Under this partnership, Agoda and DOT will primarily run joint marketing initiatives to promote travel to the Philippines. The collaboration extends to training programs and workshops on topics like digital transformation, service excellence, and industry best practices. Agoda and DOT will also support more sustainable tourism practices through awareness initiatives and knowledge‑sharing.

Agoda Chief Commercial Officer Damien Pfirsch commented: “Agoda is proud to partner with DOT to encourage inbound travel, collaborate on training and development programs, and support growth across the many incredible tourist destinations in the Philippines. By combining DOT’s leadership with Agoda’s expertise, we will entice more travellers to visit the Philippines while elevating the tourism industry as a whole.”

The partnership also highlights the shared commitment between Agoda and the DOT to promote the Philippines as a welcoming, safe, and accessible destination for domestic and international travellers. Through Agoda’s global network of accommodations, flights, and activities, and the DOT’s destination management initiatives, the joint partnership aims to deliver practical benefits to tourism businesses, empower tourism professionals, and enhance traveller confidence.

(Source: Agoda)

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This momentum is further complemented by the country’s strong tourism and cultural ties with neighbouring Muslim-majority countries, such as Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia, within the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).

Recently recognised by Mastercard-CrescentRating as a rising Muslim-friendly destination and ranked 8th among non-OIC destinations in the 2025 Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI), the Philippines continues to gain international recognition for its efforts in advancing halal- and Muslim-friendly tourism. 

Across the archipelago, travellers can now experience a growing range of accommodations, halal-certified dining establishments, cultural attractions, and tourism services designed to support the faith-based needs of Muslim travellers while offering authentic cultural and heritage experiences.

Beyond tourism infrastructure, the Philippines is also investing in workforce development, destination preparedness, and cultural awareness initiatives to strengthen the delivery of halal and Muslim-friendly tourism services nationwide. 

The Department of Tourism (DOT) continues to support this growth by implementing its Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishment (MFAE) Recognition Program across hotels and tourism establishments, while also encouraging halal certification among restaurants, accommodations, and tourism service providers nationwide.

Growing Halal travel experiences

Muslim-friendly tourism infrastructure continues to expand across the Philippines, supported by the DOT’s nationwide halal tourism development initiatives. To date, the DOT has officially recognised 67 Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishments (MFAEs) across the country, reflecting the Philippines’ continuing commitment to strengthening its halal and Muslim-friendly tourism ecosystem. Leading this effort is Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, the first hotel chain in the Philippines to achieve 100% MFAE recognition across all of its properties, further reinforcing the country’s growing portfolio of Muslim-friendly accommodations.

Through various training and capacity-building initiatives conducted by the DOT, an estimated 3,000 tourism frontliners and stakeholders nationwide have received specialised training on the fundamentals of halal, understanding Muslim travellers and guests, and the importance of culturally sensitive and respectful service. 

Boracay continues to strengthen its position as a Muslim-friendly island destination through initiatives such as Marhaba Boracay, which features an 800-sqm beach cove dedicated to Muslim families. Boracay, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Davao City, and Metro Manila continue to feature a growing number of halal-certified dining establishments, prayer facilities, and tourism services designed to support the needs and comfort of Muslim travellers.

Beyond accommodations and dining, the Philippines offers Muslim travellers opportunities to experience the country’s rich cultural diversity through heritage tours, island and nature experiences, vibrant local communities, and visits to Islamic heritage sites across Mindanao. From pristine beaches and tropical islands to dynamic urban centres and cultural destinations, the country continues to position itself as a welcoming destination where Muslim travellers can enjoy meaningful journeys grounded in hospitality, inclusivity, and cultural understanding.

Engagement with Muslim travel markets

The Department of Tourism continues to strengthen its engagement with key Muslim travel markets, including the Middle East and neighbouring Muslim-majority countries such as Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Through international promotions, tourism collaborations, targeted destination campaigns, and the Muslim-Friendly Travelogue of the Philippines, the country continues to highlight its expanding tourism offerings, accessibility, and commitment to inclusive travel experiences. The three-volume travelogue series showcases the Philippines through curated features on halal and local cuisine, diverse tourism destinations, and the country’s growing Muslim-friendly tourism initiatives and experiences.

Direct connectivity from key international gateways to destinations such as Manila, Cebu, and Clark allows access to the country’s tourism destinations. In contrast, domestic connectivity supports multi-destination travel across the archipelago. 

(Source: Philippines Department of Tourism)

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Long overshadowed by larger regional markets dominated by international operators, the Philippines is increasingly gaining recognition for a new generation of homegrown hospitality brands focused on design, wellness, personalised service, and experience-led stays.

Among the companies helping to drive momentum is The Lind Hotels, an independently developed Filipino hospitality group that has steadily built a reputation through lifestyle-led destinations, strong culinary programming, wellness, and a distinctly Filipino approach to hospitality.

“Our philosophy is that Philippine hospitality can resonate globally while remaining proudly Filipino,” said Lind Hotels COO Pierre Henrichs. “Authenticity, warmth, creativity, and emotional connection are what travellers increasingly remember most.”

At the centre of the group’s success is The Lind Boracay, located on White Beach Station 1, widely regarded as Boracay’s most exclusive stretch of shoreline. The property is distinguished not only by its rare direct beachfront access, but also by an evolving guest experience that places intuitive hospitality and meaningful guest connection at the heart of the stay.

A defining milestone came in 2025 when the MICHELIN Guide made its Philippine debut. In a landmark moment for both the company and the wider industry, The Lind Boracay became the first and only hotel in Boracay to be featured by the guide, positioning the independent Filipino brand alongside internationally recognised hospitality names.

A key part of the resort’s evolution is its long-standing collaboration with The Spa Wellness, one of the Philippines’ pioneering wellness operators and the country’s first spa brand to receive Superbrand status. An accredited member of the International Spa Association (ISPA), The Spa Wellness brings an established wellness philosophy to the resort environment, helping to shape a more holistic guest experience centred on restoration, balance, and meaningful care.

Over the past decade, the group has continued refining every aspect of the guest journey, from food and beverage and wellness to lifestyle programming and personalised service.

The company’s recent evolution forms part of a broader reassessment undertaken during its 10th anniversary year, when The Lind Hotels also introduced a refreshed brand identity centred around human connection, meaningful hospitality, and more experience-driven travel.

The rebrand marked a return to the company’s core philosophy: fostering stronger people-to-people relationships across teams, travel partners, suppliers, and guests, while placing greater emphasis on the guest journey from the very first stage of trip planning through to the stay itself.

“As part of our 10-year milestone, we went back to the drawing board and asked ourselves where we were ten years ago and where we are today,” Henrichs said. “The entire brand has been refreshed. More than anything, we wanted to return to the human side of hospitality and focus on genuine connection at every touchpoint of the guest experience.”

Looking ahead, the company’s future developments in Coron and Siargao reflect both confidence in Philippine tourism and growing international demand for more meaningful, nature-driven, and experience-led travel.

At a time when travellers are increasingly prioritising authenticity over standardisation, brands like The Lind Hotels are helping demonstrate that world-class hospitality experiences can be created in the Philippines while remaining closely connected to local culture, people, and place.

“We believe the Philippines has the potential to become one of the world’s great hospitality destinations,” Henrichs said. “There is incredible warmth here, extraordinary natural beauty, and a growing confidence among Filipino brands to create experiences that feel globally relevant while remaining distinctly local.”

(Source: Lind Hotels)

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Hanoi is Air India’s second gateway destination in Vietnam after Ho Chi Minh City and the airline’s eighth destination in Southeast Asia.

Air India deploys a 165-seat A320neo aircraft on the Delhi-Hanoi route, featuring a three-class cabin configuration comprising business class, premium economy and economy. Flight time is four hours and 10 minutes. Flights depart Delhi on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The new service also connects with flights departing Delhi to cities in the UK and Europe.

Air India, Chief Commercial Officer, Nipun Aggarwal commented: “Vietnam has rapidly evolved into a high-potential market for Indian travellers, supported by strong leisure demand, growing business exchanges and rising interest in multi-city holidays. With Hanoi joining our network alongside Ho Chi Minh City, we are creating more choice, greater convenience and stronger connectivity between the two countries as well as enabling traffic between Europe and Vietnam.” 

Bookings are available through travel agents worldwide and on Air India’s website and mobile app.

Flight schedule: Delhi-Hanoi

(Source: Air India)

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This follows the recently restored visa-free policy for Chinese tourists entering the country via Manila and Cebu, DOT reported on its Facebook page. The new Air-China route makes travel more convenient for prospective tourists from one of China’s major metropolitan areas and outbound travel markets.

The aircraft from Chongqing landed in Manila at 0050, carrying 155 passengers, and was greeted by DOT through its National Capital Region (NCR) Office and Routes Development Unit.

Flights depart Chongqing four times weekly on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday using Boeing 737-800 aircraft with 167 seats. Flight time is four hours.

Meanwhile, the outbound MNL-CKG flight departed from the Philippines at 0150 local time, carrying 145 passengers.

The return flights depart Manila on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

Air China already flies direct routes between Chengdu and Beijing and Manila. As of the first quarter of 2026, the airline had operated 131 direct flights to the Philippines, with approximately 34,000 seat capacity.

China is one of the Philippines’ top tourist markets, with 150,708 visitors recorded in the e-travel system as of 30 April 2026.

Flight schedule

CA481 departs Chongqing (CKG) at 2050 and arrives in Manila (MNL) at 0050.
CA482 departs Manila (MNL) at 0150 and arrives in Chongqing (CKG) at 0540.

(Source: Department of Tourism Philippines, plus online timetables)

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The new route, set to begin on 9 November,  marks PAL’s eighth destination across the US and its territories, joining Honolulu, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, New York, Guam, and Saipan. 

With the addition of Chicago, PAL further solidifies its leadership as the Southeast Asian airline with the most expansive network connecting travellers to the US mainland and its island territories.

“Chicago is considered one of the premier hubs in the United States, and our entry into this vibrant city will provide direct connectivity to the Midwest,” said the airline’s president, Richard Nuttall. “At the same time, serving the Chicago–Manila corridor will create vital links to key regional destinations and major Philippine domestic markets through our Manila hub.”

Scheduled to operate three times a week — every Monday, Wednesday and Friday — flights will depart Manila in the afternoon and arrive at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport likewise in the afternoon local time. The return service from Manila will operate on the same days, departing in the evening and arriving in Manila early morning.

To mark the launch of the new route, PAL is offering introductory fares, with round-trip economy base fares starting at USD 667 for bookings made by 31 May  2026.

Philippine Airlines will deploy a 360-seat Airbus A350-900 on the Manila-Chicago route.

(Source: Philippine Airlines)

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In a Facebook message, the Department of Tourism stated: “The entire department stands united in working closely with her, alongside stakeholders across government, industry, local communities, and the private sector, to advance a more connected, competitive, sustainable, and resilient Philippine tourism industry.”

She succeeds Christina Garcia-Frasco, who moved to a new role as presidential adviser for sustainable and resilient communities in mid-March.

The selection of Angara-Mathay signals a shift toward treating tourism as a primary economic engine rather than just a cultural showcase. 

Angara-Mathay is a veteran trade diplomat with decades of experience in the Foreign Trade Service Corps.

She most recently served as the Commercial Counsellor and Special Trade Representative at the Philippine Trade and Investment Centre in Tokyo, Japan.

During her time in Tokyo, she was credited with securing approximately PHP 56.35 billion in Japanese investment for the Philippines. She also has extensive experience representing the Philippines at international summits on sectors such as electronics, sustainable textiles, and MSME (micro, small, and medium enterprise) development.

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) highlighted that her appointment would drive tourism investment by using her diplomatic expertise to attract foreign capital for Philippine tourism infrastructure.

(Source: Presidential Communications Office (PCO)

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The suspension came into effect on 20 March and ends on 30 April, except for PR 685, which ends on 1 May.

PR 658 Manila-Dubai
PR 659 Dubai-Manila

PR 684 Manila-Doha
PR 685 Doha-Manila

The precautionary measure is being taken considering the security situation affecting parts of the Middle East and the resulting operational uncertainties in certain regional airspace corridors and airport operations.

PAL continues to closely monitor developments and coordinate with aviation authorities and relevant stakeholders to determine when normal operations can safely resume.

Assistance for affected passengers

Passengers with affected bookings may avail themselves of the following options:

• Free rebooking once flights resume

• Conversion of tickets into travel credits for future use

• Full refunds, in accordance with applicable policies

PAL’s customer service teams are actively assisting passengers through our website, contact centre, and ticket offices.

(Source: PAL travel advisory)

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The move will ease the burden on airline passengers amid rising jet fuel costs worldwide due to the war in the Middle East.

In a news release reported by the Philippine News Agency, Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said he had given the order to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), which will apply to all CAAP-operated airports in the country.

According to the Department of Transportation’s latest data, jet fuel costs have risen from USD90.87 per barrel on 19 February to USD188.2 per barrel on 9 March, PNA reported.

Since then, global jet fuel prices have surged to between USD190 and USD200 per barrel due to the escalating crisis in the Gulf (specifically involving Iran and its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz). 

In the Philippines, fuel surcharges are regulated by the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB).

The following airlines and regulatory bodies are currently addressing fuel surcharge adjustments in the Philippines.

Major Philippine carriers

While no airline can unilaterally raise surcharges without CAB approval, the “Big Three” have confirmed they are reviewing their pricing:

• Cebu Pacific: Recently stated it is “closely reviewing pricing and network strategies.” The airline has already suspended flights to Riyadh due to safety concerns and warned that the doubling of jet fuel prices will inevitably pressure operations.
• AirAsia Philippines: Has acknowledged the crisis’s potential impact and is monitoring market conditions. Its regional parent company has already begun adjusting surcharges in other Asian markets.
• Philippine Airlines (PAL): While more resilient due to its long-haul hedging, PAL is subject to the same CAB-mandated surcharge levels as other domestic carriers and is expected to follow the industry-wide upward trend.

International airlines serving the Philippines

Several regional airlines with heavy traffic to and from Manila have already announced or implemented increases:

• Firefly: Implementing a “Phase 2” surcharge adjustment specifically for the Philippines starting 25 March 2026.
• Hong Kong Airlines: Raised surcharges on 12 March 12, 2026, for several regions, including the Philippines.
• Air India / Air India Express: Introduced a phased increase on 12 March, affecting routes to Southeast Asia, including the Philippines.
• Cathay Pacific: Confirmed surcharges will rise soon. Current fees range from HKD142 to HKD569 and are under review.

(Source: PNA with additional reporting)

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Scheduled to open in 2032, the 212-key hotel will mark InterContinental’s return to the Philippines capital after more than 15 years.

InterContinental Manila will be located in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) – also known as Global City or The Fort – a 240-hectare master-planned district that has transformed from a former military base into Metro Manila’s most modern business hub. BGC is home to the Philippine Stock Exchange, leading multinational corporations, and some of the country’s tallest landmarks.

The hotel will offer an all-day dining restaurant, a signature speciality restaurant, a bar, and versatile meeting and event spaces; a ballroom, function rooms, and meeting rooms. For relaxation and wellness, the property will feature a fully equipped health club and spa, along with an outdoor swimming pool and a poolside bar.

IHG Hotels & Resorts  Managing Director, Southeast Asia & Korea, Vivek Bhalla said: “The InterContinental brand has a storied history in Manila, having first opened in the city in 1969, and for 46 years it was a symbol of luxury and a hotel icon.”

IHG is partnering with Keyland Corporation, Philippine Realty and Holdings Corporation and Greenhills Properties Inc to bring InterContinental back to Manila. 

InterContinental Manila will join a global portfolio of more than 240 IHG hotels and resorts, alongside a growing pipeline of two properties for the brand in the Philippines and 104 hotels globally. This year, InterContinental will celebrate its 80th anniversary.

(Source: IHG)

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