Travel updates

Major US airlines Delta says it was cancelling all flights to Israel until the end of the month after the shock attack by Hamas militants.

"As Delta continues monitoring events in the region, we have made the difficult decision to cancel our Tel Aviv flights through Oct. 31, 2023," the company says.

"Our hearts are with those who are impacted as our people work to find safe alternatives for customers trying to depart Tel Aviv," it adds. — AFP 

India on Wednesday tells its citizens to avoid travelling to parts of Canada, following a diplomatic row sparked by the allegation that New Delhi was involved in the killing of a Sikh separatist near Vancouver.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has demanded India treat with "utmost seriousness" allegations that Indian agents played a role in the June murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar near a Sikh temple.

The fallout saw tit-for-tat diplomatic expulsions in Ottawa and New Delhi, with India rejecting the accusation as "absurd". — AFP

Moscow denounces EU restrictions imposed on Russian citizens entering the bloc, including a ban on bringing some personal items, as "absurd" and aimed at harming ordinary Russians.

The EU Commission published a clarification note in early September on procedures for Russians to enter the EU, banning entry of personal cars and saying items such as smart phones, laptops and cosmetic products were at risk of confiscation.

Moscow's foreign ministry said the rules "go beyond the point of absurdity" and were aimed at "causing harm specifically to ordinary Russians and at making it impossible for Russian citizens to enter the European Union". — AFP

Myanmar will offer visas on arrival to Chinese and Indian tourists, state media reports, as the ruling junta seeks to lure back foreign visitors and their cash.

A start date for the one-year trial scheme "will be announced soon", the Global New Light of Myanmar reports, citing the junta's immigration ministry.

Holders of the visas will be "allowed to visit all sites apart from restricted areas for security concerns", says the report in newspaper. — AFP

The implementation of revised guidelines on departure of Filipino travelers has been suspended by the Department of Justice and Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking, according to media reports.

The suspension of the departure requirements comes amid the concerns raised by senators and the need for transparency and public consultation.

In a statement, Migrante International says it is calling for review of the guidelines and consultation with the groups.

 We are calling on all prospective travelers and migrants, victims of arbitrary and unreasonable offloading, and all migrant Filipinos to voice out our opposition to the new policy.

"The Bureau of Immigration’s previous justifications for its policy of imposing numerous documentary requirements and offloading prospective travelers who fail to present these, all point to the need to address the root causes of human trafficking. The IACAT and the Marcos government should not stop at being strict towards possible victims of human trafficking who are already on the verge of departure," it says.

The Bureau of Immigration says that it retains the same metrics in assessing departing tourists.

BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco confirms the statements of the Department of Justice (DOJ), stating that the new guidelines is a clarification of the already existing guidelines on departure formalities.

“The guidelines streamline the requirements and do not add more to departing tourists,” says DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.  “More than 95% of departing Filipinos would not need to present more documents apart from the basic ones.” 

Migrante International says it is calling on the government to scrap the revised departure guidelines for Filipinos.

"We condemn the new policy imposed by the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) that requires Filipinos going abroad to present more documents to immigration officials before they are allowed to board their flights. This new policy is misguided and violates Filipinos’ right to travel. It should be junked immediately," it says.

According to the group, "the IACAT itself said that it does not intend 'to encroach upon the fundamental right to travel” but to combat human trafficking. Intention is one thing and effect is another, and this new policy -- by imposing so many documentary requirements for travel, and increasing the element of arbitrariness in immigration officials’ decisions -- violates Filipinos’ right to travel."

"The fight against human trafficking does not justify this violation," the group adds.

China -- a major source of outbound tourists -- has left Canada off a list of countries now approved for travel by tour groups, its embassy in Ottawa says Wednesday, due to anti-Beijing rattling by Ottawa.

Last week Beijing lifted a Covid-era ban on group tours to dozens of countries including the United States, Germany, Japan and Australia, but not Canada.

Travel agents turn to the list of approved destinations when promoting and arranging foreign vacations for Chinese nationals. There are currently 138 countries on the list. — AFP

Beijing on Thursday lifts a Covid-era ban on outbound group tours to dozens of countries including the United States and Japan, a move that could see crowds of Chinese tourists return to destinations around the world.

China cut itself off from the world in 2020 as part of a strict zero-Covid strategy, using visa suspensions and lengthy quarantines to curb the import of virus cases into the country.

Thursday's announcement is the latest move towards reopening, after the Chinese government dropped its containment measures abruptly in December. — AFP

China will allow some foreigners to obtain visas on arrival and rural residents to settle more easily in cities as part of a series of measures aimed at boosting its flagging economy.

The relaxations aim to "promote the free movement" of "people, vehicles, information and data", an official from the Ministry of Public Security says.

China's post-Covid recovery has run out of steam in recent months, dragged down by sluggish consumption and a real estate sector in crisis. — AFP

Officials from the Department of Tourism and from its regional offices, local government of Iloilo, and other stakeholders from the private sector attend the grand launch of the Bisita, Be My Guest (BBMG) in Western Visayas last Sunday, June 18.

BBMG is DOT’s online referral tourism program where Filipinos residing abroad are encouraged to bring home a friend or a family to the Philippines in exchange for grand raffle prizes.

“To help us to reintroduce the Philippines to the world, under the leadership of Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco has devised a program that will allow every Filipino whether here or abroad, to become an ambassador for the Philippines," says Undersecretary for Legal and Special Concerns Elaine Tantengco Bathan. 

The return of Chinese tourists to destinations worldwide will top off a spectacular post-coronavirus global tourism revival this year, according to industry leaders.

Jet makers, airline executives and hotel tycoons at this week's Qatar Economic Forum spoke of an apparently insatiable demand for travel. Chinese tourists, now unshackled from Covid-19 restrictions, will complete the boom, they said.

"The desire to travel has never been greater and the industry is struggling how to respond to that demand," said Boeing chairman David Calhoun as he told of the aviation giant's battle to meet demand for jets. — AFP

Irish no-frills airline Ryanair announced Monday that it rebounded back into bumper annual net profits on a "strong" post-Covid recovery in passenger traffic.

Profit after taxation soared to 1.4 billion euros ($1.5 billion) in the 12 months to the end of March, after a net loss of 355 million euros in its previous financial year, Ryanair said in a results statement, adding it was also lifted by rising fares despite surging costs. — AFP

Despite these challenging times, doors have been opened at Alviera Country Club, a premier country club found at the heart of the Alviera Estate in Pampanga. Following strict health and safety measures in compliance with government mandated protocols, members and their guests are welcome to visit this lifestyle hub to enjoy the facilities and majestic natural views. A signature project of Ayala Land and Leonio Land, this enclave combines the serenity of nature and the dynamism of one of the country’s fastest-growing economic corridors. With just a 1.5-hour drive from Manila through SCTEX, the country club is the place where you can relax in leisurely comfort and safety with your family while still enjoying all the conveniences of this next-normal lifestyle.

Designed by the renowned Leandro V. Locsin Partners of Architects, Alviera’s architecture is based on the concept of convergence, as seen in the many spaces where people can come together. Inside, there are also pieces by Don Jaime Zobel, Kenneth Cobonpue, Vito Selma, and other notable artists that definitely help in making each moment much more serene and meaningful. Play your favorite sports at the club’s multiple indoor and outdoor facilities that house two tennis courts, three badminton courts, and a multi-sport court perfect for volleyball and soon even the contact sports like basketball and futsal. You can also head over to the fitness gym and enjoy the wide open expanse of the Porac mountain range while you break a sweat in the club’s top-of-the line equipment, arranged following mandated social distancing measures. 

Central to the club as well is a huge network of swimming pools and various cooling pods, housing a six-lane lap pool, a lounge pool, and kiddie pools that serve as a water park complete with jets, fountains and splash pods. Available for dine-in or delivery (within Pampanga), savor a culinary experience from the specialty restaurants that serve a balanced and unique international menu. Check out the club's Facebook and Instagram pages for more details.

Dalip Singh, General Manager of Marco Polo Hotels – Hong Kong, was proud to take home the “General Manager of the Year” award at the Stelliers Greater China 2019. Celebrating professionals in the hospitality industry from over 300 applications across 18 categories, the leading hotelier awards platform was renamed Stelliers this year. It’s the only accolade in Asia that honors dedicated professionals of the hotel industry, with a judging panel consisting of representatives from HOK, Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne, Jones Lang LaSalle and LRA By Deloitte.

The accolade recognized Singh’s outstanding performance as a hotelier. Since taking up the General Manager role for Marco Polo Hotels – Hong Kong in December 2017, Singh has continued to strategically manage with passion and professionalism, the three properties located along prestigious Canton Road – Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel, Gateway Hotel and Prince Hotel. Last year, the three hotels achieved 100 percent occupancy rates across its 1,450 guestrooms for 204 days,
resulting in a 10 percent increase in RGI, leading their competitor set.

“Thank you for the hard work of my teams to allow every guest exploring behind the scenes and beneath the surface to experience an exciting stay in Hong Kong. Only by working together as a team can I be honoured as one of the leading stars on the stage. I love the vibrant, dynamic and lively working environment in a people-driven industry where hoteliers are passionate to provide the best hospitality experience. I also enjoy developing talents as this sets associates up for success in their future. This is where the energy comes from which excites our lives in the world of hospitality," Singh said.

Batanes-bound

Batanes— with its dramatic scenery, crashing waves and idyllic landscape—is on most travelers’ bucket lists.

Cebu Pacific announced that they will launch the Batanes route on March 25, just in time for the summer travel season.

Batanes emerged as the most requested destination among netizens on social media in a crowdsourcing campaign Cebu Pacific launched last year, aside from being ready for commercial aviation and tourism.

Using the hashtag #CEBFlyMeTo, netizens were asked which destinations in the Philippines they would want Cebu Pacific to fly next. Other popular choices among netizens included Daet (Camarines Norte), Mati (Davao Oriental), Bantayan Island (Cebu), San Vicente (Palawan) and Siquijor. All top picks were then assessed in terms of readiness for commercial flights, with criteria that included airport infrastructure, safety and security processes, and passenger facilities.

“Our new flight to Basco is in keeping with our commitment to connect more of the Philippines and make air travel safe, affordable, reliable, and fun-filled for everyjuan. What makes this route more special is that netizens were actively engaged in the selection of our new destination—our customers were part of the process,” said Alexander Lao, Cebgo President and CEO.

Visit the real 'King's Landing'

For those who have been to Italy, France and Spain, it is now time to try Croatia, a unique combination of historical wonders, stunning architecture, modern hotspots and breathtaking natural beauty.

Imagine walking on a summery day through its well-preserved forts, cobblestoned streets and ancient buildings, all while overlooking the azure Adriatic Sea. Going here means going back in time while enjoying the relaxing view and vibe of a Mediterranean jewel. 

Steeped in culture and history, Croatia offers that old town vibe you expect to feel in European countries. Start your Croatian trip from its capital, Zagreb, which is filled with charming pavement cafes and restaurants – perfect for those who love to stroll through cobblestoned streets that exude the medieval feel.

Alongside these quaint alleyways and century-old shops are modern boulevards and quirky museums and galleries showing how, in Zagreb, old and new beautifully blend with each other. It is a metropolis for those who love strolling and soaking in culture and art in every way possible.

Another place to explore if you're in for more of that old place feel is the UNESCO protected historical center of Dubrovnik also known as 'the pearl of the Adriatic'. It has well-preserved gothic, renaissance, and baroque churches, monasteries, palaces and fountains that take you back in time. This dreamy city boasts of the Old Town – a famous walled city which is the filming location of the Game of Thrones' 'King's Landing' and the latest Star Wars movie franchise.

To experience Croatia, you may take the newly opened Emirates daily flight to Zagreb with a layover in Dubai. The southeast European destination will be served by an Emirates Boeing 777-300 aircraft offering the only first class cabin product between the Middle East and Zagreb. When returning to the Philippines, you may opt to fly out from another city near Zagreb to maximize your trip.

Road trip

Before embarking on a road trip this summer, it is important to check your engine first to avoid mishap along the way.

Prestone Motor Oils offers free labor on oil change at Rapide in different branches nationwide. Get free labor on your change oil when you bring a minimum of 4-liter G-Tech or 6-liter D-Tech specially marked Prestone Motor Oils at select Rapide outlets. Cost on oil filter and other incidentals are not included.

G-Tech Full Synthetic, which is made for gasoline-powered engines, is the brand’s mineral and synthetic blend. It uses hydrocracked base oil with a core additive for better engine performance. G-Tech Advance also improves piston cleanliness, delivers better fuel efficiency and lowers oil consumption.

D-Tech 500 Full Synthetic is universal heavy-duty diesel engine oil that brings American and European standards to meet the requirements of API, CI-4, ACEA E7, MB 228.3 and the stringent Global DHD-1 specifications.

City ‘staycation’

Hilton Manila recently had its grand launch. The hotel is located within Resorts World Manila (RWM), touted as the Philippines’ first integrated entertainment and tourism resort, and just across the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.

The launch marked the hotel brand’s formal entry into the Philippine market and highlighted the company’s innovations through its 100-year history and the warm and genuine hospitality that the company is known for.

The event opened with a rousing welcome remark from RWM’s Chief Operating Officer Stephen Reilly, followed by an inspiring speech by hotel general manager Simon McGrath, who talked about the hotel chain’s return to Manila through its invaluable partnership with RWM.

The hotel is said to be the first in the Philippines to have the digital key or keyless entry – an innovative feature that can be accessed exclusively via the Hilton Honors app.

From housing to resorts and hotels

Housing developer 8990 Holdings Inc. is now also venturing into hospitality business, which is set to introduce a diverse range of hotels, resorts and luxury establishments called 8990 Leisure and Resorts.    

“The Philippine leisure and hospitality industry is on an upswing with the current administration focusing on tourism development. The launch of 8990 Leisure and Resorts definitely comes at a perfect time,” said Willie Uy, 8990 Holdings, Inc. president and chief executive officer.

The company is looking at developing a total of 3,000 rooms in the next five years and eyeing to open in the following key destinations: Cebu, Makati, Davao, Palawan, Boracay, Siquijor, Alabang, Manila, Iloilo, Legazpi, Clark, Lapu-Lapu, Siargao, and Baguio.

The company’s portfolio will include resort Adama, a five-star luxury family resort and hotel Kura, for the trailblazers who are seeking to indulge in the grandness of life, and Argo, a resident urban hotel in the city.

Philippines’ first eco-airport

Tourists who will go to the world-class Alona Beach in Panglao, Bohol can now save time as the new Panglao International Airport is now open for operations.

AirAsia made its proving flight before President Rodrigo Duterte inaugurated the country’s first “eco-airport.” 

Located in Bohol province, the new airport was reportedly built according to the highest standards of green and sustainable design such as the use of natural ventilation and solar panels.

It is also designed to accommodate two million passengers, more than double the capacity of the old Tagbilaran airport. The airport was also engineered to accommodate seven aircraft at one time, including large aircraft for international flights.

 “We are delighted to be finally operating in the new airport that will offer our guest passengers one of the best airport experiences and facilities in the country. Aside from its sustainable and eco-friendly structures, Panglao International Airport provides access to international tourists making Bohol with its abundant attractions the next premiere destination in Asia,” AirAsia Philippines chief executive officer and pilot Capt. Dexter Comendador said.

Comendador added that they aime to connect secondary cities or hubs and take Bohol to new heights and rise among the premiere tourist destinations not only in the Philippines but also in the whole of Southeast Asia.

 “We are the official airline partner of Bohol province and tourism organizations for three years in a row through our Behold Bohol project since 2015. We feel strongly about supporting the growth and development of cities outside Metro Manila,” he said.

For those making plans and looking for ways to cool down, check out the following travel updates, destinations and must-haves.