International arrivals in the Philippines climbed to 6.48 million in 2025, a strong post-pandemic recovery that remained below pre-pandemic levels of about eight million, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said. DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco said the Bureau of Immigration (BI) recorded 5.9...
Malacañang has encouraged the public to explore local tourist destinations while waiting for Japanese visa appointments to open. The Palace made the call amid the reported difficulties faced by travel agencies in securing Japanese visa appointments for their clients. Palace Press Officer and...
The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Tuesday, Jan. 20, said that the Philippines’ tourism performance in 2025 was driven by a quality-focused approach that generated broader economic benefits beyond visitor numbers. DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco highlighted that the gains reflected a...
Foreign travelers with long layovers in Manila can now transform wait time at the airport into curated city experiences aboard the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) Transit Tours in partnership with Philippine Airlines (PAL). DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco said the program lets tourists enjoy...
The Philippines will allow Chinese nationals to enter and stay in the country without a visa for a maximum of 14 days starting Friday, Jan. 16. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) made the announcement on Thursday, Jan. 15, in a move that it said was in line with President Marcos '...
Tourism-related payments and government procurement are set to move faster and become more accessible as the Department of Tourism (DOT) rolls out a nationwide digital system powered by Landbank of the Philippines. Under a memorandum of agreement signed on Jan. 13, the DOT will adopt Landbank’s...
Malacañang has denied reports that Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Frasco is facing removal and that aviation executive Stanley Ng will replace her following criticisms of her leadership. Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said this amid reports...
Domestic travel set new records during the Christmas long break, and local tourism supported communities while strengthening the economy, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said on Monday, Jan. 5. Boracay Island led major destinations with 118,745 visitors from Dec. 15 to 28, 2025. Baguio City...
The gradual return of China’s outbound travel market is expected to drive the Philippines’ tourism recovery, with the Department of Tourism (DOT) pointing to improved visa access and restored air connectivity as factors set to lift visitor arrivals in 2026. China remains a strategic source...
ILOILO CITY – The Department of Tourism (DOT) has accredited The Medical City (TMC) Iloilo here for medical tourism. DOT-6 Regional Director Crisanta Marlene "Krisma" Rodriguez recently handed over the accreditation certificate to TMC Iloilo CEO Dr. Felix Ray Villa. This made TMC Iloilo as the...
The Department of Tourism (DOT) is positioning the Philippines as a regional leader in cruise tourism by hosting the Asia Cruise Cooperation (ACC) Annual Regional Meeting to promote sustainable and inclusive travel at sea. DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco said the meeting highlights the...
The Department of Tourism (DOT) is reinforcing the Philippines’ reputation as a long-term “home-for-life” for retirees after the country was recognized as Asia’s Best Retirement Destination at the 11th TripZilla Excellence Awards. DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco said the recognition...
