Category: News

European tourists back in the Philippines

European tourists back in the PhilippinesEuropean tourists are coming back in the Philippines in a deep way, thanks to the country's rich marine resources that are being promoted as the world's best sites for scuba diving.

1,000 foreign patients visit RP in 2008

More than 1,000 foreign patients visited medical tourism facilities in the Philippines last year, according to the Tourism Department.

In a statement, the department said 1,071 foreign patients sought medical services in the country in 2008.

It was estimated that the medical tourism facilities accredited by the Tourism Department earned P108.8 million in revenues from those visits, with the average gross receipt per patient at P101,582.

"Majority of the 885 tourist-patients came from Guam, Palau and Saipan. Other markets were Japan, Korea, and the USA," the department said.

Shanghai Airlines starts direct flights

Shanghai Airlines has launched its maiden direct chartered flights to Shanghai from Cebu this year, a twice-weekly service that is expected to bring in an estimated 9,000 additional Chinese tourists to Central Philippines annually, according to a report by BusinessMirror.

AirAsia Philippines

AirAsia has launched its own unit in the Philippines.  AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes said the local unit will be known as AirAsia Philippines, Inc. in which AirAsia will hold 40 percent, while the rest will be held by a group led by businessman Antonio Cojuangco.

Caticlan Airport to reopen in September 2009

Caticlan airport is gateway to BoracayThe Department of Tourism or DOT said a portion of the bordering hill at the Caticlan airport will be tapered first, to remove the obstacle near the runway and accelerate the reopening of the airport to larger aircraft by September 2009.

Under the initial phase of runway rehabilitation, the project involves contouring of the bordering hill, as an alternative to flattening out the mound which will take four to five months, according to Tourism Secretary Ace Durano.

Contouring the bordering hill will remove the obstacle that prevents the full use of 950-meter runway and ensure that the Caticlan airport reopens in September.  Pilots had to make difficult flight maneuver for steep ascent to avoid getting close to the hill, he said.

PHL as a friendly country

A global survey conducted by Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corp. has ranked the Philippines 8th in the list of the world’s friendliest countries.  The Expat Explorer Survey 2011 was conducted among 3,885 expatriates in 100 countries between May and July 2011 and rated countries based on the preference of expatriates to make them “their second home.”

The Philippines, which is known for hospitality, was the third highest ranked Asia-Pacific country in the survey.  New Zealand and Australia topped the global list, followed by South Africa, Canada, the United States, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the Philippines, Spain, and Malaysia. 

New airport in Cavite

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has endorsed Sangley Airbase in Cavite province as the site of a new international airport that will replace the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).   Transportation Secretary Joseph... Read More | Share it now!

Mayon eruption attacts tourists

Hotels in Albay province have enjoyed full occupancy as tourists and thrill seekers have flocked to the province to witness the expected eruption of Mayon Volcano.   Albay Governor Jose Clemente Salceda said the provincial tourism business... Read More | Share it now!

Cebu Pacific flights to Dammam and Riyadh

Cebu Pacific Air (CEB) will soon launch flights to Dammam and Riyadh, according to the Centre for Pacific Aviation (CAPA).   The plan is part of the carrier’s further expansion of its long-haul network from one to six destinations over... Read More | Share it now!

US Government Shutdown Affects Filipinos’ Travel Plans

Travelling to the US in October 2013 would be less ideal, after the US decision to have a government shutdown. According to flight searches made on Skyscanner.com.ph this year, the US is the second most popular overseas destination for Filipinos.