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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“More flights are good for travellers. Greater competition makes air travel more accessible and affordable for Filipinos,” said the Department of Tourism in a statement. “We want our airlines to grow and succeed.

At the same time, we welcome more airlines and more routes because a bigger market benefits everyone — travellers, airlines, airports, tourism enterprises and the economy.”

Beyond tourism and business exchanges, the new route is expected to make homecomings easier for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and the Filipino-American community, while also opening another gateway for American travellers to explore the Philippines.

The DOT will continue working with international and Philippine carriers to expand connectivity, open new markets, and make it easier for more people to experience the Philippines. 

Delta will become the only US airline running direct, nonstop flights between LAX and Manila (joining Philippine Airlines, which already operates the route).

Route and launch details

Start Date: 28 March 2027

Frequency: Three times weekly (28 March- 6 June  2027)

Expands to daily service starting 7 June, 2027

Onboard experience and aircraft

(Source: DOTP plus additional reporting)

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“This investment manifests our confidence in the future of Philippine Airlines and the continued growth of air travel.

The Boeing 787-10 will strengthen our medium and long-haul fleet, allowing us to provide an even better travel experience for our customers while improving operational efficiency and supporting our long-term sustainability goals,” said PAL Holdings Inc President and Chief Operating Officer Lucio C Tan III.

 “As Asia’s first and longest-serving airline, we proudly celebrated our 85th anniversary earlier this year. An equally meaningful milestone that we celebrate this year is 80 years of partnership between Philippine Airlines and Boeing.” 

The 787-10 will complement PAL’s fleet of 10 777 jets by expanding operational flexibility across the airline’s medium- and long-haul route network. 

“Philippine Airlines’ selection of the 787 Dreamliner marks an important step forward in our partnership, one that spans 80 years,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Stephanie Pope.

As the largest variant of the 787 family, the 787-10 can fly 300-375 passengers up to 13,890 km (7,500 nautical miles), enabling PAL to meet rising travel demand. 

(Source: Boeing)

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