Charmander International Travel & Tours

01/10/2023

25/08/2023

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19/08/2023

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Take off to new discoveries and land with unforgettable memories! Cheers to your next adventure with PAL!

Happy National Aviation Day! ✈️

15/08/2023

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Daily Manila-Tuguegarao flights to start in October

Dear PAL passengers:

We are happy to resume services to Tuguegarao City with daily flights between Manila and Tuguegarao (TUG) starting October 29, 2023.

Our new PAL route will offer convenient mid-morning schedules linking Cagayan Province and the Cagayan Valley region to Metro Manila, with connections beyond Manila to other points in PAL’s domestic and international network.

From October 29, 2023, PAL's Manila-Tuguegarao-Manila flights will operate every day with the following schedules:

• PR 2014 Manila-Tuguegarao – Daily, departing MNL at 09:05 AM, arriving in TUG at 10:10 AM

• PR 2015 Tuguegarao-Manila – Daily, departing TUG at 10:50 AM, arriving in MNL at 11:50 AM

For bookings, you may visit www.philippineairlines.com, the PAL mobile app, or connect 24/7 via the following PAL Channels:

- Hotline (+632) 8539-0000 / (+632) 8855-8888
- Philippines Mobile – (+63) 919-056-2255
- Messenger: https://bit.ly/PALMessenger
- Viber: Search for Philippine Airlines
- WhatsApp: Add us as a new contact (+63) 998-951-4359
- myPAL Web Chat: https://bit.ly/3z8Ck3Y

You may also get in touch with your preferred travel agents.

Thank you.

10/08/2023

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18/06/2023

Happy Fathers Day❤️

07/05/2023

𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃: 𝐄𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐄𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝 𝟏𝟗 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is one with the entire nation in welcoming the World Health Organization’s declaration of the end of the Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on Covid-19.

The unprecedented loss of life and livelihood brought forth by the pandemic caused so much suffering and upended the lives of countless Filipinos, including millions of tourism stakeholders and workers across the country. The service and sacrifice of so many have helped our country surmount one of the greatest challenges of our time, and for that, we are truly grateful.

Bearing in mind the significant role that Tourism plays in helping revive our national and local economies, the Marcos Administration has begun to institute policies to fully open up Philippine tourism to the world, encourage the promotion of livelihood and the creation of jobs, and usher in the influx of investment, so tourism may benefit as many Filipinos as possible.

The end of the pandemic signals hope that tourism in the Philippines will continue to thrive and transform into the powerhouse that it can be fueled by the hard work, distinct hospitality, love and warmth, and pride of place of the Filipino people.

26/04/2023

! 👨🏻‍✈️🧑🏻‍✈️👩🏽‍✈️ Thank you for always safely letting us fly to new discoveries. ✈️💙

12/04/2023

If you are a PAL international passenger arriving at NAIA T1 with a connecting domestic flight at T2, no need for you to carry your checked bags with you. Take note that your bags must be checked through to your final destination.

01/04/2023

PAL FLIGHTS FOR APRIL AND BEYOND

as of 01 APRIL 2023 10:00 AM

Here are the international and domestic routes operated by Philippine Airlines:

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS

Manila-Los Angeles-Manila

• 2x daily

Note: Flights may stop over on certain days if operationally required due to weather/payload conditions.

Manila-San Francisco-Manila

• Daily

Manila-New York (JFK)

• 4x a week (Mon/Tue/Thu/Sat)

New York (JFK)-Manila

• 4x a week (Tue/Wed/Fri/Sun)

Note: Flights may stop over on certain days if operationally required due to airspace/payload restrictions.

Manila-Honolulu-Manila

• 5x a week (Tue/Thu/Fri/Sat/Sun)

Manila-Guam-Manila

• Daily

Manila-Toronto

• 2x a week (Wed/Sun)

Toronto-Manila

• 2x a week (Mon/Thu)

Note: PR 119 Toronto-Manila may stop on certain days if operationally required due to airspace/payload restrictions.

Manila-Vancouver-Manila

• Daily

Manila-Brisbane

• 5x a week (Mon/Wed/Thu/Fri/Sat)

• April 4, 11, 18 and 25

Brisbane-Manila

• 5x a week (Tue/Thu/Fri/Sat/Sun)

• April 5, 12, 19 and 26

Manila-Melbourne

• 5x a week (Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri/Sat)

Melbourne-Manila

• 5x a week (Tue/Wed/Fri/Sat/Sun)

Manila-Perth-Manila

• 3x a week (Mon/Thu/Sat)

Manila-Sydney-Manila

• Daily

Manila-Port Moresby

• 4x a week (Mon/Tue/Thu/Sat) except on April 18, 24 and 29

Port Moresby-Manila

• 4x a week (Tue/Wed/Fri/Sun) except on April 19, 25 and 30

Manila-Beijing-Manila

• 4x a week (Tue/Thu/Fri/Sun) until April 21, except on April 20

• 6x a week (Thu/Fri, with 2 flights every Tue/Sun) effective April 23

Manila-Quanzhou (Jinjiang)-Manila

• Daily except on April 18, 21, 24 and 29

Manila-Macau-Manila

• 2x a week (Thu/Sun)

Manila-Shanghai (Pudong)-Manila

• Daily except on April 23

Manila-Xiamen-Manila

• Daily except on April 18, 20, 24 and 30

Manila-Guangzhou (Canton)-Manila

• Daily except on April 19, 22, 24, 27 and 30

Manila-Bali (Denpasar)-Manila

• Daily

Manila-Singapore-Manila

• 4x daily

Note: 3 flights only on April 19 and 27

Manila-Kuala Lumpur

• 11x a week (Daily, with 2 flights every Thu/Fri/Sat/Sun) except on April 15

Note: 1 flight only on April 27 and 29

Kuala Lumpur-Manila

• 11x a week (Daily, with 2 flights every Mon/Fri/Sat/Sun)

Manila-Hanoi

• 4x a week (Mon/Wed/Fri/Sun) except on April 16 and 24

Hanoi-Manila

• 4x a week (Mon/Tue/Thu/Sat) except on April 17 and 25

Manila-Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)-Manila

• 8x a week (Daily, with 2 flights every Wed)

Note: 1 flight only on April 19 and 26

Manila-Phnom Penh

• 5x a week (Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri/Sat) except on April 25

Phnom Penh-Manila

• 5x a week (Tue/Wed/Fri/Sat/Sun) except on April 26

Manila-Jakarta-Manila

• Daily until April 14

• 10x a week (Daily, with 2 flights every Tue/Thu/Sat) effective April 15

Manila-Bangkok-Manila

• 3x to 4x daily

Cebu-Bangkok

• 3x a week (Tue/Thu/Sat)

Bangkok-Cebu

• 3x a week (Wed/Fri/Sun)

Manila-Seoul (Incheon)

• 2x daily

Seoul (Incheon)-Manila

• 2x daily

Cebu-Seoul (Incheon)-Cebu

• Daily effective April 20

Clark-Seoul (Incheon)

• Daily effective April 21

Seoul (Incheon)-Clark

• Daily effective April 20

Kalibo-Seoul (Incheon)-Kalibo

• Daily effective April 20

Manila-Busan-Manila

• Daily

Manila-Tokyo (Haneda)-Manila

• 2x daily

Manila-Tokyo (Narita)-Manila

• 2x daily

Cebu-Tokyo (Narita)-Cebu

• 4x a week (Wed/Thu/Sat/Sun)

Manila-Fukuoka-Manila

• Daily except on April 24 and 26

Manila-Osaka (Kansai)-Manila

• 2x daily

Manila-Nagoya-Manila

• Daily

Manila-Hong Kong

• 4x daily

Note: 5 flights on April 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 10

Hong Kong-Manila

• 4x daily

Note: 5 flights on April 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 11

Manila-Taipei-Manila

• 2x daily

Note: 1 flight only on April 27

Manila-Dubai-Manila

• Daily except on April 19, 24 and 26

Manila-Dammam-Manila

• 5x a week (Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri/Sun)

Note: Please check for updates due to government restrictions

Manila-Riyadh-Manila

• Daily

Note: Please check for updates due to government restrictions

Manila-Doha-Manila

• 5x a week (Mon/Wed/Thu/Fri/Sun)

DOMESTIC FLIGHTS

Please check the local government website of your airport/arrival point as well as your final destination province or municipality for updates on travel requirements. Additionally, you may also check: Covid-19 Travel Guide.

Manila-Basco-Manila

• Daily

Manila-Laoag-Manila

• 2x daily

Manila-Legazpi-Manila

• 3x daily

Manila-Puerto Princesa-Manila

• 3x daily

Note: 2 flights only on April 8

Manila-Busuanga (Coron)-Manila

• 3x daily

Manila-Bacolod-Manila

• 4x to 5x daily

Manila-Cebu-Manila

• 10x to 11x daily

Manila-Catarman-Manila

• 3x a week (Tue/Fri/Sun)

Manila-Calbayog-Manila

• 3x a week (Mon/Thu/Sat)

Manila-Dumaguete-Manila

• 2x to 4x daily

Manila-Antique (San Jose)-Manila

• 3x a week (Tue/Thu/Sat)

Manila-Iloilo-Manila

• 5x daily

Manila-Kalibo-Manila

• Daily

Manila-Caticlan (Boracay)-Manila

• 7x daily

Manila-Roxas-Manila

• Daily

Manila-Tacloban-Manila

• 3x daily

Manila-Tagbilaran (Panglao)-Manila

• 2x daily until April 25

• 3x daily effective April 26

Note: 3 flights on April 5 and 10; 2 flights only on April 29, May 1 and 21

Manila-Butuan-Manila

• 2x daily

Note: 1 flight only on April 11, 15 and 16

Manila-Cotabato-Manila

• Daily except on April 2 and 8

Manila-Cagayan de Oro-Manila

• 4x daily

Note: 3 flights only on April 1, 4, 9, 10, 11 and 13

Manila-Dipolog-Manila

• Daily

Manila-Davao-Manila

• 8x to 9x daily

Manila-General Santos-Manila

• Daily until April 12

• 10x a week (Daily, with 2 flights every Wed/Thu/Sat) effective April 13

Manila-Siargao-Manila

• 2x daily

Note: 3 flights on April 5, 10 and 29

Manila-Ozamiz-Manila

• Daily except on April 15

Manila-Pagadian-Manila

• 5x a week (Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri/Sat) except on April 3 and 7

Manila-Zamboanga-Manila

• 2x daily

Note: 1 flight only on April 6 and 13

Clark-Busuanga (Coron)-Clark

• 4x a week (Mon/Wed/Fri/Sun)

Clark-Caticlan (Boracay)-Clark

• 3x a week (Tue/Thu/Sat) except on April 13 and 15

Cebu-Baguio-Cebu

• 4x a week (Mon/Wed/Fri/Sun)

Cebu-Bacolod-Cebu

• 2x to 3x daily

Cebu-Borongan-Cebu

• 2x a week (Mon/Fri)

Cebu-Busuanga (Coron)-Cebu

• 2x daily

Note: 1 flight only on April 4, 12, 13, 16, 17 and 25

Cebu-Butuan-Cebu

• 1x to 2x daily

Cebu-Cagayan de Oro-Cebu

• 2x to 4x daily

Cebu-Caticlan (Boracay)-Cebu

• 2x daily

Cebu-Clark-Cebu

• Daily except on April 13 and 15

Cebu-Cotabato-Cebu

• 2x a week (Mon/Thu)

Cebu-Davao-Cebu

• 2x to 3x daily

Cebu-Iloilo-Cebu

• 3x to 4x daily

Cebu-Puerto Princesa-Cebu

• Daily except on April 3, 5 and 6

• 10x a week (Daily, with 2 flights every Fri/Sat/Sun) effective April 8, except on April 17 and 25

Cebu-Siargao-Cebu

• 2x daily

Note 1 flight only on April 5, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 21

Cebu-Tacloban-Cebu

• 1x to 2x daily

Cebu-Zamboanga-Cebu

• Daily except on April 4, 8, 11, 12, 14, 16, 17, 20, 21 and 23

Iloilo-General Santos-Iloilo

• 3x a week (Tue/Thu/Sat)

Davao-Iloilo-Davao

• 2x a week (Wed/Sun) except on April 9, 12, 16 and 19

Davao-Tagbilaran (Panglao)-Davao

• 5x a week (Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri/Sat) except on April 10, 13, 14, 17 and 24

Cotabato – Tawi-Tawi – Cotabato

• 2x a week (Mon/Thu)

Zamboanga- Tawi-Tawi –Zamboanga

• 3x a week (Mon/Wed/Fri)

MANILA (NAIA - MNL) TERMINAL ASSIGNMENTS

- Starting April 16, 2023, PAL International Flights depart from and arrive at:

· NAIA Terminal 1 for flights to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Phnom Penh, Singapore, Bali, Dammam, Dubai, Doha, Riyadh, Toronto, Vancouver, Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York,

Honolulu and Guam

· NAIA Terminal 2 for all other international flights.

- PAL domestic departures and arrivals remain at NAIA Terminal 2.

If your flight is departing on or before April 15, 2023, these are the NAIA terminals in use at present:

- NAIA Terminal 1 – for PAL International flights to/from the United States and Guam, Toronto, Vancouver, Doha, Dubai, Riyadh, Dammam and Bali.

- NAIA Terminal 2 – for all PAL domestic and international flights, except flights to/from the United States and Guam, Toronto, Vancouver, Doha, Dubai, Riyadh, Dammam and Bali.

MACTAN CEBU (MCIA - CEB) TERMINAL ASSIGNMENTS

· Terminal 1 for domestic departures and arrivals

· Terminal 2 for international departures and arrivals.

SPECIAL REMINDERS FOR ALL OUR PASSENGERS:

ARRIVING IN THE PHILIPPINES Visit Arriving in the Philippines page for more information.

All international passengers arriving in the Philippines must register at e-Travel Registration page within 72 hours before departure.

For travelers that require COVID-19 tests and quarantine, payment of the applicable fees shall be shouldered by the traveler; OFWs should coordinate with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (for land-based OFWs) and MARINA or the local manning agency (for sea-based OFWs) to cover the cost of their COVID-19 tests or quarantine facility should they be required. DEPARTING FROM THE PHILIPPINES

For all international travelers: Please check the most updated travel regulations in the government website of your destination country, as well as your country of departure. These governmental regulations may change frequently and may have an impact on the status of your flight or your acceptance for boarding. Visit our Covid-19 Travel Guide for more information.

Passengers who will take the COVID tests with one of our PAL testing partners must accomplish the PAL Laboratory Partner e-CIF form for international flights as early as 5 days before their flight departure.

TRAVELING WITHIN THE PHILIPPINES

For all domestic travelers: Please check with the local government offices of both your origin point and your final destination on travel requirements, which may differ from province to province and are revised constantly. Visit our Covid-19 Travel Guide for more information.

TAKE YOUR COVID TEST AT PAL'S TESTING FACILITIES

Passengers departing on PAL international and domestic flights from Manila may undergo COVID-19 test at:

Detoxicare Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory

RT-PCR and Antigen testing

· PAL Gate 3 located at Andrews Avenue, Pasay City (in-car or walk-in service 24 hours a day, seven days a week)

Note: RT-PCR tests cost PHP 2,599 with results released within 24 hours, while Antigen tests cost PHP 600 with results released in 30 minutes.

Payment options: cash (PHP currency only), card (debit/credit), GCash, PayPal, WeChatPay, or Alipay. Passengers may also pre-pay for their COVID-19 tests online.

Upon entrance, please present your ID, plane ticket, payment confirmation (if prepaid), and QR code indicating that you have successfully registered the Passenger Profile and Health Declaration Form online.

Should you wish to avail of the services of other testing and lab partners of PAL, You may visit the PAL Covid-19 Testing Partners page for the complete listing.

GUIDELINES FOR PASSENGERS OF CANCELLED FLIGHTS: If your flight is cancelled, we wish to assure you that your current tickets are safe and remain valid. Please visit Passenger Options page for more information. If you need to take another RT-PCR test for your new flight schedule, you may undergo RT-PCR testing at PAL's own testing facility at PAL Gate 3 (see above

information on " TAKE YOUR COVID TEST AT PAL'S TESTING FACILITIES").

FLYING SAFELY IN THE ‘NEW NORMAL’ PAL implements Fly Safe “new normal” practices to protect our passengers, in compliance with international health and safety protocols.

Please bring your own face masks and we encourage you to wear them at all times – wearing of face mask is optional within the airport terminal but must be worn throughout your flight.

We encourage you to check-in online and arrive early at the airport to allocate extra time for safety procedures– at least 3 hours prior to departure for domestic flights; and 4 hours prior to departure for international flights.

PAL allows early check in for international passengers in NAIA Terminal 1 and 2:

· NAIA Terminal 1: Early check-in at 6 hours before departure

· NAIA Terminal 2: Early check-in at 5 hours before departure

All PAL aircraft are equipped with high-technology systems that continuously infuse fresh air across the cabin as well as HEPA filters that trap viruses, bacteria and other contaminants with 99.99% efficiency. The air flow system creates a cleaner environment that is safer than most enclosed public spaces and comparable to hospital operating rooms.

For more information, please visit Safety Measures page.

SPECIAL REMINDER TO CHECK ON UPDATES:

Our plans and schedules may change in response to evolving travel restrictions at arrival airports. Kindly check our website Philippine Airlines, or follow our social media accounts for updates.

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT

Your health and safety will always be our top concern, and we wish you safe travels.

27/03/2023

Travel Advisory

CHANGES IN PAL’S MANILA (NAIA) TERMINALS
Vietnam, Cambodia and Singapore flights will use NAIA Terminal 1 from April 16, 2023.

Starting April 16, 2023, Philippine Airlines flights to and from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Phnom Penh, and Singapore will depart from and arrive at Terminal 1 of Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), along with PAL flights to the United States, Guam, Canada and Bali.

All other PAL international flights, as well as all domestic flights, depart from and arrive at NAIA Terminal 2. Please see the full list below.

Please check the flight terminal assigned to your flight before proceeding to the airport, to ensure a hassle-free departure and arrival.

Shuttle buses between Terminals 1 and 2 will be available for PAL passengers arriving in either terminal and connecting to a flight in the other terminal. Passengers of other airlines may use the shuttle buses provided by the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA).

The transfer of these additional routes to Terminal 1 is part of a terminal reassignment initiative of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) to ease congestion and improve passenger convenience at all terminals.

Complete List of PAL flights and corresponding Manila terminals:

From April 16, 2023:

T1 – NAIA TERMINAL 1 - Departures and Arrivals:

Vietnam – Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Phnom Penh
Singapore
Bali
Middle East – Dubai, Doha, Dammam, Riyadh
Canada – Toronto, Vancouver
United States - Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Honolulu
Guam

T2 – NAIA TERMINAL 2 - Departures and Arrivals:

All PAL Domestic Flights
Australia – Brisbane, Sydney, Perth, Melbourne
Bangkok
Korea – Seoul (Incheon), Busan
Japan – Fukuoka, Tokyo (Haneda), Tokyo (Narita), Osaka (Kansai), Nagoya
Mainland China – Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Jinjiang, Xiamen, Hong Kong
Jakarta
Kuala Lumpur
Macau
Port Moresby
Taipei

If your flight is departing on or before April 15, 2023, these are the NAIA terminals in use at present:

MANILA DEPARTURES and ARRIVALS (until April 15, 2023 only):

• NAIA Terminal 1 - for PAL International flights to/from the United States and Guam, Toronto, Vancouver, Doha, Dubai, Riyadh, Dammam and Bali.

• NAIA Terminal 2 - for all PAL domestic and international flights, except flights to/from the United States and Guam, Toronto, Vancouver, Doha, Dubai, Riyadh, Dammam and Bali.

Thank you.

22/03/2023

Catch the story of our all-female led flight PR110 as they bring our passengers from Manila to Guam this March 22, 2023.

15/03/2023

𝗗𝗢𝗧 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝗳 𝘂𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗶𝗹𝘀 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻 (𝗡𝗧𝗗𝗣) 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯-𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟴 𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀’ 𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁

MANILA, Philippines — Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco on Wednesday (Mar. 15) formally unveiled the completed National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023 to 2028 at the Tourism Stakeholders’ National Summit organized by the Department of Tourism (DOT).

Speaking before some 350 attendees from the national government agencies, local government units (LGUs), associations and organizations from the tourism sectors who filled the venue hall of the Sheraton Manila Bay, Secretary Frasco presented the salient points of the NTDP 2023-2028, a draft of which was first previewed during the Tourism Coordinating Council (TCC) meeting that the tourism chief convened last month.

“This NTDP will serve as a blueprint for the strategies on how the Department of Tourism intends to continue and to grow the impact of tourism upon our economy in the next few years. This will be the guidebook of the industry where we put in place mechanisms for sustainability for many many years to come,” Secretary Frasco said.

Aside from sustainability, the NTDP will also serve as the guide towards a tourism industry that is innovative, inclusive, and globally competitive, according to Frasco

“Under the leadership of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos, Jr. we have been called upon to transform the Philippine [tourism industry] into a tourism powerhouse in Asia. With your partnership, collaboration, and your unwavering support, I can say that we have begun the work of transforming the industry and giving the Philippines a more significant role in the ASEAN and in the world,” she added.

𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝘁𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲

Heeding the President’s call and under the NTDP 2023-2028, the DOT shall endeavor to “Establish a Philippine tourism industry anchored on Filipino culture, heritage, and identity, which aims to be sustainable, resilient, and competitive in order to transform the Philippines into a tourism powerhouse in Asia."

The Plan formalizes the specific strategies to be pursued under the main objectives and strategies that were earlier laid out by the DOT under the leadership of Secretary Frasco, and anchors on the strategic values of Philippine Identity, Sustainability, Resilience, and Global Competitiveness.

To recall, Secretary Frasco early into her assumption of office and upon close consultation and coordination with Philippine tourism stakeholders identified the following seven main objectives of the NTDP: 1. Improvement of Tourism Infrastructure and Accessibility​​​; 2. Cohesive and Comprehensive Digitalization and Connectivity​​​; 3. Enhancement of the Overall Tourist Experience​​​; 4. Equalization of Tourism Product Development and Promotion​​​; 5. Diversification of the Tourism Portfolio through Multidimensional Tourism​​​; 6. Maximization of Domestic and International Tourism​​​; and 7. Strengthening Tourism Governance through Close Collaborations with National and Local Stakeholders.

𝗣𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺

Secretary Frasco noted that, even prior to the finalization of the tourism blueprint for the next five years, the DOT has closely collaborated with tourism stakeholders in carrying out the President’s vision through its various plans and programs, citing the most recent international accolades and nominations received by the Philippines and its tourism destinations, as well as the positive tourism figures seen last year as a manifestation of the significant headway that the tourism industry obtained under the Marcos administration.

The tourism chief reported 2022 to be a fruitful year for the Philippine tourism industry, underscoring that last year’s international arrivals reached 2.65 million, exceeding the initial target of 1.7 million foreign visitors. This figure, she noted, translated to Php 214 billion or roughly US$ 4 Billion in estimated revenues, thereby boosting the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the post-pandemic era and exceeding the targeted revenue of Php155.03 billion by 38.06 percent.

𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗱 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀

While she acknowledged some existing challenges including the country’s ranking in the World Economic Forum 2021 Travel and Tourism Development Index, which went down two places from its 2019 ranking, Secretary Frasco expressed the DOT’s determination and optimism on achieving the targets laid out in the NTDP 2023-2028, among which is the target of 4.8 million international arrivals and attainment of pre-pandemic (2019) domestic tourism levels this year.

“The momentum for recovery and growth has begun. We’ve eased restrictions. We’ve continued to aggressively promote our destinations through the DOT’s constant and unyielding presence in various exhibits in the Philippines and all over the world. And people are traveling now, and are traveling with a vengeance. By promoting the Philippines through the biggest international tourism and trade fairs across Asia and Europe, we are re-introducing the Philippines to the world, and bringing no less than the best of the best of the country and the Filipino people,” the tourism chief enthused.

“The Philippines already is a global destination upon the strength of our islands and beaches, our diving and biodiversity, and our hospitality as a people. Our future growth hinges on investments in meeting and conventions, health and wellness, lifestyle and entertainment, as well as domestic and international cruising. But most importantly, becoming a truly global destination demands that we provide an authentic Filipino experience for our visitors – creating distinctly Filipino experiences through our food and farms, our fashion and festivals, our arts and crafts, our traditions and practices, and the Filipino brand of service,” she added.

In closing her comprehensive presentation of the DOT’s plans and programs enclosed in the NTDP 2023-2028, Secretary Frasco once again enlisted the support of the stakeholders present.

“With your partnership, your collaboration, and your belief—your continued belief—in the strength of the tourism industry, we are confident that not only will we be able to accomplish the recovery for this much-battered industry, but more importantly, accomplish a true transformation of the tourism industry that will allow the Philippines to take a primary role in the ASEAN and the world as a tourism powerhouse in Asia, because the Filipino people deserve nothing less,” enthused Secretary Frasco, who noted the DOT's readiness to roll out the completed NTDP 2023-2028 once President Marcos Jr. approves the Plan.

𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀’ 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁

Aside from officials of the DOT Central and Regional Offices, also present at the Tourism Stakeholders’ National Summit in a show of support to Philippine tourism are leaders and representatives from national and local government agencies, including the Department of Finance (DOF), Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Senate Economic Planning Office, League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP), Maritime Industry Authority - Philippines, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) - Ministry of Trade Investments and Tourism, and the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP).

Quirino Governor Dakila Carlo E. Cua, who serves as the President of the Union of Local Authorities in the Philippines (ULAP), extended the union’s support to the DOT “in its efforts to promote sustainable tourism practices and create a better future for the Filipino people”, and regarded the Summit as a “great platform to learn about the National Tourism Development Plan of the country and how local governments can and should contribute to the realization of this plan.”

“Local governments play a critical role in promoting and developing tourism. By leading government efforts, local governments can ensure that tourism is sustainable, benefits the local community and contributes to the economic development of the area. We need to promote tourism that is respectful of local culture and traditions, protects the environment, and supports the local economy. We must encourage travelers to engage in sustainable practices such as supporting local businesses and reducing their environmental impact,” enthused the Governor.

Also at the event is House Committee on Tourism Chairperson Representative Eleandro Jesus F. Madrona, who also delivered a message of support to the DOT and the NTDP 2023-2028.

“The Department of Tourism has done, and is continuing to do a very commendable job in uplifting the country’s tourism industry side by side with its partners in government, the private sector representatives from the different industry groups and other tourism stakeholders,” he said.

“Today’s event speaks for itself. Sa totoo po, pagpasok ko kanina, nakita ko punong-puno itong ating venue. That means to say marami po talaga ang nakiki-isa sa ating drive to develop tourism. The holding of this National Summit is a testimony to the fact that the DOT is not resting on its laurels, and we would like to assure you that the outputs, ideas, and recommendations in the National Tourism Development Plan will be used by the House of Representatives as the perfect springboard in generating tourism legislations which are far deeper and productive to the industry,” he added.

Madrona further announced that the House Committee on Tourism has filed a resolution to commend the DOT under the leadership of Secretary Frasco “for its exemplary performance in ushering the resurgence of the Philippine tourism industry.” He also noted that since the beginning of this Congress, over 100 tourism-related bills have been passed on third reading. Furthermore, the Representative shared that the Congress is also currently reviewing the Republic Act (RA) Tourism Act of 2009 to give the DOT ample power “to be on top of the funding for tourism industries.”

“We have already felt that DOT as it is currently chartered, needs more teeth for us to be able to really affect our [visions of tourism] industry in our places,” Madrona said.

Also represented at the Summit are various tourism groups, including Council of Hotel and Restaurant Educators of the Philippines, Heritage Conservation Society, Hotel Sales and Marketing Association (HSMA) International Inc., National Association of Independent Travel Agencies, Philippine Hotel Owners Association (PHOA), and UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines, among others.

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10/02/2023

01/01/2023

MIAA PRESS STATEMENT:
January 1, 2023

NAIA FLIGHTS ON HOLD

Flights to and from Manila are on hold due to technical issues at the Air Navigation Facilities of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). The CAAP is now putting in place emergency protocols to address the situation to enable flight operations to resume as soon as possible.

The Manila International Airport Authority apologizes for delays that will occur as a result of the situation.

The MIAA Crisis Management Team has been activated bringing together key aviation and airport agencies for a multi-discipline approach to cushion the impact of the incident.

It is expected that flight departures and arrivals will be retimed to new schedules. In view of this, passengers were advised to await instructions or announcements from the airlines and stay inside the Terminals and approach the nearest airline or airport help desk for updates.

The MIAA Emergency Response Teams have been ordered to implement SOPs pursuant to the MIAA Manual on Irregular Operations (MIAA-IROPS).

Airline operators on the other hand have initiated their respective contingency measures to mitigate the effect of the situation to their passengers. Rights of passengers under the Air Passenger Bill of Rights (APBR) shall be upheld under the circumstances.