Tag Archives: Philippines

The Department of Tourism in the Philippines conducted a webinar with their trade partners to find out about two of the most important source markets for the Philippines; Middle East and India markets. Insights were shared about the Middle East by San Jeet Representative for Buzztravel and DDP Group who stated that Health is the new luxury and that Philippines should position themselves as a destination that will satisfy the clientele from Middle East to ensure their health and safety is the foremost concern and to share this information with the media, trade partners and those who are engaged in working together with the tourism sector. It was followed by Muzzammil Ahussain, Executive Vice President of Seera Group’s Consumer Travel Business Unit, spearheading the growth and development of Almosafer, Saudi Arabia’s digital-based omni-channel travel brand, and tajawal, one of the UAE’s top OTAs. He mentioned the importance of spreading the news and keeping the travellers updated with the various social media channels, influencers etc as most of the travellers from the Middle East will depend on recommendations from their friends and families who will share their experiences which will influence travellers.

The board representatives of Department of Tourism (DOT), Philippines are set to host roadshows in Kuwait city and Riyadh. The roadshow in Kuwait will be held on March 24 at JW Marriott Hotel Kuwait while the one in Riyadh will be held on March 26, 2019 at Faisalaih Hotel. Leading agents from the cities are expected to participate at the event. The objective is to showcase new destinations for the Middle Eastern travellers.

Oman Air recently showcased its products at the Philippines Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) Travel Tour Expo and the Thai International Travel Fair (TITF). Both events provided a platform for the airline to showcase its latest news and products. Some 335 companies exhibited at the SMX Convention Centre in Pasay City, where more than 140,000 people attended over the course of the three day PTAA event. The exhibition hosted key representatives from airlines, travel agencies, tour operators, hotels, food concessionaires, government agencies and tourist organisations from across the world. The event allowed Oman Air officials the opportunity to promote Oman as a world-class destination to the growing Filipino travel market. ‎The airline was able to educate its fellow industry officials and new guests on the airline’s aircraft, upcoming routes, flight networks and frequency in general.  

The Philippines is all set to host top tourism officials from 156 countries for the 6th United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) International Conference on Tourism Statistics next month. The conference will be held from June 21-24 at the Marriot Hotel Grand Ballroom of the Resorts World Manila in Pasay City. This conference, bearing the theme “Measuring Sustainable Tourism”, will be highlighted by a ministerial roundtable of Tourism Ministers, Environment Ministers and Chief Statisticians. The opening ceremony will be presided by Dr Taleb Rafai, the UNWTO Secretary General; Wanda Corazon Tulfo-Teo, Secretary, Department of Tourism, Philippines and Ernesto M. Pernia, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary, National Economic and Development Authority, Philippines. In addition to the government representatives from 156 member countries, expected in attendance are more than 1500 affiliate members representing the private sector, educational institutions and tourism associations.

Filipino expats flying with Cebu Pacific to their job site do not need to pay Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal Fee, which is worth around AED 40.  The Philippines’ largest airline, Cebu Pacific (CEB), works hand-in-hand with the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) to exempt Filipino expats from paying the International Passenger Service Charge (IPSC), or the Terminal Fee, at the (NAIA). Passengers who booked through CEB’s ticketing offices or travel agencies have to present valid documents at the time of purchase. For bookings made through the Cebu Pacific Reservation Hotlines or via the website, valid documents must be presented at the Airport Bag Drop Counter upon check-in. Valid documents include the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC); and those included under the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration’s Balik Manggagawa program such as a valid employment contract, recent pay slip, or Company ID. Bookings made through the Cebu Pacific mobile app and GetGo (points) redemption will allow exemptions soon. “After months of working with the MIAA on the details, Cebu Pacific is very proud to be the first carrier to make available such a benefit for our Filipino expats. We are pleased to offer our kababayans working abroad the convenience of not having to go through a process of reimbursement for fees they are already exempted from under the Migrant Workers Act,” said Atty. JR Mantaring, CEB Vice President for Corporate Affairs. Aside from Filipino expats, pilgrims with authorization from the Philippine Sports Commission, and guests who have been issued a MIAA exemption certificate (MEC) are also exempted from paying the IPSC, provided valid documents are presented. Recently, Cebu Pacific passengers have been given the option to pay for the travel on international …

Starting February 13 to March 15, 2017, all passengers originating from Doha, Dubai, Kuwait and Riyadh travelling to Manila with pre-purchased baggage allowance of 40 kilograms will be receiving additional 25 kilograms baggage allowance, free-of-charge on the Philippine carrier, Cebu Pacific. The extra baggage allowance will be given upon check-in of the guest at the airport. For those guests with connecting flights to other domestic destinations, the additional 25kg will be carried over up to their next flight, given that their flight itineraries were booked under one reference number only. This promotion is not valid on return flights from the Philippines to the Middle East and on bookings with Cebgo connecting flights. “With the launch of this special promotion, CEB opens up more opportunities for its travelers across the Middle East region, most especially the Filipinos, to maximize their trip to the Philippines by allowing them to bring more items for their families and friends back home. Not only is CEB able to continuously make travel accessible and affordable to everyone through our  trademark low fares, but now providing another avenue for them to get the best out of their travel,” Atty. JR Mantaring, CEB Vice President for Corporate Affairs. CEB currently offers flights to a total of 37 domestic and 29 international destinations, operating an extensive network across Asia, Australia, USA, and the Middle East. Its 58-strong fleet is comprised of four Airbus A319, 36 Airbus A320, seven Airbus A330, eight ATR 72-500, and three ATR 72-600 aircraft. Between 2017 and 2021, CEB expects delivery of one more brand-new Airbus A330, 32 Airbus A321neo, and 13 ATR 72-600 aircraft.