Begin 2024 with a tropical escape and welcome the year with a commitment to craft unforgettable memories. Envision a trip through stunning landscapes, with thrilling adventures, full of savory cuisine, culture, and captivating encounters. Begin your year with the promise of enriching experiences in the Philippines. As the cool, dry season graces the islands in the initial three months of the year, this period provides an ideal window to explore a country that is filled with warmth, beauty, and the genuine hospitality that the country is renowned for. Here are our top recommendations for planning a trip to the archipelago in 2024. Palawan Start your journey in a sanctuary for nature lovers seeking either tranquility, adventure, or a perfect blend of both. Explore the Underground River in Puerto Princesa – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and navigate through the mesmerizing limestone caves, adorned with stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations. Unwind in the pristine beaches of El Nido surrounded by naturally carved out limestone cliffs and visit the awe-inspiring Big Lagoon or explore the Secret Lagoon. For diving enthusiasts, the crystal-clear waters of Coron houses a vibrant marine life that will leave you captivated. Spend time away from the bustle of tourists in Port Barton, a coastal village embraced by palm-fringed beaches and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere, explore nearby waterfalls, and snorkel in the pristine waters teeming with marine life. You can also uncover the rich history of Taytay, home to the 17th-century Fort Santa Isabel. Climb to the fortress’s vantage points for panoramic views and learn about its historical significance. For those seeking the road less traveled, venture to Balabac. Balabac offers a glimpse into the raw and untouched …
Read More »Philippines to offer improved mobility and connectivity
The Department of Tourism (DOT) Philippines has pledged its support for the continuity of the infrastructure programme of the Duterte administration, saying it is a big boost to tourism activities in the country. Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat made the commitment recently, as she joined President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Senator Bong Go, Secretary Arthur Tugade, and Secretary Vince Dizon in inspecting the completed New Terminal Building of the Clark International Airport, which is considered to be part of the legacy of the Duterte administration’s ambitious Build, Build, Build programme. “Having world-class air, land and sea infrastructure such as the Clark Airport will help Philippine tourism bounce back sooner,” Puyat said. The operations and management of the Clark Airport will be overseen by the Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corporation (LIPAD), a consortium between Changi Airports Philippines Pte. Ltd., Filinvest Development Corporation, JG Summit Holdings, Inc., and Philippine Airport Ground Solutions (PAGSS) Inc. Boosting air connectivity is classified as one of the priorities of the DOT under the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) for 2016 to 2022, hence the significance of Clark Airport’s new terminal building completion, Puyat added. Tourist arrivals in Clark Airport totalled 1.98 million in 2019, which dropped to just 494,387 in 2020 and 51,584 in the first half of 2021 because of travel restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Estimated tourist receipts stood at just Php 6.23 billion in 2020 and Php 2.32 billion for far in 2021, a notable reduction from the recorded Php 19.66 billion in 2019. The Department stressed that the fastest way to restore tourism to pre-pandemic levels is to ensure that tourism destinations and establishments comply with the necessary …
Read More »Philippines to host UNWTO Tourism Statistics Conference
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.
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