Travel & Tourism
DOT taps Newport, Klook to widen tourism reach
The Department of Tourism (DOT) is expanding its tourism playbook beyond traditional destination marketing, partnering with Newport World Resorts and travel platform Klook to strengthen entertainment tourism, boost domestic travel, and give more Philippine destinations a global digital storefront.
Visayas hotel boom draws global brands
The Visayas is emerging as the Philippines’ busiest hotel investment market outside Metro Manila, with international brands lining up projects in Cebu, Bohol, Bacolod,...
PTAA warns visa misuse could tighten travel rules
The Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) is urging Filipinos and travel agencies to practice truthful and responsible travel, warning that the misuse of tourist visas could lead to tighter requirements and greater immigration scrutiny for legitimate travelers.
Regional travel fair in BARMM drives ₱46.9M leads, showcases culture and investment potential
The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines successfully gathered tourism stakeholders, industry buyers, and the public for the 18th Regional Travel Fair (RTF) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), held August 14–16, 2026, at the Alnor Hotel and Convention Center here.
GSIS reopens iconic Coconut Palace to public, blending cultural heritage and tourism promise
The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) officially reopened the historic Coconut Palace, or Tahanang Pilipino, to visitors on August 25, 2026, marking a major milestone in preserving the nation’s cultural heritage while unlocking fresh opportunities for cultural tourism and public engagement. Situated within the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex in Pasay City, the landmark stands as a defining symbol of Filipino ingenuity, crafted by National Artist for Architecture Francisco “Bobby” Mañosa with a distinct design that draws deeply from local traditions and makes innovative use of coconut-based and other indigenous materials—from lumber and shells to roots and fibers—reflecting both the country’s abundant natural resources and a pioneering commitment to sustainable, locally rooted architecture. First commissioned in 1978 by then First Lady Imelda R. Marcos as a government guesthouse and venue for distinguished visitors, the palace was originally designed to showcase Filipino craftsmanship and the versatility of the coconut as a building material, even welcoming Pope John Paul II during his 1981 visit, and has long stood as one of the Philippines’ most recognizable and culturally significant structures.
