Based on AirAsia Philippines’ passenger flown data from 2025 to 2026, Manila–Almaty traffic increased by a remarkable 1,000% 

Other destinations also posted notable growth, including Phnom Penh, Cambodia, which increased by 705%; Manila–Penang, Malaysia, by 50%; and New Delhi, India, by 43%.

The figures point to an emerging opportunity for Filipino travellers to discover more of Asia and beyond, supported by AirAsia’s extensive network and Fly-Thru service, which connects passengers to multiple destinations through a single booking.

AirAsia President and General Manager, Anna Victoria Lu, said: “It’s exciting to see more Filipinos becoming open to exploring destinations they may not have considered before. The strong growth in Almaty is a good example of this changing interest. Through AirAsia’s Fly-Thru network, we want to make these journeys more accessible and convenient, giving more Filipinos the opportunity to go further and discover more at low fares without the hassle of booking separate flights.”

From the mountains of Almaty to the beaches of the Maldives and Bali, more international adventures await Filipino travellers through AirAsia Fly-Thru connectivity.

From Manila, fly to:

• Almaty, Kazakhstan (ALA)
• Jaipur and New Delhi, India (JAI)
• Penang, Malaysia (PEN)
• Maldives (MLE)
• Phuket (HKT)
• Chiang Mai, Thailand (CNX)
• Shenzhen, China (CNX)
• Yangon, Myanmar (RGN)
• Sarawak, Malaysia (KCH)
• Sabah, Malaysia (TWU and SDK)
• Sri Lanka (CMB)
• From Cebu, discover more of Asia:
• Penang, Malaysia (PEN)
• Bali, Indonesia (DPS)
• Siem Reap, Cambodia (SAI)
• Hanoi (HAN) and Da Nang, Vietnam (DAD)
• Singapore (SIN)
• Phuket (HKT)
• Jakarta, Indonesia (CGK)
• Sri Lanka (CMB)
• Phnom Penh, Cambodia (KTI)

With competitive fares and convenient connections through Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, and Bangkok as major fly-thru hubs, travellers can explore destinations beyond direct routes with just one booking.

For a limited time only, AirAsia Philippines is launching its biggest Fly-Thru sale until 9 November, giving Filipinos more opportunities to explore destinations beyond Asia for as low as PHP7,699.

(Source: AirAsia)

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Speaking at the 15th Arangkada Philippines Forum earlier this month, Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay called on business leaders, investors, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to invest in the country’s growing health tourism ecosystem.

“We want to develop a stronger health and wellness sector that attracts investment, creates jobs, expands regional capacity, and improves services for Filipinos,” Secretary Angara-Mathay said.

The Tourism chief emphasised that advancing medical and wellness tourism requires an integrated ecosystem connecting healthcare, hospitality, infrastructure, and technology to ensure quality, accessibility, and a seamless patient experience.

“We invite investors to look at the full range of opportunities: healthcare facilities, diagnostics, digital health, rehabilitation, wellness, hospitality, and long-stay communities. The greatest potential lies in connecting these services so that patients can receive care and support throughout their journey,” she added.

As of September this year, the DOT’s accreditation network includes 13 hospitals, 21 ambulatory clinics, 10 dental clinics, and 63 spas. The country also has six hospitals accredited by Joint Commission International (JCI), laying a strong foundation to expand the Philippines’ presence in the global health tourism market. 

Secretary Angara-Mathay underscored that the Department works closely with the health and wellness sectors to bridge gaps in tourism infrastructure and healthcare support services, particularly through public-private partnerships. 

“Consider the possibilities — a patient receives specialised treatment at a major medical centre, continues rehabilitation nearby, stays in quality accommodation with family, and has access to appropriate nutrition, wellness, and recreation,” the Tourism Chief explained. “Such a model creates opportunities across hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, wellness centres, hotels, serviced residences, diagnostics, restaurants, transportation, and digital health providers.”

According to the Global Wellness Institute (GWI), the Philippines’ wellness economy reached USD47.3 billion in 2024, ranking 23rd worldwide and 8th in the Asia-Pacific region.

In partnership with private-sector stakeholders, the DOT has launched the Medical Concierge and Lounge at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3. This facility provides arriving medical tourists with assistance and information on health and wellness services and connects them with DOT-accredited wellness and tourism experiences.

(Source: Department of Tourism Philippines)

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The country secured five other major wins, including Asia’s Leading Beach Destination 2026 for the ninth time and Asia’s Leading Island Destination 2026 for the third consecutive year.

Boracay retained its title as Asia’s Leading Luxury Island Destination 2026 for the third straight year, while the Department of Tourism (DOT) was named Asia’s Leading Tourist Board 2026 for the fourth time.

The City of San Fernando, Pampanga earned the title of Asia’s Leading Cultural City Destination 2026, marking the Philippines’ first win in the said category. The recognition highlights the city’s rich heritage, traditions, crafts, culinary offerings, and festivals, including the Giant Lantern Festival.

“With the momentum from these recognitions, we want to further establish diving as one of the Philippines’ key tourism products in 2027. Our goal is to make diving and other water-based activities safer, more accessible, and easier for travellers to experience, supported by more efficient services and better-connected destinations,” Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay said.

Philippine tourism industry players also brought home nine Asia-level awards, led by the country’s flag carrier Philippine Airlines, named Asia’s Leading Cultural Airline. Savoy Hotel Manila was recognised as Asia’s Leading Airport Hotel, while Amanpulo and Discovery Primea were named Asia’s Leading Private Island Resort and Asia’s Leading Business Hotel, respectively. 

Other Philippine winners were Admiral Hotel Manila – MGallery, Asia’s Leading Design Hotel; Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila, Asia’s Leading Serviced Apartments; City of Dreams Manila, Asia’s Leading Casino Resort; Fili Hotel Bridgetowne, Asia’s Leading New Luxury Hotel Development Project; and Okada Manila, Asia’s Leading Entertainment Resort.

Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards recognises excellence across the global travel, tourism, and hospitality industries through regional and global awards. Regional winners advance to the WTA Grand Final, where they compete with winners from other regional heats for the World categories.

(Source: Department of Tourism Philippines)

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Starting 26 October, CEB will restore its direct flights between Cebu and Ho Chi Minh City with three weekly flights operating every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, giving travellers from Central Visayas a more convenient way to explore the rich history and culture of one of Vietnam’s largest cities.

On 17 November, CEB will operate three weekly flights between Cebu and Shanghai, China, scheduled on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, making it the only local airline to offer direct flights between the two cities. 

CEB will also launch direct flights between Cebu and Nagoya, Japan, four times weekly beginning 19 November with flights every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. 

Nagoya, the largest city in central Japan, is the third destination in Japan served directly from Cebu via CEB, after Tokyo-Narita and Osaka. CEB is also the only airline that offers direct flights between Cebu and Nagoya.

On 19 November, CEB is relaunching its direct flights between Clark and Hanoi, operating three times weekly — every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. CEB is the only airline to offer direct flights between Clark and Vietnam, making it easier for travellers from Central Luzon and nearby areas to fly directly to Hanoi without transiting through Manila.

CEB will resume direct flights to Xiamen, China,  beginning 23 November, operating a three-weekly service — every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The airline currently operates direct flights from Manila to Shanghai and Guangzhou.

CEB currently operates in 35 Philippine and 26 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.

(Source: Cebu Pacific)

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CEB will operate three weekly flights from Iloilo to Bangkok (DMK) and Singapore — every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday —effective 23 November.

Return flights from Bangkok (DMK) and Singapore to Iloilo will operate three times weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, effective 24 November.

Both services to DMK and SIN will use an 180-seat A320 with a flight time of three hours and 55 minutes to Bangkok and three hours and 40 minutes to Singapore.

In Bangkok, travellers can explore the city’s famous temples, bustling night markets, and sample a variety of Thai dishes. Singapore, meanwhile, offers a mix of attractions, diverse food experiences, and shopping destinations.

CEB operates in 35 Philippine and 26 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.

Flight schedules — Bangkok, Singapore

(Source: CEB)

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The new routes, subject to Indian government approval, will give Indian travellers direct access to the Philippines and convenient onward connections through PAL’s Manila hub to destinations across Southeast Asia, North America, Australia and North Asia.

“We look forward to welcoming more Indian travellers aboard Philippine Airlines and introducing them to the Philippines through our signature Filipino hospitality,” said PAL President Richard Nuttall. “Through Manila, they will also gain access to PAL’s wider network of destinations across Asia, North America and Australia.”

Flights from Delhi to Manila will operate as PR643 and will depart every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 0815, arriving in Manila at 1700.

Meanwhile, the Manila–Delhi flight, PR642, will leave Manila every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 2240, and arrive in Delhi at 0300 the following day.

PR647 will depart Mumbai for Manila every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 0715 and arrive in Manila at 1700. 

Manila–Mumbai flights will operate as PR646 every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, departing at 2240 and arriving at 0305 in Mumbai the following day. All times are local.

PAL will operate both routes using its 168-seat Airbus A321neo aircraft, featuring 12 lie-flat business-class seats and 156 economy-class seats. 

Through Manila, travellers arriving from Delhi and Mumbai can connect to Philippine destinations including Cebu, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo and Davao. They will also have onward options to international destinations including Los Angeles, Vancouver, Honolulu, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne, Tokyo Haneda and Hong Kong.

The services will also strengthen PAL’s cargo capacity, allowing shipments from India to connect efficiently through Manila to the airline’s broader domestic and international cargo network.

Indian nationals travelling to the Philippines for tourism or business may enter the country visa-free for up to 14 days, subject to applicable entry requirements.

The new Delhi and Mumbai services reinforce PAL’s role as the Philippine flag carrier — strengthening ties between India and the Philippines while connecting both countries to the world.

PAL operates scheduled nonstop flights from its hubs in Manila and Cebu to 29 destinations across the Philippines and 40 destinations in Asia, North America, Australia, and the Middle East.

(Source: PAL)

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The coveted MICHELIN Guide 2026 MICHELIN Key selection was revealed in Paris on 18 September, with Lagen joining the ranks of 657 Two-Key hotels globally considered exceptional stays.

For Lagen Island, the Two-MICHELIN-Key recognition comes as the resort enters a new chapter following a year-long transformation. A reimagined eco-sanctuary, Lagen has returned with renewed spaces, refined experiences and a deeper connection between its architecture, the surrounding landscape, Filipino craftsmanship, and its signature island experiences.

Sister property El Nido Resorts Pangulasian Island was also honoured on the list, landing One-MICHELIN-Key for its distinctive expression of quiet island luxury. Known as the Island of the Sun, the private island retreat offers an unhurried escape surrounded by the natural beauty of El Nido. 

After anonymous hotel inspections, just nine hotels from the archipelago were recognised by MICHELIN, along with two other Ayala Land Hospitality properties, Raffles Makati and Fairmont Makati, both successfully securing high rankings. Raffles Makati earned the only other Two-Key rating, alongside Lagen, and Fairmont Makati received One-Key.

“It is a meaningful affirmation of the teams behind these hotels and island resorts, and the care they put into every guest experience,” said Ayala Land Hospitality Chief Operating Officer Gustavo Morales. “What makes this especially meaningful is the diversity of the experiences represented here. Each property has its own character and sense of place, while sharing our commitment to thoughtful, distinctly Filipino hospitality.”

MICHELIN’s global selection includes 2,832 MICHELIN Key hotels, of which 600 are in Asia and the Middle East. In the region, 173 new Keys and promotions were added. The 2026 MICHELIN Key hotels now cover 79 destinations.

You can find more information about Lagen and Pangulasian here.

About El Nido Resorts
El Nido Resorts is a pioneering collection of sustainable island resorts set amid the stunning seascapes of northern Palawan. Comprising Lagen, Pangulasian, Apulit, and Miniloc Islands, the group blends Filipino hospitality with immersive nature-driven experiences. It has championed eco-tourism, marine conservation, and community engagement.

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CEB is set to relaunch direct flights from Hanoi to Clark on 20 November 20, 2026, operating three times weekly — every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. CEB is also the only airline to offer direct flights between Clark and Vietnam.

Meanwhile, direct flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Cebu are set to operate three times weekly starting 26 October 2026 — every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

“The resumption of our direct Hanoi-Clark and Ho Chi Minh-Cebu flights further strengthens connectivity between Vietnam and the Philippines, making it easier for Vietnamese travellers to explore the best destinations our country has to offer. By providing more affordable and convenient travel options, we aim to encourage greater tourism and foster stronger cultural ties between Vietnam and the Philippines,” said  Cebu Pacific President and Chief Commercial Officer Xander Lao.

To celebrate these routes, CEB is also offering a special seat sale until 11 August 2026, with one-way base fares from Hanoi to Clark and from Ho Chi Minh City to Cebu set at USD1, exclusive of fees and surcharges. Travel is open from 26 October 2026 until 31 March 2027.

Direct flights from Hanoi provide connectivity to the airline’s hub in Clark, an ideal starting point for exploring Central Luzon. Manila is a two-hour drive from Clark, giving travellers easier access to the Philippines’ bustling capital. 

From Ho Chi Minh City, travellers can explore Cebu’s natural beauty, history, and world-famous islands and white-sand beaches.

CEB operates in 35 Philippine and 26 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.

(Source: Cebu Pacific)

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The new Khiri Manila office becomes the DMC’s 20^th in Southeast Asia.

The move follows the opening of Khiri’s first office in the Philippines, in Cebu, in September 2024. The new Manila office is located in the 1928 art-deco-inspired Perez-Samanillo Building, now called the First United Building. 

A blessing ceremony for the new office was held on 28 July and was attended by Khiri Travel Manila staff, led by their General Manager, Nadi Win. Khiri Travel CEO and Founder Willem Niemeijer and parent company YAANA Ventures’ Chief Financial Officer, Mark Remijan, also attended.

Nadi said Khiri’s new Manila office would facilitate tourism growth particularly in the Manila and Luzon regions of the country.

“There are major improvements at Manila international airport where most of Khiri’s guests enter and leave the destination,” she said. “With our stronger presence in the capital, we will be able to support our partners and travellers better, strengthen coordination with hotels, guides and transport providers.”

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, tourism generated USD 38.1 billion for the Philippine economy in 2024. Tourism accounted for 8.1% of GDP in 2025. The country attracted 5.94 million foreign tourist arrivals last year, down from the peak of 8.26 million in 2019.

 Khiri Travel Vice President — Commercial, Richard Ludwig, said: “Opening our Manila office demonstrates our commitment to becoming the best DMC in the Philippines. By investing in our local team and presence, we can give our partners the confidence and support they need to grow their business here.”

(Source: Khiri Travel)

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The agreement was announced during the Farnborough Air Show by Lucio C. Tan III, President and Chief Operating Officer of PAL Holdings, Inc., Richard Nuttall, President of Philippine Airlines, together with Lars Wagner, CEO of the  Commercial Aircraft business at Airbus and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, EVP Sales of the Airbus Commercial Aircraft business.

Once finalised, the new contract will double the airline’s total orders for the A350-1000 to 18 aircraft, of which the first two have been delivered this year. Designated as the carrier’s new flagship, the A350-1000 will enable PAL to develop its long-haul network further, primarily linking Manila with destinations in North America. These include non-stop services in both directions linking Manila with cities on the East Coast of the US and Canada.

PAL has specified a three-class configuration for its A350-1000 fleet, accommodating 382 passengers. The layout includes 42 suites in Business Class with privacy doors and fully flat beds, 24 seats in a spacious separate Premium Economy cabin and 316 seats in Economy Class. All cabins feature the latest in-flight entertainment systems and connectivity.

Philippine Airlines operates various Airbus types on its full-service network. In addition to the A350, PAL flies A330-300s to the Middle East, Australia and various points in Asia. The carrier also operates a fleet of A320 and A321 single-aisle aircraft on domestic and regional services.

At the end of June 2026, the  A350 Family had won 1,595 firm orders from 68 customers worldwide, making it one of the most successful widebody aircraft ever.

(Source: Airbus)

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