Foreign tourists transiting through Manila on Philippine Airlines can now step beyond the terminal, as the Department of Tourism rolls out its Transit Tours for PAL passengers, turning long layovers into curated city experiences.
Following a pilot launch in December 2025, the DOT said the program is now officially bookable through PAL’s website and the LovePH mobile application, widening access for international travelers with extended connections at Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said the initiative strengthens the country’s gateways while creating income opportunities for Filipinos. By activating idle transit time, she noted, the tours generate work for accredited guides, transport operators, and tourism enterprises, while offering visitors a snapshot of Manila beyond airport walls.
Designed for efficiency, Transit Tours are open to passengers from visa-free countries with at least eight hours between flights. The requirement already factors in a two-hour buffer before and after the tour for immigration clearance, security checks, and boarding procedures.
Starting January 30, DOT will offer four-hour itineraries to selected destinations. Morning routes highlight heritage and culture, including Intramuros and the National Museum, while afternoon options focus on entertainment complexes such as Solaire and Okada.
Each schedule includes an hour of guided touring, an hour of free time, and two hours for airport transfers.
Tours are priced at USD50 per person and include entrance fees, insurance, refreshments, and basic amenities. Passengers travel on a 49-seater, air-conditioned bus accompanied by a DOT-accredited guide, positioning Manila as a productive stopover rather than a waiting room.
DOT officials said the partnership underscores airline-tourism collaboration, enhancing passenger satisfaction, stimulating spend during stopovers, and strengthening the Philippines’ competitiveness as a regional aviation hub globally today.
