Department of Tourism Archives

TPB on why the Philippines is “a destination to love”

Led by the charming and hardworking Marga Nograles as its COO, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines takes us through its accomplishments in 2023, and its immediate and long-term plans to further promote the Philippines as a world-class tourist destination. TPB COO Marga Nograles and Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco during…

So much to see, so much to do, so much to love!

The Department of Tourism (DOT), under Secretary Christina Frasco, recently marked the 5Oth year since its founding by the first Marcos administration in 1973. At the same time, Frasco also revealed her office’s new thrust to attract more tourists to the country with the slogan “Love the Philippines.” By Alex…

DOT secretary donates P200,000 to Tourism scholars

As one of the featured models in the Pacific Asia Travel Association’s recent benefit dinner and fashion show at the Manila Hotel, Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, escorted by husband Duke, walked the runway like a pro in Renee Salud’s Filipiniana finery. By Alex Y. Vergara Since you only…

Great deals await revenge travelers at biggest local travel mart

As the mother of all local travel shows once exhorted: "Don't be a foreigner in your own country." Rediscover the beauty and wonders of the Philippines while instilling pride in yourself, as you travel again for the first time perhaps since the pandemic. The Philippine Travel Mart, which opens today…

Here’s what to expect when traveling in the new normal

Text and photos by Hermes Joy Tunac After seven months since my last pre-COVID-19 travel, visiting Boracay recently has given me a broad idea on how future domestic trips to vacation destinations would be like in the coming months. Given how fluid the situation still is, protocols might change without…

Boracay welcomes you back!

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY HERMES JOY S. TUNAC BORACAY— After being closed to local and foreign tourists for more than six months because of the pandemic, Boracay, the world-renowned white-sand paradise island off Aklan, officially reopens today. One look at Boracay's white sand and clear blue waters immediately reminded us…

Quarantined in paradise–how foreign travel vloggers enjoyed their extended stay in the Philippines

As the country welcomes millions of tourists every year, it’s inevitable that there were foreigners who ended up getting stranded here during the lockdown. But there's always a silver lining to every situation, as some of them chose to stick by the country. It's been said often enough, the COVID-19…

Tourism department releases video honoring country’s selfless front liners

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Filipino can still manage to smile. Despite the many upheavals and disruptions life throws at us, the Philippines is still fortunate enough to have been witness to many acts of kindness, especially at the frontlines, where the valiant and selfless efforts and…

Ferry, very good: Time to Cruise to Old Manila via Pasig River

By Jose Paolo S. dela Cruz After languishing for decades due to unsustainable practices and pollution, the Pasig River and Escolta are on the rise as a potential “coosome twosome” for tourists and everyday travelers alike. Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo Puyat recently invited members of the media and some VIP…

ConfEx 2019 set to help boost health and wellness tourism in the Philippines

By Bryle B. Suralta With the theme “Journey to a zestful life,” the Health and Wellness Conference and Expo is looking to promote the Philippines’ health and wellness industry from April 26 to 28 at the SMX Convention Center. The three-day event will gather international partners, industry manufacturers and top-of-the-line…