Tagged: News

Tourists in the Philippines Increase 11.1 Percent

International visitor arrivals grew 11.1 percent year-on-year in the first half of 2013, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT).  Arrivals in the January-June period reached 2.38 million, up from 2.14 million a year ago.

The figure represents 43 percent of the target arrivals for the year.  The tourism industry started the year with high hopes and expectations as arrivals for the months of January to March produced more than 400,000 visitors.  

Ice Skating Rink at SM Megamall Opens

SM Megamall Building D opened on January 28, 2014, marking the return of the ice skating rink and the birth of speed skating in the Philippines, the SM Group said. It said such a feat, considered almost impossible in a tropical country, is an... Read More | Share it now!

Asians are Biggest Tourism Spenders

Asia-Pacific will overtake Europe as the region whose tourists spend the most money overseas within 10 years. Spending by tourists from Asia-Pacific will reach nearly US$753 billion by 2023, increasing the region's share of global spend to 40... Read More | Share it now!

Tourists keep coming despite February coup

International visitor arrivals to the country grew by 11.5 percent year-on-year in February 2006, despite the botched coup attempt against the Arroyo administration that forced several foreign embassies to issue negative advisories on Philippine travel.

Keeping the seaweed industry afloat

AFTER sailing past troubled waters during the Asian financial crunch, Shemberg Marketing Corp. sees bright prospects in the years ahead with the improving prices of seaweed and carrageenan in the world market.

Benson U. Dakay, Shemberg's chief executive officer, is hopeful that the company's first year under an eight-year rehabilitation process in 2003, would start the resurgence of the local seaweed industry, to the benefit of thousands of farmers in southern Philippines.

Foreign students in the Philippines

The Philippines is becoming a major destination for Asian students.  The Bureau of Immigration reported that Korean students who received special study permits (SSPs) totaled 26,823 in 2010.  Foreign students who wish to take up elementary, high school and special courses in a Philippine school need to apply for a special study permit or SSP.

The SSP is different from the student visa or so-called 9[F] visa, which is issued to a foreigner taking up tertiary education in a Philippine college or university.

Ad Congress in CamSur

Camarines Sur (CamSur) has won the right to host the 22nd Philippine Advertising Congress (PAC), which is expected to draw the participation of 3,000 delegates.  This is the first time the ad congress will be held at the CamSur Watersports Complex (CWC) in Naga City.

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. 

Terminal fees included in airline tickets

Airlines have agreed to include the international passenger service charge or terminal fees in the cost of airline tickets beginning October 2014.  Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said the move would result in reduced queuing time... Read More | Share it now!

Bayhore Resorts ongoing

Travellers International Hotel Group Inc. has broken ground for the US$1.1-billion integrated resort and casino called Bayshore City Resorts World in Paranaque City.   The groundbreaking formally commenced actual construction and development... Read More | Share it now!