Marcos pledges to reboot tourism

So much potential.  Fix transportation. Establish building codes. Regular flight schedules in regional airports.

@PalawOne why on earth would any potential holidaymaker bother to come to the Philippines when they have to mess about with one health pass now renamed e arrival card. When Thailand has completely removed any similar obstacle. Just look at the difference in tourist numbers between the two.

Patient Pete has a point.

Thailand and Netherlands have great models to promote tourism, because they make it so easy to get into their country (I can only speak for UK passport). Historically before covid, you could get a cheap last-minute ticket, visa upon entry (free of charge), then once there spend like crazy on restaurants and travel etc. Their tourist economies benefited by removing the immigration obstacles.

Years ago my two dream destinations were Myanmar and Thailand, but I could only go to one. Myanmar required a processing fee, duplicate forms filled, hotel registration, embassy stamp and passport pics, while Thailand was no-questions-asked visa upon entry. So like everyone else I went to Thailand.

Arriving into NAIA (Manila Airport or Ninoy Aquino not sure of name anymore) is a headache, especially when transiting to Cebu. One literally has to exit the airport, take a 20 minute taxi to another terminal, and check in to a domestic flight. This is not conducive a positive tourist experience.

-@gsturdee says:
Arriving into NAIA (Manila Airport or Ninoy Aquino not sure of name anymore) is a headache, especially when transiting to Cebu. One literally has to exit the airport, take a 20 minute taxi to another terminal, and check in to a domestic flight. This is not conducive a positive tourist experience.
-@gsturdee

Promote Angeles City via Clark International Airport. Walking Street (Fields Ave.) is only:

Eight minutes by taxi P150

Eleven minutes by bus P40

Quote: Philippine Tourism Secretary Frasco notes, "The most important aspect that we will be introducing to enhance the tourism experience is the development of a tourist assistance call center."

`

All your points would seem very good indeed gents. Also, as they're apparently planning, given sufficient legal powers, funds, staffing and resources, a one-call government tourist-call-centre, as mentioned above, could also be a very good thing. Depending, of course, on how serious they are about getting things right.

If the call centre is proactive and has legal teeth, it might help. Maybe anyway

They need a fast and efficient rail service on all of the islands. Vietnam has trains so why not the Philippines. Imagine being able to get a train from Davao to Cagayan De Oro for example.

@Enzyte Bob

Never been to Angeles City. I've heard the view is quite nice : )

They need a fast and efficient rail service on all of the islands. Vietnam has trains so why not the Philippines. Imagine being able to get a train from Davao to Cagayan De Oro for example.
-@Cherryann01

To be completed in a few years, supposed to be a rapid rail from Manila to Ilocos Norte with a few stops on the way

@mugteck

Probably be ready just about the same time as the Saturn to Jupiter via Neptune line then.

Wasn't there supposed to have been a train from NAIA to Clark?

More flights from Clark International Airport to cities around the Philippines, please! Make it easier for me to go diving

We've got a beautiful new airport terminal here (built on the other side of the airport from the existing terminal, giving true Philippine-style convenience, about 10-15 minutes away from/past the existing terminal which was very conveniently accessible from the Clark area main road).

Removing the vax requirement would be a good step forward.

@mugteck
Probably be ready just about the same time as the Saturn to Jupiter via Neptune line then.
-@Cherryann01

So true.

You wouldn't believe how bad corruption is in NCR.

I'm in thick of it.

I've been traveling to the Philippines for over 25 years and the only thing I've found easy about travel is that there is always someone there to carry your bags.  Too bad they charge for the bags.   However, I don't mind paying the porters.

I've been traveling to the Philippines for over 25 years and the only thing I've found easy about travel is that there is always someone there to carry your bags. Too bad they charge for the bags.  However, I don't mind paying the porters.
-@thedfords

`

Don't forget the frequent, almost inevitable delays

With the ferries especially, there's always problems

And so, also making it easy, early mornings anyway

Something must be brewing...not too sure exactly what..but when I finally departed the Philippines after >3.5yrs.

a) No Airport Tax

b) No Travel Tax (Even after having been here for >3.5yr...I'm sure it was not included in my airfare ticket)

c) No Checking of my health pass (Though I had already taken my 2+1booster Pfizer jabs with the laminated certificate dangling around my neck.

d) Immigration clearance was a breeze as I was only asked to show my still valid SRRV card & greeted only with smiles all around.

@manwonder

Seriously ??

Please say that this all true..

I'm strongly considering heading back home for Christmas, and there is a good chance I'll be out of the country for at least 25-30 days,

I haven't travelled anywhere out of the philippines since just before the Pandemic was global-borne (Christmas of 2019), so i am very cautious of what kind of hi-jinx and potential headaches i may need to contend with when at the airport...I always get anxious; My rebellious personality-type never does well with authority.

@manwonder
Seriously ??
Please say that this all true..

I'm strongly considering heading back home for Christmas, and there is a good chance I'll be out of the country for at least 25-30 days,
I haven't travelled anywhere out of the philippines since just before the Pandemic was global-borne (Christmas of 2019), so i am very cautious of what kind of hi-jinx and potential headaches i may need to contend with when at the airport...I always get anxious; My rebellious personality-type never does well with authority.
-@kristopherryanwatson

Yes seriously...&  I was pleasantly surprised too.

@manwonder
Seriously ??
Please say that this all true..

I'm strongly considering heading back home for Christmas, and there is a good chance I'll be out of the country for at least 25-30 days,
I haven't travelled anywhere out of the Philippines since just before the Pandemic was global-borne (Christmas of 2019), so i am very cautious of what kind of hi-jinx and potential headaches i may need to contend with when at the airport...I always get anxious; My rebellious personality-type never does well with authority.
-@kristopherryanwatson

As has been mentioned. No issues whatsoever. I came for 3 weeks in May. Flying out of LAX at the time, the airlines required I have proof of neg pcr covid test and that E-card health pass or whatever from/for the Philippines. I literally completed the card on my cell at the counter. Arriving in Manila, then flying to Cebu, and leaving Cebu to Manila to exit was an absolute breeze!

I'll be leaving LAX Nov 22nd an arriving Cebu Nov 24th. This time I'm moving in and will have my Belgian Malinois. Having issues with EVA airlines trying to get him inside the plane for both legs rather than in a crate in cargo/baggage. He's professionally trained and has "service dog" certificate. They can't deny him leaving LAX due to US service dog laws. But in Taiwan changing planes that's a totally different story.

I was also hoping my fiance and I could spend two nights in hotel in Cebu before heading south to Argao. But the hotels are saying flat no with dog. Even when you explain service dog in the e-mail inquiry. We may be forced to head straight to Argao after a 20 hour flight. If anyone knows a hotel that allows dogs, let me know!

So EVA Air called me today and approved my Buddy in Cabin the entire trip. I'm relieved and happy. :-)

@manwonder

maybe it was because you had your vaccination identitication clearly visible (hanging from around your neck) that they did not feel compelled to asl you for it.

either way, that is great to know. seems like international travel is finally letting up. but i wonder what protocols remain for entering in Canada, and if that to. has perhaps changed for the better from where things stood 6 months ago. time to do some research !

thanks for sharing by the way.

Hello everyone,

Please note that some off-topic posts were removed from this thread (let us keep this thread politics free even if it was meant to be a joke).

Thank you,

Bhavna

@kristopherryanwatson  Since February 2022, my wife and I took 2 trips to Thailand and Viet Nam.  Aside from the standard e-health pass and vaccine proof, the requirement of an onward ticket (after 30 days for tourist visas) is a VERY seriously requirement at the airline counter and PHL immigration.  I used onwardticket.com on both returns without any problem.

There is a risk that DoH may force a full border quarantine if the new subvariants (BQ1.11 etc) make the medical society nervous. 

Wish you well on this next trip.

Paul

Boosting tourism:  Philippines has a fundamental challenge -- its land mass is not contiguous.  Most international travelers have 10 to 15 days to be in the country with many destinations that a simple bus or train ticket cannot get there. I assume all members on this forum are fairly experienced travelers.  The options here are RORO (ferries) or planes.  Just the thought of getting in and out of NIAA is enough to redirect my travel plan to Thailand or Viet Nam.  As you may know, you can hop on a limo van or overnight bus in Viet Nam to anywhere for less than USD15.

I do hope PHL can increase its tourist revenues as they support a critical informal economy.

In my opinion Philippines dropped the ball with their over the top Covid restrictions. Considering the vaccine was never able to stop the spread, trying to force foreigners into having it to travel there back-fired. I know many regulars that would spend 3 months of the year in Philippines, who have now abandoned it for other destinations, myself included.

Then there is the health app, lol. Nobody is going to travel somewhere that you have a bunch of hoops to jump through, in a country highly likely to repeat lockdowns if someone sneezes again.

Between February 2021 and October 2022, my wife and I spent time in Colombia, Morocco, Cambodia, Thailand, Viet Nam, Malaysia, and Singapore.  I have been in the Philippines since February 2022.  We traveled to the first two out of desperation to be together, because the Philippines refused foreign visitors.  Every country was excited for the hard currency (perhaps less so for Singapore.  One senses a lack of urgency for economic recovery by the Philippines government.  BTW, Colombia is a fantastic place to live or visit; we stayed for 45 days.

@PalawOne If they would clean up the wires dangerously hanging everywhere which is a complete eyesore, and it wouldn't cost much because they can demand the companies owning them clean them up, it would go a long way towards making it more aesthetically pleasing.

Start teaching kids to throw away their trash.

Encourage local businesses to provide public trash cans outside on the street where the business can have a promotion of their business on the trash can.

Small things can make a lot of difference.

@PalawOne If they would clean up the wires dangerously hanging everywhere which is a complete eyesore, and it wouldn't cost much because they can demand the companies owning them clean them up, it would go a long way towards making it more aesthetically pleasing.
Start teaching kids to throw away their trash.
Encourage local businesses to provide public trash cans outside on the street where the business can have a promotion of their business on the trash can.
Small things can make a lot of difference.
-@Roy1228

*********************************************************

This is common in may SE Asian countries. I often thought if they bundled the wires not in use, the governments would have millions of dollars just for the copper.

`

"Marcos wants Chinese, Indian, South Korean, Japanese tourists included in e-visa program"

By CNN Philippines Staff, Jan 26 2023 https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/1/26/Marcos-wants-expanded-e-visa-program.html

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — In a bid to bolster tourism, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wants the e-visa program extended to Chinese, Indian, South Korean, and Japanese nationals, Malacañang said.

The program allows tourists to apply for temporary visas online and allows them to stay in the country for up to 30 days.

Marcos ordered the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to enact his proposal last Thursday.

For 2023, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said that it has a target of 4.8 million tourist arrivals. This figure could generate an estimated ₱2.58 trillion in revenue.

DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo said his department and the DICT were collaborating to implement Marcos' directive. The PSAC recommended that the e-visa extension be enacted this year.

"It will take at least a semester to develop the capability because there is so much anti-fraud element that needs to be consolidated with the platform, and the various countries that will be connecting with the system and with the transactions," DICT Secretary Ivan Uy said on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the PSAC also urged Marcos to include Indian nationals in the Visa-Upon-Arrival (VUA) program.

Manalo said the VUA program already applies to certain Chinese nationals. Americans, Japanese, Australians, Canadians, and Europeans can also get a 14-day visa upon arrival in the country.

The following Chinese tourists are eligible for the VUA: members of tour groups organized by DOT-accredited operators, businessmen endorsed by their respective chambers of commerce and government agencies, athletes, and delegates.

Also included in the PSAC's proposal was a value-added tax (VAT) refund program for foreign tourists which the council wants enacted by 2024.

--