21% increase in tourist arrivals in Sabah

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah recorded a 21 per cent increase in tourist arrivals in January to October this year, [...] More here: 21% increase in tourist arrivals in Sabah

Celebrating the centenary of the Rizal monument

MANILA, Philippines – The Rizal monument at Luneta Park in Manila is many things to many people. It is a source of livelihood for the photographers , a tourist destination for foreigners, a dating venue for lovers, and a Sunday picnic place for families. In recent history, the Luneta park has also been ... More here: Celebrating the centenary of the Rizal monument

HK renews black travel warning vs PHL

Hong Kong on Monday renewed its black warning travel on the Philippines, citing the effects of super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) as well as the risk of possible terrorist attacks including on areas frequented by foreigners. In its Dec. 30 update, the Hong Kong Security Bureau said some foreign governments had noted the risk of "possible terrorist attacks." More here: HK renews black travel warning vs PHL

Making one’s travel wish list

“Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or find it not” - an inspiring line by author Ralph Waldo Emerson that always moves me to book my next dream trip. For the incurable romantic with a proclivity for art, Venice tops the bill. In the evening, dine al-fresco amid a canopy of stars at the heart of Venice, Piazza San Marco, a beautiful public square. The ... More here: Making one’s travel wish list

Travel Year in Review: 2013 Out of Town Trips

I’ve been traveling for almost two decades now but it was only last year that I started posting a year end travel review to share my experiences and realizations. So why only now? I blame it on my never ending backlogs and other activities on the side. Just to make it clear, I am in […] (Visited 2 times, 2 visits today) The post Travel Year in Review: 2013 Out of Town Trips appeared first on Out ... More here: Travel Year in Review: 2013 Out of Town Trips

Philippines mayor among 4 killed in shooting at Manila airport

A gunman opened fire outside a terminal at Manila's main airport on Friday, killing the mayor of a southern Philippines town, two members of his family and a young child, authorities said. More here: Philippines mayor among 4 killed in shooting at Manila airport

I did not see him being shot: Ex-hostage

The Taiwanese tourist who was kidnapped by Islamist insurgents in the southern Philippines and released on Friday said she did not see her companion being shot but heard gunfire as he was being dragged away by kidnappers who wore ski masks. More here: I did not see him being shot: Ex-hostage

Macau, Maldives, Dubai: What Indians looked for on Google

According to the Zeitgeist charts released by the search engine giant Google Indians looked for these travel destinations in 2013. More here: Macau, Maldives, Dubai: What Indians looked for on Google

Taiwan announces new sanctions against Philippines

Taiwan announced new sanctions against the Philippines, including the publish of red travel warning;... More here: Taiwan announces new sanctions against Philippines

Rebels declare Christmas ceasefire

MANILA -- Communist rebels announced on Wednesday a ceasefire to celebrate Christmas and the 45th founding anniversary of their party. In a statement, the outlawed Communist Party of the Philippines directed the... More here: Rebels declare Christmas ceasefire

Nurse Helps Out Typhoon Victims

Story by Al Pefley / CBS 12 News LAKE WORTH, Fla. -- It's Christmas Day, a time when people everywhere are in the spirit of giving. Angelica Ligas, a registered nurse, says she took part of the money she would've spent on Christmas gifts this year and bought a plane ticket to travel to her native Philippines. ... More here: Nurse Helps Out Typhoon Victims

‘Challenging year for tourism’

TWO calamities derailed what was shaping up to be a very promising year for Cebu tourism. For tourism stakeholders, 2013 is a “challenging year” for the industry. Tourism advocate Jonathan Jay Aldeguer said this year had all the makings of a banner year for travel in the country until the twin disasters hit the Visayas region in the fourth quarter. More here: ‘Challenging year for tourism’

Traveling to the Philippines? Here’s a guide to disaster-hit tourist sites

With the devastation from the powerful earthquake in Bohol and super typhoon Yolanda all over the foreign media, it’s understandable that many visitors have canceled their scheduled trips to the Philippines. Here’s a roundup of travel hotspots after the twin disasters, with updates on how they're doing this holiday season. More here: Traveling to the Philippines? Here’s a guide to disaster-hit tourist sites

Pope's envoy to visit Tacloban

MANILA - Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, will travel to Tacloban City on December 24 to be with the victims of Typhoon Yolanda. More here: Pope's envoy to visit Tacloban

Filipinos urged to leave Sudan

The Philippines on Monday initiated the voluntary evacuation of Filipinos in South Sudan and barred all travel and deployment of workers amid the worsening civil strife in the central African state. More here: Filipinos urged to leave Sudan

Aquino opens New Luzon Expressway

Manila, Philippines - President Benigno S. Aquino III led yesterday the inauguration of the Tarlac – Pangasinan – La Union Toll Expressway (TPLEX), which is expected to cut travel time from Tarlac City to Rosario, La Union, from the usual three and a half hours to just an hour by its completion. Aquino said the new expressway will benefit 20,000 motorists plying from Tarlac to Pangasinan and ... More here: Aquino opens New Luzon Expressway

Aquino opens New Luzon Expressway

Manila, Philippines – President Benigno S. Aquino III led yesterday the inauguration of the Tarlac – Pangasinan – La Union Toll Expressway (TPLEX), which is expected to cut travel time from Tarlac City to Rosario, La Union, from the usual three and a half hours to just an hour by its completion. Aquino said the […] More here: Aquino opens New Luzon Expressway

Philippines mayor among 4 killed in shooting at Manila airport

(CNN) -- A gunman opened fire outside a terminal at Manila's main airport on Friday, killing the mayor of a southern Philippines town, two members of his family and a young child, authorities said. More here: Philippines mayor among 4 killed in shooting at Manila airport

Aquino thanks 'idol' Ramon Ang for TPLex

MANILA, Philippines – On Monday, December 23, President Benigno Aquino III was too happy he called San Miguel Corporation (SMC) president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang his "idol." SMC declared the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union expressway (TPLex) will be completed by 2015 or 3 years earlier than the ... More here: Aquino thanks 'idol' Ramon Ang for TPLex

LATEST NEWS:

Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou’s nephew, who helped rescue abducted tourist Chang An-wei from the Philippines, was a former commanding officer with the US Army Special Forces. More here: LATEST NEWS:

The President’s man to the rescue

PETALING JAYA: Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou’s nephew, who helped rescue abducted tourist Chang An-wei from the Philippines, was a former commanding officer with the US Army Special Forces. More here: The President’s man to the rescue

Travel hindered

Ice storms, heavy snowfall, possible tornadoes and the threat of flash floods are expected to create travel nightmares this weekend in many parts of the United States, causing flight delays and unsafe road conditions for some of the millions of people traveling ahead of Christmas. More here: Travel hindered

'Exciting times' for the Bureau of Immigration

In a recent debate tournament I had the privilege of judging, a friend I worked with in the core judging panel pitched as topic the use of travel entry restrictions as political tools. The control of transnational mobility has always been a touchy subject for many nations, not least of which ... More here: 'Exciting times' for the Bureau of Immigration

Kidnapped Taiwan woman returns home

TAIPEH: A Taiwanese tourist whose husband was killed by gunmen in a kidnapping at a Malaysian island resort returned to Taiwan on Saturday after she was rescued in the southern Philippines. More here: Kidnapped Taiwan woman returns home

Chang_an_wei-taiwan-kidnap-pom_pom_island-sabah-philippines-211213-afp.jpg

A Taiwanese tourist whose husband was killed by gunmen in a kidnapping at an island resort off Sabah returned to Taiwan today after she was rescued in the southern Philippines. Television footage showed Chang An-wei, 59, dressed in a loose T-shirt and wearing sunglasses, walking to a minibus parked at an airport near Taipei after she arrived... More here: Chang_an_wei-taiwan-kidnap-pom_pom_island-sabah-philippines-211213-afp.jpg

Philippine military frees tourist from gunmen

PETALING JAYA - The rescue of kidnapped Taiwanese tourist Chang An Wei by the Philippines security forces was made possible with the effort put in by the police's special task force, said Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar. In his tweet, Khalid congratulated the security forces in the rescue of Chang, who was taken from Sabah's Pom Pom Island Resort. "The victim was rescued in ... More here: Philippine military frees tourist from gunmen

Philippine military frees tourist from gunmen

PETALING JAYA - The rescue of kidnapped Taiwanese tourist Chang An Wei by the Philippines security forces was made possible with the effort put in by the police's special task force, said Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar. In his tweet, Khalid congratulated the security forces in the rescue of Chang, who was taken from Sabah's Pom Pom Island Resort. "The victim was rescued in ... More here: Philippine military frees tourist from gunmen

Taiwanese tourist kidnapped in Malaysia in November released in southern Philippines

The Philippine military says a Taiwanese tourist who was kidnapped more than a month ago in Malaysia has been released in the southern Philippines. More here: Taiwanese tourist kidnapped in Malaysia in November released in southern Philippines

Taiwanese tourist abducted in Malaysia found in Philippines

A Taiwanese tourist whose husband was reported killed by gunmen in a kidnapping at a Malaysian island resort has been found alive in the southern Philippines, tnews reports said Friday. More here: Taiwanese tourist abducted in Malaysia found in Philippines

Rescued - Taiwanese Tourist Kidnapped From Sabah

Khalid took to Twitter minutes ago to announce the rescue and congratulate the Philippine security officials. /Malay Mail KUALA LUMPUR: A Taiwanese tourist taken by unidentified gunmen from Pom-Pom Island, off Sabah’s east coast, has been rescued by Philippines security forces, Malaysia’s national police chief said today. More here: Rescued - Taiwanese Tourist Kidnapped From Sabah

Semporna kidnap: Taiwanese tourist freed

KOTA KINABALU - A Taiwanese tourist abducted from Pom Pom island off Sabah's east coast 36 days ago has been found safe and sound in the southern Philippine island of Jolo. Chang An Wei (pic), 58, was found alone in an area between the villages of Maimbung and Indanan at 4.30pm yesterday in a joint operation by the Philippine military, police and local government officials. Philippines Armed ... More here: Semporna kidnap: Taiwanese tourist freed

Tourist abducted from Pom Pom Island rescued

KUALA LUMPUR: A Taiwanese woman tourist, who was abducted by an armed group on Pom Pom Island off Semporna on Nov 15, has been rescued, says Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar. He also tweeted that the Malaysian police was awaiting news on the latest developments from authorities there. More here: Tourist abducted from Pom Pom Island rescued

Semporna kidnap: IGP credits special task force for victim's rescue

PETALING JAYA: The rescue of kidnapped Taiwanese tourist Chang An Wei by the Philippines security forces was made possible with the effort put in by the police’s special task force, said Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar. More here: Semporna kidnap: IGP credits special task force for victim's rescue

Conseils de santé aux voyageurs - Le typhon Haiyan (« Yolanda ») aux Philippines

Le 8 novembre 2013, le typhon Haiyan (connu localement sous le nom de Yolanda) a accosté les régions centrales des Philippines, et a causé des dommages importants dans la région. Un état de cataclysme national a été déclaré par les autorités philippines. Les services essentiels tels que les voies de transport, lélectricité et le système dassainissement ont été considérablement touchés dans ... More here: Conseils de santé aux voyageurs - Le typhon Haiyan (« Yolanda ») aux Philippines

Abducted Taiwanese tourist found in Sulu

A Taiwanese tourist whose husband was reported killed by gunmen in a kidnapping at a Malaysian island resort has been found alive in the southern Philippines, local military said Friday. More here: Abducted Taiwanese tourist found in Sulu

Taiwanese tourist abducted in Malaysia found in Philippines

A Taiwanese tourist whose husband was reported killed by gunmen in a kidnapping at a Malaysian island resort has been found alive in the southern Philippines, local military said Friday. More here: Taiwanese tourist abducted in Malaysia found in Philippines

Philippine military frees tourist from gunmen

PETALING JAYA -- A Taiwanese tourist who was kidnapped from Pom Pom island off Sabah on Nov. 15 has been rescued by Philippines security forces, said IGP Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar. More here: Philippine military frees tourist from gunmen

PHL's most Googled travel destinations of 2013

CNN recently released a year-ender list called “Most Googled destinations of 2013,” which charts the hottest travel destinations by country—and it yielded some surprising results. On the other hand, these resorts, islands, bays, and amusement parks are the top ten most Googled vacation spots. Located on Mactan Island, the Movenpick Resort of Cebu is part of a world class international franchise ... More here: PHL's most Googled travel destinations of 2013

Rescued - Taiwanese Tourist Kidnapped From Sabah

Khalid took to Twitter minutes ago to announce the rescue and congratulate the Philippine security officials. /Malay Mail KUALA LUMPUR: A Taiwanese tourist taken by unidentified gunmen from Pom-Pom Island, off Sabah’s east coast, has been rescued by Philippines security forces, Malaysia’s national police chief said today. More here: Rescued - Taiwanese Tourist Kidnapped From Sabah

Kidnapped Taiwanese tourist rescued: IGP

PETALING JAYA: The Taiwanese tourist who was kidnapped from Pom Pom island off Sabah on Nov 15 has been rescued, says Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar today. Khalid in his Twitter account, @KBAB51 today said that the victim was rescued by the Philippines security forces somewhere in Sulu and taken to Merin Hospital nearby for treatment. He said the 58-year-old victim ... More here: Kidnapped Taiwanese tourist rescued: IGP

Kidnapped Taiwanese tourist rescued by Philippines security forces

KUALA LUMPUR: The Philippines security forces has successfully rescued the Taiwanese woman kidnapped from Pom Pom Island off Sabah on Nov 15, said Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar today. More here: Kidnapped Taiwanese tourist rescued by Philippines security forces

Philippines police rescue Taiwanese tourist

Philippines' elite police force rescue Taiwanese tourist kidnapped from Pom Pom island in Sabah last month. More here: Philippines police rescue Taiwanese tourist

IGP-Khalid-Abu-Bakar-140913-TMI-Najjua.jpg

Taiwanese tourist Chang An Wei, who was abducted from a Pom Pom Island resort off Semporna in Sabah on November 13, has been rescued by The Philippines armed forces. Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar (pic) said the victim was rescued in Sulu and is currently admitted to Merin Hospital in the province and will be flown to... More here: IGP-Khalid-Abu-Bakar-140913-TMI-Najjua.jpg

Semporna kidnap: Rescued - Taiwanese tourist kidnapped from Pom Pom island resort

PETALING JAYA: A Taiwanese tourist who was kidnapped from Pom Pom island off Sabah on Nov 15 has been rescued by Philippines security forces, said IGP Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar. More here: Semporna kidnap: Rescued - Taiwanese tourist kidnapped from Pom Pom island resort

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PETALING JAYA: A Taiwanese tourist who was kidnapped from Pom Pom island off Sabah on Nov 15 has been rescued by Philippines security forces, said IGP Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim. More here: Show More

Mayor, 3 others shot dead in airport

Gunmen opened fire outside a terminal at Manila's international airport on Friday, killing the mayor of a southern Philippines town and three other people, authorities said. More here: Mayor, 3 others shot dead in airport

A guide to travel insurance – Part 2

By Balkish Rosly SaveMoney.my began our guide to travel insurance last week by explaining exactly what it is and what it entails. This week, we continue with an explanation of the types of travel insurance policies. Read on to learn more! Types of travel insurance Before you march up to the insurance company or click the “purchase” button on the airline website, you have to first decide which ... More here: A guide to travel insurance – Part 2

‘Philippines, the ideal holiday destination’

The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate General in Jeddah recently launched a new campaign in cooperation with the Philippine Department of Tourism to stimulate and encourage Saudi people and expatriates to spend their holidays in the Philippines. Ezzedine H. Tago, the Philippine ambassador, said: “I hope we can encourage more Saudi people to travel to our country. The Philippine ... More here: ‘Philippines, the ideal holiday destination’

‘Philippines, the ideal holiday destination’

The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate General in Jeddah recently launched a new campaign in cooperation with the Philippine Department of Tourism to stimulate and encourage Saudi people and expatriates to spend their holidays in the Philippines. Ezzedine H. Tago, the Philippine ambassador, said: “I hope we can encourage more Saudi people to travel to our country. The Philippine ... More here: ‘Philippines, the ideal holiday destination’

‘Philippines, the ideal holiday destination’

The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate General in Jeddah recently launched a new campaign in cooperation with the Philippine Department of Tourism to stimulate and encourage Saudi people and expatriates to spend their holidays in the Philippines. More here: ‘Philippines, the ideal holiday destination’

Viets with lost travel documents allowed to go home

Manila, Philippines - The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has allowed the 25 Vietnamese nationals who were caught by typhoon Yolanda in Leyte to return home without travel documents out of compassion and charity. BI Officer-in-Charge Siegfred Mison said the Vietnamese lost their visas and other papers during the storm surge. Mison said Hoang Nghia Cang, secretary of the Vietnam Embassy in Manila ... More here: Viets with lost travel documents allowed to go home

PH’s global gaming market share to reach 5%

In its 2014 Asia-Pacific gaming outlook, Fitch Ratings said the country’s gaming sector is likely to improve its global market share to about 4.5 percent to 5.0 percent in the next three to five years from the current estimated 3.3 percent. “The Philippines’ attraction as a gaming destination arises from its positioning as a low-cost tourist destination and robust domestic demand, underpinned by ... More here: PH’s global gaming market share to reach 5%

Chinese tourists in PH up by 70% – DOT

MANILA, Philippines – Has the Philippines-China dispute over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) adversely affected tourism in the country? More here: Chinese tourists in PH up by 70% – DOT

Dive, eat and explore Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines – Off the beaten track, the road less travelled, exploring Mindanao is an adventure not for the weak-hearted or high-profiled city mouse. I love to travel. I also prefer rustic and untouched places. The closer paradise is to Mother Nature’s truest form, the better. Mindanao – ... More here: Dive, eat and explore Mindanao

South Koreans topped list of tourist arrivals

South Korea remained the Philippines’ largest source of tourists this year while the number of tourists coming from China went down by 70 percent, immigration authorities said. More here: South Koreans topped list of tourist arrivals

South Koreans lead tourist arrivals

Manila, Philippines - More South Koreans are visiting the country this year as South Korea has replaced the United States, Japan and China in the top slots on the number of tourist arrivals. Bureau of Immigration (BI) Officer-In-Charge Siegfred Mison said more than 1 million Koreans arrived in the country from Jan. 1 to Dec. 5. Second placer was the US with 649,664 tourists, followed by Japan ... More here: South Koreans lead tourist arrivals

Chinese Tourist Arrivals To Philippines Fall By 70 Per Cent In 2013

MANILA, Dec 17 (Bernama) -- The number of Chinese tourists visiting the Philippines fell by 70 percent this year compared to three or four years ago, the Bureau of Immigration said Tuesday. More here: Chinese Tourist Arrivals To Philippines Fall By 70 Per Cent In 2013

Philippines sees high growth despite typhoon

MANILA: The Philippine economy should grow 7.0 percent this year and between 6.5 and 7.5 percent next year despite the devastation caused by a killer typhoon and an earthquake, the government said today. Economic planning minister Arsenio Balisacan said that while losses in agriculture caused by Super Typhoon Haiyan in November were expected to hit growth in the near term, rebuilding would ... More here: Philippines sees high growth despite typhoon

Philippines sees high growth despite typhoon

The Philippine economy should grow 7.0 per cent this year and between 6.5 and 7.5 per cent next year despite the devastation caused by a killer typhoon and an earthquake, the government said on Tuesday. More here: Philippines sees high growth despite typhoon

Kerry in Philippines to propel troop deal as China row simmers

Secretary of State John Kerry arrived in the Philippines Tuesday for a two-day trip that could fast-track a deal on expanding the US military presence as a territorial dispute simmers with China. Kerry flew to Manila as the two allies are in the final stages of hammering out a deal allowing more US troops, aircraft and ships to temporarily pass through the Philippines, where the last US bases ... More here: Kerry in Philippines to propel troop deal as China row simmers

Dole recipients to be trained as tour guides

MANILA, Philippines—Beneficiaries in the Bicol region of the conditional cash transfer (CCT), or Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), will be hired as tour guides and caretakers of tourist spots under a project to be jointly funded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Tourism (DOT) and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) next year ... More here: Dole recipients to be trained as tour guides

Tourism in the Philippines continues

According to the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Philippines continues to be a safe and fun destination for tourists. Tourism activities continue in the country’s various regions, each with its distinct features and attractions. The Philippines is home to a great number of tourist destinations, adventures, and offerings that include natural wonders, historical landmarks, spectacular beaches ... More here: Tourism in the Philippines continues

Poll Result: The 2013 Philippines Top 15 Travel Blogs

Few months ago, I asked fellow Pinoy Travel Bloggers to participate in 2013 Philippines Top Travel Bloggers Poll. I thought only a few will participate, thus the result is overwhelming. Forty Four (44) Travel Bloggers initially participated in the poll and their nominations tallied to 110 travel blogs and gathered a total of 588 votes. Each travel blogger’s vote […] (Visited 1 times, 1 visits ... More here: Poll Result: The 2013 Philippines Top 15 Travel Blogs

Tourism in the Philippines continues

According to the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Philippines continues to be a safe and fun destination for tourists. Tourism activities continue in the country’s various regions, each with its distinct features and attractions. The Philippines is home to a great number of tourist destinations, adventures, and offerings that include natural wonders, historical landmarks, spectacular […] More here: Tourism in the Philippines continues

Beneficiaries of gov’t cash assistance to be hired as tourism workers

MANILA, Philippines – Beneficiaries of the government’s conditional cash transfer program in the Bicol region are to be hired as tourist guides and facility caretakers under a project funded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Tourism and the Department of Interior and Local Government next year. The project, called "Trabahong Turismo," aims to provide a ... More here: Beneficiaries of gov’t cash assistance to be hired as tourism workers

Missing Chinese tourist suffering from Alzheimers found in Phuket Town

PHUKET: A 59-year-old Chinese tourist who was reported missing two days ago and suffers from ... More here: Missing Chinese tourist suffering from Alzheimers found in Phuket Town

Philippines death toll passes 6,000

The death toll from Typhoon Haiyan in the central Philippines has breached 6,000, with nearly 1,800 people still missing, officials said. More here: Philippines death toll passes 6,000

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PETALING JAYA: In the wake of Typhoon Haiyan, government representatives have assured tourists the Philippines is still a safe and fun destination. More here: Show More

Russia lifts RP travel ban

The Russian Federation has lifted the travel ban for Russian citizens to the Philippines, except in areas severely devastated by typhoon “Yolanda,” where the situation remains difficult. More here: Russia lifts RP travel ban

Agencies ask DFA to ease restrictions on passport services

THE Network of Independent Travel Agencies Association (Nitas) reiterated its appeal to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to ease restrictions on travel agencies from processing passports. “The travel agencies last year were harassed so much that their number was reduced to 50 percent. More here: Agencies ask DFA to ease restrictions on passport services

Russia lifts travel ban for Philippines

The Russian Federation has lifted the travel ban for Russian citizens to the Philippines, except to areas severely devastated by super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) where the situation still remains difficult. Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced this in a press release issued earlier this week. The travel ban, which was put into effect last November 13, came following the onslaught of ... More here: Russia lifts travel ban for Philippines

Russian govt lifts travel advisory enjoining tourists vs going to PH

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation has lifted its travel ban for Russian citizens to the Philippines, but has advised the latter to avoid areas devastated by super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). More here: Russian govt lifts travel advisory enjoining tourists vs going to PH

Russia lifts travel ban to PH—DFA

MANILA, Philippines – Russia lifted its travel ban to the Philippines, a month after it recommended that its citizens refrain from going to areas devastated by Supertyphoon “Yolanda” (international name Haiyan). "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation announced the lifting of [the] travel ban for Russian citizens to the Philippines, except to the most devastated areas where ... More here: Russia lifts travel ban to PH—DFA

Russia lifts travel ban to PH

Russian citizens has lifted its travel ban to the Philippines, except to the most devastated areas where the situation still remains difficult, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Thursday. More here: Russia lifts travel ban to PH

DFA: Russia lifts travel ban to PHL

Russia has lifted its travel ban to the Philippines, which was imposed after super typhoon Yolanda struck the Visayas and parts of Southern Luzon ast month, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Thursday. More here: DFA: Russia lifts travel ban to PHL

Russia lifts travel ban for Philippines

The Russian Federation has lifted the travel ban for Russian citizens to the Philippines, except to areas severely devastated by super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) where the situation still remains difficult. Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced this in a press release issued earlier this week. The travel ban, which was put into effect last November […] More here: Russia lifts travel ban for Philippines

Russia lifts travel ban to Philippines

MANILA – Russia has lifted its travel ban to the Philippines, allowing Russian tourists to resume their vacation plans to escape the winter months, the Department of Foreign Affairs said. More here: Russia lifts travel ban to Philippines

PWD-Friendly Tourist firms next for Makati

THE Makati City government launched its Search for “PWD-Friendly Tourist Establishments” after citing three winners in its PWD (Persons with Disabilities) Model Search. More here: PWD-Friendly Tourist firms next for Makati

Philippines to miss tourism targets due to disasters

The Philippines is unlikely to hit its target of five million tourists this year due to damage caused by twin disasters, a tourism official said Saturday. Killer Super Typhoon Haiyan hit on November 8 and a 7.1-magnitude earthquake on October 15, causing devastation in tourist areas which resulted in many cancelled reservations, said Domingo Enerio, chief of the government's Tourism Promotions ... More here: Philippines to miss tourism targets due to disasters

Filipinos exploring new countries, site shows

Filipinos are becoming more “adventurous” in their travel choices given the healthy economy, rising incomes and increasing availability of low-cost carrier choices, according to global travel search site Skyscanner. More here: Filipinos exploring new countries, site shows

Kerry to travel to ME, Vietnam and Philippines

US Secretary of State John Kerry would make another trip to the Middle East as part of his relentless effort to resolve the Israel-Palestine dispute and then head on to Vietnam and Philippines reflecting the American rebalance towards the Asia Pacific region. More here: Kerry to travel to ME, Vietnam and Philippines

Top travel destinations for 2013 revealed

Asian countries remained to be popular travel destinations among Filipinos this year, a travel search site said. More here: Top travel destinations for 2013 revealed

Kerry’s visit to Tacloban City confirmed

United States (US) Secretary of State John Kerry will visit storm-devastated Tacloban City as part of his travels to the Middle East and Southeast Asia from December 11 to 18. More here: Kerry’s visit to Tacloban City confirmed

Kerry to travel to ME, Vietnam and Philippines

Washington, Dec 10 (PTI) US Secretary of State John Kerry would make another trip to the Middle East as part of his relentless effort to resolve the Israel-Palestine dispute and then head on to Vietnam and Philippines reflecting the American rebalance towards the Asia Pacific region. More here: Kerry to travel to ME, Vietnam and Philippines

Registering your overseas travel made easier

New Zealanders travelling or living overseas can now register their travel details using a simpler online system, thanks to changes made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). More here: Registering your overseas travel made easier

Kerry to tour typhoon-hit Philippines, Vietnam

US Secretary of State John Kerry is to make his first visit to the Philippines since taking office to see first-hand the damage left by last month's typhoon, and will also tour Vietnam where he fought during the war. But he will then travel to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, before heading to Manila, and the storm-hit city of Tacloban, a US official said Monday. Since becoming the top US diplomat in ... More here: Kerry to tour typhoon-hit Philippines, Vietnam

John Kerry headed to Mideast, Asia

Secretary of State John Kerry is returning to the Mideast for more peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians and then will travel on to Vietnam and the Philippines. More here: John Kerry headed to Mideast, Asia

Kerry headed to Mideast, Asia

WASHINGTON (AP) — Secretary of State John Kerry is returning to the Mideast for more peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians and then will travel on to Vietnam and the Philippines. More here: Kerry headed to Mideast, Asia

CEB mounts add’l HK Christmas flights

The Philippines’ leading low-cost carrier, Cebu Pacific Air adds one more daily flight between Manila and Hong Kong during Christmas peak season, to accommodate travel demand to Hong Kong. Utilizing Airbus A320 aircraft, CEB will operate a total of five daily Manila-Hong Kong-Manila flights on the following days only: December 20-23, 26-30, 2013 and January […] More here: CEB mounts add’l HK Christmas flights

Philippines bans worker deployment to Yemen

MANILA - The Philippines Monday banned its citizens from taking up new jobs in Yemen, following a militant attack which killed dozens including seven Filipino medical workers. Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said in a statement the government was also offering to repatriate an estimated 1,000 other citizens already employed there as medical workers or construction labourers. He said the ... More here: Philippines bans worker deployment to Yemen

DOT to focus on domestic tourist arrivals

MANILA -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) will focus on raising domestic tourist arrivals, since a slowdown is expected in the international tourism market. “Though a lot of tourism sites in the country have been affected by recent calamities, there are other destinations that can be enjoyed,” said Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Chief Operations Officer Domingo Ramon Enerio III in a... More here: DOT to focus on domestic tourist arrivals

Tourism revenues to rebuild travel destinations ravaged by Haiyan

New approach is being spearheaded by the Department of Tourism More here: Tourism revenues to rebuild travel destinations ravaged by Haiyan

PHL tourism struck by disasters, as visitors avoid even unaffected areas

The Philippines is unlikely to hit its target of five million tourists this year due to damage caused by twin disasters, a tourism official said Saturday. Tourist arrivals up to September had already reached about 3.6 million, up from the same period last year, he said. But the disasters will affect arrivals in the last three months which are the peak season for tourists. Worldwide news coverage ... More here: PHL tourism struck by disasters, as visitors avoid even unaffected areas

PH to miss tourism targets due to disasters

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines is unlikely to hit its target of 5 million tourists this year due to damage caused by twin disasters, a tourism official said Saturday, December 7. Killer Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) hit on November 8 and a 7.1-magnitude earthquake on October 15, causing devastation in tourist ... More here: PH to miss tourism targets due to disasters

Philippines to miss tourism targets due to disasters

The Philippines is unlikely to hit its target of five million tourists this year due to damage caused by twin disasters, a tourism official said Saturday. Killer Super Typhoon Haiyan hit on November 8 ... More here: Philippines to miss tourism targets due to disasters

DOT likely to miss 5-M tourist arrival target

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Tourism (DOT) will likely miss its five-million tourist arrival target this year due to the impact of the recent natural calamities that hit the country, a DOT official said. More here: DOT likely to miss 5-M tourist arrival target

Miss Earth 2013 Grand Coronation Night: Results and Winners

The Miss Earth 2013 Grand Coronation Night will be held this Saturday, December 7 at the Versailles Alabang in Las Piñas at 8 pm. During the pageant night, Philippines natural tourist destinations will be featured to promote the country’s eco-tourism potentials. Miss Earth Executive Vice President Lorraine Schuck said the project is Miss Earth Pageant’s […] The post Miss Earth 2013 Grand ... More here: Miss Earth 2013 Grand Coronation Night: Results and Winners

Tour program taps private sector aid in rehab efforts

The regional Department of Tourism (DOT) office said their “Bangon Tours” program will tap the private sector in promoting the country’s tourist destinations to help rebuild typhoon-hit areas in Central Philippines. More here: Tour program taps private sector aid in rehab efforts

Myanmar is now Visa-Free for Filipino Travelers

Good news for travel buffs who want to visit the country of Myanmar, it is about to get much easier. The reverse is already agreed upon; Myanmar passport holders can enter the Philippines without a visa. But with Myanmar President Thein Sein’s visit, residents of the Philippines are getting the same option. Myanmar is now […] (Visited 1 times, 1 visits today) The post Myanmar is now Visa-Free ... More here: Myanmar is now Visa-Free for Filipino Travelers

Santa Claus visits children's hospital

A travel agent dressed as Santa Claus belonging to the International Air Travel Agents (IATA-Philippines) gives a present to a patient at the National Children's Hospital in Quezon City on Thursday. The gift-giving is part of the humanitarian mission of the group this Christmas season. More here: Santa Claus visits children's hospital

Leung hints Manila bus murders deal likely

Chief Executive, Leung Chun-ying, says Philippines government has shown a positive attitude towards resolving the dispute over the 2010 Manila tourist... More here: Leung hints Manila bus murders deal likely

Kensington Tours Announces Top Travel Trends for 2014

With the end of 2013 fast approaching, Kensington Tours polled its Destination Experts for the travel trends they have identified and for those that they forecast for the new year. Kensington's team of ... More here: Kensington Tours Announces Top Travel Trends for 2014

Philippines’ Aquino Races the World’s Fastest Economies

Just after midnight one sultry Friday in August 1987, Manila became a battleground as rebel troops attempted a coup against Philippine President Corazon Aquino. Two blocks from the besieged presidential palace, insurgents opened fire on a car carrying Aquino’s only son, a bespectacled and soft-spoken 27-year-old junior insurance executive nicknamed Noynoy. More here: Philippines’ Aquino Races the World’s Fastest Economies

International Travel Festival 2013 at SMX, December 10-11, 2013

Rising from the world economic recession in 2008 , the global tourism industry is now gaining momentum for sustained growth, and so is the Philippines , powered by vacationing overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and an increasing number of visitors from East Asian countries . Such is the phenomenon behind the emergence of the forthcoming International Travel Festival (ITF) 2013. Scroll down to read ... More here: International Travel Festival 2013 at SMX, December 10-11, 2013

Palawan, Boracay tourism industry back in business, says Roxas

MANILA, Philippines--Top tourist spots Palawan and Boracay are back in business weeks after Supertyphoon Yolanda flattened many parts of central Philippines, Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II said Tuesday. "I am glad that tourism industry has recovered quickly. Definitely, the tourism industry in Palawan and Boracay is back in business," Roxas said in a statement. Roxas, also the co-chair of ... More here: Palawan, Boracay tourism industry back in business, says Roxas

DFA urges Pinoys to avoid non-essential travel to Thailand

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Foreign Affairs is urging Pinoys to defer non-essential travel to Thailand amid unrest in the Thai capital. More here: DFA urges Pinoys to avoid non-essential travel to Thailand

34 countries, regions issue travel alert for Thailand

A total of 34 countries and regions have issued warning for travel to Thailand where political tension has run high. More here: 34 countries, regions issue travel alert for Thailand

Hong Kong travel agencies cancel Bangkok tours amid unrest

Hong Kong travel agencies said Monday they were cancelling most package tours to Bangkok because of anti-government protests, after authorities issued a travel warning for the strife-torn Thai capital. More here: Hong Kong travel agencies cancel Bangkok tours amid unrest

Hong Kong travel agencies cancel Bangkok tours amid unrest

Hong Kong travel agencies said Monday they were cancelling most package tours to Bangkok because of anti-government protests, after authorities issued a travel warning for the strife-torn Thai capital. More here: Hong Kong travel agencies cancel Bangkok tours amid unrest

New Mexico midwife heading for Philippines

Native of Philippines is collecting medical supplies and money to help out after typhoon More here: New Mexico midwife heading for Philippines

Tourism: Optimistic Manila, pessimistic industry

Manila hopes tourism will create seven million jobs and contribute 12% of economic output but industry experts are skeptical. More here: Tourism: Optimistic Manila, pessimistic industry

Fancy a lovely European holiday?

Understanding the nuances of each country, Trafalgar -- the world’s leading guided vacation company -- takes guests deep into these destinations that open doors for unforgettable travel experiences. A guided or escorted tour is a form of tourism where travel directors take care of all services from beginning to end of the tour (flights, hotels, transportation, transfers, meals, and sightseeing ... More here: Fancy a lovely European holiday?

Editorial: Milestone for Philippine tourism industry

Tourist arrivals in the Philippines reached 3.18 million in first eight months of 2013, 11.8% over the 2.85 million in the same period in 2012. This is the first time in Philippine tourism history that foreign arrivals breached the three-million mark at the end of August. The figure is 57.83% of the 5.5-million target for this year.South Koreans comprised the bulk of the visitors, 822,128 ... More here: Editorial: Milestone for Philippine tourism industry