila-Kansai route will expand travel options for Jetstar Japan customers and further enhance travel convenience. With this particular resumption, Jetstar Japan will now operate two international routes to and from Kansai during the winter flight schedule period, including the existing Kansai-Taipei (Taoyuan) service. During the winter flight schedule period which began on 26th October, 2025 and runs till 28th March 2026, the airline will operate up to seven return trips per week using Airbus A320 aircraft.
Vietjet announces new direct flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Manila
Vietjet marks the coming launch of its first direct service connecting Vietnam to the Philippines, linking Ho Chi Minh City with Manila, two of Asia’s fastest-growing cultural and travel hubs. The Ho Chi Minh City - Manila service will officially begin on 22nd November, operating ten flights per week. The new service will give international travellers more flexibility and easier access not only to both dynamic and vibrant destinations more easily than ever but also to Vietjet’s extensive network across Vietnam and the Asia-Pacific region. Global travellers can enjoy an irresistible 7-day promotion with fares starting from just US$0 and free 20kg checked baggage. Beginning tomorrow, 4th November, to Monday, 10th November, thousands of promotional Eco tickets and free 20kg checked baggage on the service between Ho Chi Minh City and Manila will be available at www.vietjetair.com and the Vietjet Air mobile app. The promotion is applicable for travel from 22nd November 2025 to 31st March 2026. More to enjoy, more to experience From Ho Chi Minh City’s iconic street food, scenic river cruises, and easy connections to destinations across Vietnam, to Manila’s historic charm, island escapes, and its vibrant culture — this new route brings two unforgettable cities within easy reach. It also unlocks seamless onward travel across Vietnam, the Philippines, and the wider Asia-Pacific region. Every Vietjet journey brings smiles with a modern, fuel-efficient fleet, friendly crews, and warm Vietnamese hospitality. Passengers can also enjoy signature hot meals such as Pho, Banh mi, iced milk coffee, and fun in-flight cultural performances at 10,000 meters on special occasions.
Savoy Manila
Savoy Hotel Manila, Andrews Avenue, Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines Philippines
Hilton Manila
Hilton Manila, Newport Boulevard, Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines Philippines
Dusit Thani Manila
Dusit Thani Manila, Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines Philippines
Okada Manila
Okada Manila, New Seaside Drive, Parañaque, Metro Manila, Philippines Philippines
Seatrade Cruise Asia – November 12-13, Shangri-La The Fort. Manila. The Philippines
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