The Department of Tourism (DOT) foresees a robust recovery for Philippines Tourism, underpinned by the encouraging figures in the Philippine Tourism Satellite Accounts (PTSA) for 2022, as compiled by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). The Tourism Direct Gross Value Added share of tourism to the Philippine economy, as measured by the GDP, was estimated at 6.2 per cent for 2022. The TDGVA last year amounted to PHP 1.38 trillion, 36.9 per cent higher as compared with the PHP 1.00 trillion in 2021. Internal tourism expenditure, combining inbound and domestic tourism expenditure, saw a growth last year, tallying PHP 1.87 trillion in 2022, a 131.2 per cent growth from the PHP 810 billion in 2021. Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco noted the DOT’s commitment to sustain last year’s gains through its seven-point agenda to be pursued by the Marco’s administration. “We are elated by the figures enclosed in the 2022 Philippine Tourism Satellite Accounts. We ascribe last year’s gains to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Romualdez Marcos Jr., vision, which inspired the DOT, and all players making up the tourism value chain and allowed the Philippines to achieve greater heights,” Secretary Frasco said.   “As we continue to ride the wave of travel resurgence coming out of COVID, we in the DOT, acknowledge the initiatives to make the Philippine Tourism sustainable and resilient for the next several years,” she added. The 2022 PTSA showed inbound tourism expenditure posted the growth out of the different forms of tourism expenditure, recording PHP 368.67 billion last year compared with PHP 27.63 billion in 2021. Inbound tourism expenditure, referring to the expenditure of non-resident visitors or those foreign and Filipinos permanently residing abroad, contributed 5.9 per cent …

On the celebration of the Golden Year of the Department of Tourism (DOT), President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Romualdez Marcos Jr., along with Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco unveiled a tourism campaign, ‘Love the Philippines’, on the department’s 50th Foundation Year. Addressing the event, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., expressed his support for Love the Philippines, saying the campaign “springs from the genuine love that you, me, and all of us have for the Philippines”. “The new branding will serve as a guidepost for the Philippines tourism industry. Besides promoting the Philippines Tourism, the campaign aims to enhance the overall experience of travel, building infrastructure for ease of travel, promoting regional products, and championing green movements, among others,” the President averred. At the same time, he also appreciated Tourism Secretary Frasco and the DOT team. “As we go the past 50 years of DOT and welcome a new era of tourism, it is but right that we take the opportunity to reintroduce the Philippines to the world,” Secretary Frasco said. “Love the Philippines goes to the heart of every Filipino and, the guests who come to our country, our communities, and our homes. It is a recognition of our natural assets, our glorious history, our rich culture, and diversity,” she said, while adding there is much more than ‘fun and adventure’ to the Philippines. “The country is a powerhouse of mega biodiversity, being one of 18 biodiverse countries in the world. Apart from being a tapestry of indigenous peoples, the Philippines is also a gastronomic delight,” Secretary Frasco said. Immersive experiences Following the changing global tourism landscape post-COVID, and the immersive experiences for the travellers, the DOT viewed the enhanced brand as a …

Cross Hotels & Resorts is thrilled to announce its exceptional achievement in being awarded multiple accolades by TripAdvisor for the year 2023. The esteemed Cross Pattaya Pratamnak has been ranked an impressive 13th in the global category of Hottest New Hotels “Best of the Best”. Additionally, seven of our esteemed properties have been granted the coveted Travellers’ Choice Award, reaffirming our commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences and unmatched hospitality. Leading the pack of our award-winning hotels is the delightful Cross Pattaya Pratamnak, a stunning property located in the vibrant beach city of Pattaya, combines contemporary design with warm Thai hospitality. Situated in the upscale Pratamnak Hill area, this hotel offers breathtaking views of Pattaya Bay and provides guests with luxurious accommodations and world-class amenities, creating an unforgettable experience. Nestled along the picturesque Ping River, Cross Chiang Mai Riverside combines contemporary sophistication with the charm of traditional Thai hospitality. With its stunning views, luxurious accommodation, and impeccable service, the multi-award-winning Cross Chiang Mai Riverside creates an experience that is truly unforgettable. The enchanting Cross Bali Breakers is another gem in our collection that has captivated the hearts of travelers. Located in the vibrant heart of Bali, this beachfront oasis offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Guests can indulge in world-class amenities, indulge in exquisite dining options, and explore the beauty of Bali just moments away from their luxury abode. Cross River Kwai, located amidst the serene beauty of Kanchanaburi, offers a unique blend of history and natural landscapes. Nestled on the banks of the iconic River Kwai, this resort seamlessly combines modern comfort with a tribute to its historic surroundings. It provides a tranquil retreat for guests seeking …

Cross Hotels & Resorts is thrilled to announce its exceptional achievement in being awarded multiple accolades by TripAdvisor for the year 2023. The esteemed Cross Pattaya Pratamnak has been ranked an impressive 13th in the global category of Hottest New Hotels “Best of the Best”. Additionally, seven of our esteemed properties have been granted the coveted Travellers’ Choice Award, reaffirming our commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences and unmatched hospitality. Leading the pack of our award-winning hotels is the delightful Cross Pattaya Pratamnak, a stunning property located in the vibrant beach city of Pattaya, combines contemporary design with warm Thai hospitality. Situated in the upscale Pratamnak Hill area, this hotel offers breathtaking views of Pattaya Bay and provides guests with luxurious accommodations and world-class amenities, creating an unforgettable experience. Nestled along the picturesque Ping River, Cross Chiang Mai Riverside combines contemporary sophistication with the charm of traditional Thai hospitality. With its stunning views, luxurious accommodation, and impeccable service, the multi-award-winning Cross Chiang Mai Riverside creates an experience that is truly unforgettable. The enchanting Cross Bali Breakers is another gem in our collection that has captivated the hearts of travelers. Located in the vibrant heart of Bali, this beachfront oasis offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Guests can indulge in world-class amenities, indulge in exquisite dining options, and explore the beauty of Bali just moments away from their luxury abode. Cross River Kwai, located amidst the serene beauty of Kanchanaburi, offers a unique blend of history and natural landscapes. Nestled on the banks of the iconic River Kwai, this resort seamlessly combines modern comfort with a tribute to its historic surroundings. It provides a tranquil retreat for guests seeking …

SriLankan Airlines, the award-winning national carrier of Sri Lanka, has appointed AVIAREPS, the global leader in aviation, tourism and hospitality representation, as its PR representative in India with immediate effect. The appointment was made as the airline seeks to strengthen its brand among Indian travellers with an ultimate goal to jump-start Indian outbound travel to Sri Lanka. AVIAREPS will play a pivotal role in positioning SriLankan as a top-of-mind recall for travellers from India through our extensive experience and expertise. Richard Nuttall, CEO SriLankan Airlines: “India has always been a part of the SriLankan Airlines lexicon and as we continue to ramp-up operations, our focus on India will only continue to grow. Given the significance of the market, it was important to partner with an agency that can help us create a localized approach in our communications with Indian customers. We believe that AVIAREPS has all that it takes to deliver a compelling public relations strategy and advance the SriLankan Airlines’ brand in India, and we look forward to collaborating with them on our future plans for India.” Edgar Lacker, CEO AVIAREPS: “We are extremely proud and honoured about the appointment as PR agency for SriLankan Airlines in India. We are confident that our expertise in public relations, our strong media connections and our deep understanding of the Indian market will enable us to effectively communicate the unique offerings and exceptional services of SriLankan Airlines to the Indian audience. We look forward to working closely with SriLankan Airlines to elevate their brand presence and position the airline as a top-of-mind carrier for travellers from India.” SriLankan Airlines remains strongly committed to its Indian customers and currently operates 80 weekly flights …

Malaysia Aviation Group’s (MAG) airlines, comprising Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, and MASwings, have been given regulatory approval by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) to enable Gate-to-Gate connectivity for passengers on its airlines, making it the first airlines to provide this feature for travellers departing from Malaysia. Beginning 1 July 2023, passengers can enjoy the convenience of staying connected to their personal/portable electronic devices (PEDs) throughout their journey, from the moment they board the aircraft through to arrival at their destination airport, by enabling ‘flight mode’. Passengers will no longer be required to switch off their PEDs during take-off and landing, as was previously required due to regulatory and aircraft requirements. PEDs include mobile phones, tablets, and other small hand-held devices that are stowable in the passenger’s seat pocket. ​​ Simultaneously, Malaysia Airlines will also be offering complimentary Wi-Fi for all Business Suite and Business Class passengers, as well as Enrich Platinum members, regardless of their class of travel to be enjoyed from 1 July 2023 until 31 December 2023. The offer will be available on a total of 20 aircraft that are equipped with Wi-Fi. The offer comes with a generous data cap of 100 MB per sector, with a bandwidth of up to 512 kbps, ensuring they can stay connected and productive during their journey. All passengers can still enjoy the convenience of being connected through the airline’s pay-per-use Wi-Fi offering (MHconnect) and wireless in-flight entertainment (MHstudio) which can be used uninterrupted on their PEDs throughout their journey. Ahmad Luqman Mohd Azmi, Chief Executive Officer of Airlines from MAG, said, “We are committed to providing exceptional customer service and innovative travel experiences which places customers at the heart …

TheKhareef Dhofar season kicked off on Wednesday 21st June, and will continue till 21st September 2023. Khareef season is considered as one of the most important tourism seasons in the Sultanate of Oman, which, owing to exceptional weather gives the governorate of Dhofar a unique atmosphere. This uniqueness, along with multiple tourism elements, has created a diversity in the tourism products in all the cities of the Governorate of Dhofar. The preparation for Khareef season comes within the framework of the efforts made by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) to enhance the tourism season and maximize their utilization to achieve the highest gains, in accordance with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040. Many tourism projects will also be inaugurated during this season.   The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is intensifying its efforts to enhance the tourism reputation of the Governorate of Dhofar as one of the best sustainable tourism destinations in the region, maximizing the richness of its tourism products to form unique and diverse experiences for visitors and tourists. The destination offers comprehensive tourism services that meet the requirements of all groups of visitors, including the availability of well-established accommodation services with 50 licensed hotel facilities boasting over 6000 rooms. The integration of the government efforts, the private sector, and the tourism sector partners in the Governorate of Dhofar, are working as a team to meet the needs of the visitors. Marwan bin Abdulhakim Al-Ghassani, Director of Promotion at the Directorate General of Heritage and Tourism in the Governorate of Dhofar, said, “The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has set a plan to promote the Khareef Dhofar season and developed a marketing strategy for all its …

Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) is thrilled to embark on a series of roadshows in India, showcasing the diverse and enchanting country. The roadshow will cover six major cities in South and West India, with the aim of strengthening the relationship between Nepal and its neighbouring country. NTB has appointed Buzz Travel Marketing to organize these roadshows across India. The South India Sales Mission kicked off the roadshow in Kochi on 7th June 2023, followed by Coimbatore on 9th June 2023, and concluded in Madurai on 12th June 2023. These events were attended by NTB officials and accompanied by Destination Management Companies (DMCs) from Nepal. The roadshows in the South Zone will provide an opportunity for travel industry professionals, including tour operators, travel agents, and media representatives, to explore the vast tourism offerings of Nepal. Following the success of the South India Sales Mission, the West India Sales Mission will commence, beginning in Ahmedabad on 14th June 2023, followed by Vadodara on 16th June 2023, and concluding in Surat on 19th June 2023. NTB officials will be present at each event, alongside an impressive group of 15 private companies from Nepal. The roadshows in the West Zone aim to foster fruitful collaborations between Indian and Nepalese travel professionals while promoting the cultural, natural, and adventure treasures of Nepal. The Nepal Tourism Board Roadshows in India offer a platform for participants to engage in meaningful discussions, establish valuable connections, and gain first-hand insights into the diverse tourism experiences that Nepal has to offer. Attendees can expect interactive presentations, networking opportunities, and discussions on the latest trends and developments in the Nepalese tourism industry. The roadshows will highlight Nepal’s breath-taking landscapes, ancient heritage sites, vibrant …

IndiGo, India’s most preferred airline, is further defining its long-term future, well into the next decade, by placing a firm order for 500 Airbus A320 Family aircraft. This will provide IndiGo a further steady stream of deliveries between 2030 and 2035. This 500 aircraft order is not only IndiGo’s largest order, but also the largest-ever single aircraft purchase by any airline with Airbus. The engine selection for this order will be done in due course and so will be the exact mix of A320 and A321 aircraft. Today IndiGo operates over 300 aircraft and has previous orders totaling 480 aircraft which are yet to be delivered between today and the end of this decade. With this additional firm order of 500 aircraft for 2030-2035, IndiGo’s order-book has almost 1.000 aircraft yet to be delivered well into the next decade. This IndiGo order-book comprises a mix of A320NEO, A321NEO and A321XLR aircraft. The evaluation of the offers was shared and discussed with IndiGo’s Board, and consequently endorsed. This new order will bring the strategic relationship between IndiGo and Airbus to an unprecedented depth and breadth. With this new order, since its inception in 2006, IndiGo has ordered a massive total of 1.330 aircraft with Airbus. The fuel-efficient A320NEO Family aircraft will allow IndiGo to maintain its strong focus on lowering operating costs and delivering fuel efficiency with high standards of reliability. The young and fuel- efficient fleet will help IndiGo realize its sustainability ambitions, building on the already realized CO2 reduction of 21% between FY16 and FY23. This year IndiGo expects to welcome 100 million customers on board and as such literally giving wings to the nation. IndiGo is amongst the …

In recognition of their extraordinary journey and efforts to address the sustainability solution challenge, The Sarai at Toria near Khajuraho and Panna in Madhya Pradesh as well as The Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge in Nepal were conferred with ‘A Hero’s Journey’ Award at the first edition of the RARE India Conscious Travel Awards. The awards ceremony was held at The Claridges New Delhi as part of The RARE Showcase 2023, the flagship annual event of RARE India. Chanoud Garh in Pali district of Rajasthan was awarded the ‘Best RARE Hotel 2023’. Mr Bhupendra Singh, owner of Premkunj in Udaipur, was voted as the ‘Best RARE Hotelier 2023’ while The Lodge at Wah in Palampur received the award for the ‘Best RARE Destination Story 2023’ due to their efforts of putting the Kangra region in Himachal Pradesh on the tourist map. The awardees for these three categories were selected based on voting by some of the best travel agents and travel designers across India. The RARE Conscious Travel Awards have been instituted to shine a spotlight on the extraordinary efforts of hotels and experiences in new locations that embody sustainability, authenticity and responsible travel, and serve as inspirations for the future of travel. These awards celebrate trailblazers who go above and beyond, weaving together unforgettable experiences with a deep commitment to preserving cultures, supporting local communities and protecting the environment. It’s not just about luxury; it’s about being gentle and leaving a positive footprint in the places we visit. Regarding the newly instituted RARE Conscious Travel Awards, Shoba Rudra, Founder, RARE India, said, “RARE India is a community of hoteliers and experience curators who choose to be a part of the ‘solution’ to …