Travel and Tourism
DOT backs temporary ban on UK travellers
December 23, 2020, 3:03 pm
MANILA – The Department of Tourism (DOT) has thrown its "unequivocal support" to President Rodrigo Duterte's decision to temporarily ban all flights from the United Kingdom over reports of a new coronavirus strain in the Western state. The temporary travel ban on all flights from the UK will… Read More
International flights to Cebu to resume soon
December 22, 2020, 3:32 pm
CEBU CITY – Cebu will soon reopen to international flights ferrying foreign tourists. The provincial government and city government of Lapu-Lapu, where the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) is located, have agreed to reopen the country’s second busiest air hub to international arrivals.… Read More
Hotel sales, marketing group resilient amid pandemic
December 19, 2020, 5:44 pm
MANILA – For the Philippines' hotel sector, 2020 has been the most challenging year it faced, with the coronavirus pandemic grounding everything to a halt. But despite the hit, the industry chose to "go with the flow" and find ways to remain resilient in the face of this global health crisis.… Read More
PH to level up food safety standards in tourism
December 17, 2020, 8:52 pm
MANILA – The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Thursday formally partnered with the Food Safety & Hygiene Academy of the Philippines (FoodSHAP) to level up its accreditation process in the area of food safety. The memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the two parties was signed by Tourism Secretary… Read More
DOT, TPB promote Pinoy Christmas through music
December 16, 2020, 2:15 pm
MANILA – To usher in the Domestic Tourism Campaign in this holiday season, the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines have launched “Pasko Na!”, an audio video presentation (AVP) promoting traditional Filipino Christmas practices through Ryan… Read More
Domestic tourists can now get subsidized RT-PCR test: DOT
December 15, 2020, 6:13 pm
MANILA – Tourists may now apply for a subsidized reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test at the UP-Philippine General Hospital following a formal agreement between the public hospital and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB). The subsidy program, with PHP10-million budget… Read More
Tourism dep't bats for uniform LGU travel requirements
December 15, 2020, 12:35 pm
MANILA – The Department of Tourism (DOT) has lauded local government units (LGUs) for their efforts in reopening safe tourist destinations all over the country in answer to the increasing interest in travel and tour activities. “We are truly impressed with the efforts of the LGUs for extending… Read More
DOT to aid Zambales in safe, gradual tourism reopening
December 12, 2020, 11:50 am
MANILA – As local government leaders of Zambales start to prepare to reopen the provincial borders to local visitors, the Department of Tourism (DOT) has vowed to provide additional assistance to intensify health and safety protocols in the province. “As with all other destinations, I cannot… Read More
MakatiMed, DOT partner for health security in tourist spots
December 11, 2020, 3:47 pm
MANILA – The Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Makati Medical Center Foundation Inc. (MakatiMed Foundation) partnered to ensure tourism destination health security as several Philippine landmarks gradually reopen to travelers. Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat and MakatiMed Foundation… Read More
Free virtual concert to feature Manila's heritage, OPM artists
December 10, 2020, 8:48 pm
MANILA – A multitude of cultural heritage sites in Manila will get the spotlight in an upcoming free virtual concert on December 13, featuring various OPM artists such as Ebe Dancel, Armi Millare, and IV of Spades' Blaster Silonga. “The Hinahanap-Hanap Kita Manila concert will give us the… Read More
DOT vows promotion of Batangas dive tourism
December 10, 2020, 8:25 am
MANILA – Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat on Wednesday vowed to support the continued development of dive tourism in Anilao, Batangas, otherwise known as the birthplace of scuba diving in the Philippines. During the stakeholders meeting hosted by Mabini Mayor Noel… Read More
DOT supports global Covid-19 vaccine passport
December 10, 2020, 8:24 am
MANILA – The Department of Tourism expressed its support to the proposed global coronavirus vaccine passport that would restore trust and travel confidence once Covid-19 inoculation rolls out across the world. "The proposals for a 'COVID-19 passport' is welcome and will be looked into by the… Read More
Cebu Pacific launches seat sale with DOT to boost tourism
December 9, 2020, 7:56 pm
MANILA – As more local destinations are opening their doors for travel, Cebu Pacific (CEB) was joined by the Department of Tourism (DOT) as it launched its "12.12 Piso sale", virtually on Wednesday. The seat sale can be availed of from December 10-12, for travel from August 1 to November 30,… Read More
Tourism board allots P10-M Covid-19 test subsidy for Bohol
December 9, 2020, 8:05 am
MANILA – The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) has earmarked PHP10 million to subsidize the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) testing of travelers and tourism workers in Bohol as the island province announces its reopening to tourists beginning December 15. Tourism chief Bernadette Romulo-Puyat… Read More
Bohol formally opens to travelers starting Dec. 15
December 8, 2020, 6:19 pm
MANILA – Bohol province will finally welcome individual tourists starting Dec. 15, including those from areas under general community quarantine (GCQ), Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat announced Tuesday. Saying Christmas is just around the corner, Puyat welcomed the development. During… Read More
PAL seeks resumption of flights to Surigao from Cebu, Manila
December 7, 2020, 8:16 pm
BUTUAN CITY – The management of the Surigao Airport in Surigao City said the Philippine Airlines (PAL) has applied for two direct flights from Manila and Cebu. Surigao Airport Manager Junelito Abrazado told the Philippine News Agency on Monday (Dec. 7) that the PAL management, in a letter dated… Read More
Tourism workforce urged to avail DOT-DOLE financial assistance
December 7, 2020, 6:01 pm
MANILA – The Department of Tourism (DOT) is reaching out to tourism workers who were affected by the closure of establishments or those which scaled down operations, to immediately avail of the expanded financial assistance as part of the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act interventions to address… Read More
IATF moves to allow more events; MICE tourism recovery seen
December 4, 2020, 2:57 pm
MANILA – The Department of Tourism is optimistic the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions) sector will start to thrive again following the national government's move to allow other types of indoor business meetings in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ). “The DOT… Read More
Boom in nature-based tourism seen under new normal
December 3, 2020, 6:13 pm
MANILA – As tourism gradually reopens, the demand for nature-based tourism is likely to increase as people look for safer alternatives in selecting destinations to visit, Tourism Undersecretary Benito Bengzon Jr. said Thursday. This said, the Department of Tourism (DOT) is ramping up its efforts… Read More
DOT to subsidize Covid-19 tests for Boracay-bound tourists
December 3, 2020, 12:49 pm
MANILA – Boracay-bound tourists may soon spend less for the required Covid-19 testing as the Department of Tourism (DOT) leads the implementation of "low-cost" or "free" RT-PCR test for travelers flying to Aklan. During the Boracay Interagency Task Force (BIATF) meeting on Wednesday night,… Read More
