Tourism - Iloilo Metropolitan Times https://www.imtnews.ph Developmental News, Critical Views Thu, 12 Dec 2024 02:54:22 +0000 en-US hourly 1 224892800 Marcos OKs proposals to boost tourism https://www.imtnews.ph/marcos-oks-proposals-to-boost-tourism/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=marcos-oks-proposals-to-boost-tourism https://www.imtnews.ph/marcos-oks-proposals-to-boost-tourism/#respond Thu, 12 Dec 2024 02:54:17 +0000 https://www.imtnews.ph/?p=29562 President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved recommendations from the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) aimed at boosting the tourism industry, following the recent enactment of the VAT Refund Law for Non-Resident Tourists. In a meeting in Malacañang on Wednesday, Marcos Jr. highligted the importance of the PSAC’s proposals in attracting more visitors to the Philippines. […]

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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved recommendations from the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) aimed at boosting the tourism industry, following the recent enactment of the VAT Refund Law for Non-Resident Tourists.

In a meeting in Malacañang on Wednesday, Marcos Jr. highligted the importance of the PSAC’s proposals in attracting more visitors to the Philippines.

One key recommendation is the launch of a nationwide “Shopping Festival Philippines” to coincide with the New Year’s celebrations. The event aims to incentivize international tourists, encourage higher spending, and increase tourism revenue. 

“We’ve talked about this shopping festival. Again, I think it’s properly categorized as an easy win. So, we’ll do that,” the President said.

The new VAT Refund Law (Republic Act No. 12079) allows tourists to claim a refund on the Value Added Tax for goods purchased at accredited retail outlets, provided the total transaction meets a minimum of P3,000 and the purchase is made within 60 days.

The law is expected to boost tourist spending by 30%, benefiting both large-scale industries and micro, small, and medium enterprises.

Marcos Jr. also expressed support for the recommendation to ease visa access for holders of AJACS (American, Japanese, Australian, Canadian, Schengen) and AJACSUK (American, Japanese, Australian, Canadian, Schengen, Singapore, or UK) visas. 

The initiative, according to him, is already high on his agenda. 

“I think we should stop messing around with this system. It’s so clear already. And again, it’s something that we don’t have to pilot because it has been done for us in many, many airports,” he said.

The Chief Executive, however, pointed out that the recommendation must be carefully studied, particularly in terms of security.

Marcos Jr. also called for a review on PSAC’s recommendation to improve the immigration experience through a digital identification system using biometric data (e.g., facial recognition or fingerprints) to ensure faster, secure travel processing.

“It’s just a question really of putting the systems in and getting the hardware, and then slowly educating everybody how to use that hardware. For me, it’s just a question of adopting the technology and learning how to use it. As I said, everybody else in the world is doing it already,” he said.IMT

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Marcos OKs VAT refund program for non-resident tourists https://www.imtnews.ph/marcos-oks-vat-refund-program-for-non-resident-tourists/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=marcos-oks-vat-refund-program-for-non-resident-tourists https://www.imtnews.ph/marcos-oks-vat-refund-program-for-non-resident-tourists/#respond Tue, 10 Dec 2024 06:48:28 +0000 https://www.imtnews.ph/?p=29510 President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed a law  allowing non-resident tourists to claim a refund on the Value Added Tax (VAT) for locally purchased goods. The law aims to boost tourism by encouraging higher spending and promoting the Philippines as a global shopping destination.  In his speech in Malacañang, Marcos Jr. highlighted that shopping […]

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President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed a law  allowing non-resident tourists to claim a refund on the Value Added Tax (VAT) for locally purchased goods.

The law aims to boost tourism by encouraging higher spending and promoting the Philippines as a global shopping destination. 

In his speech in Malacañang, Marcos Jr. highlighted that shopping has become a key part of the travel experience.

In 2023, tourism contributed 8.6 percent to the GDP, with shopping being the second-largest expenditure for inbound tourists.

“With this in mind, we are introducing the VAT refund program for non-resident tourists—designed not only to stimulate more spending but to promote the Philippines as a premier global shopping destination,” he said.

Under this program, tourists can claim refunds on purchases of at least P3,000 from accredited stores, provided the goods are taken out of the country within 60 days.

The President estimates the program could increase tourist spending by 30 percent, benefiting both large industries and micro, small, and medium enterprises. He cired Marikina shoes as an example of local products that could gain more global visibility.

“These products tell our story, and now, with the VAT refund, they will be able to be more accessible to global consumers, elevating once again our stature in the global market,” according to him.

To ensure smooth implementation, Marcos Jr. ordered the Department of Finance and the Bureau of Internal Revenue to craft rules and regulations for the VAT refund process.IMT

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Iloilo City to ring in New Year with musical fireworks display https://www.imtnews.ph/iloilo-city-to-ring-in-new-year-with-musical-fireworks-display/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=iloilo-city-to-ring-in-new-year-with-musical-fireworks-display https://www.imtnews.ph/iloilo-city-to-ring-in-new-year-with-musical-fireworks-display/#respond Tue, 03 Dec 2024 03:45:55 +0000 https://www.imtnews.ph/?p=29398 Ilonggos can expect an exciting New Year countdown with a musical fireworks display at Drilon Bridge on Dec. 31. The 12- to 15-minute show will be free for the public, with a view from the Freedom Grandstand. The Dragon Fireworks, champions of the 2018 Montreal Fireworks Festival, will perform the show, offering a world-class spectacle. […]

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Ilonggos can expect an exciting New Year countdown with a musical fireworks display at Drilon Bridge on Dec. 31.

The 12- to 15-minute show will be free for the public, with a view from the Freedom Grandstand.

The Dragon Fireworks, champions of the 2018 Montreal Fireworks Festival, will perform the show, offering a world-class spectacle.

The event is part of the city’s effort to support the national “Iwas Paputok” campaign.

“We’re bringing a different experience this year, similar to world-renowned celebrations in Sydney, Hong Kong, and New York,” said Leny Ledesma, Executive Assistant for Special Projects in an interview.

The event will begin at 9 p.m. with live music.

In addition, the city will hold its “Calle Real Night Market” from Dec. 13 to 16, featuring Christmas lights, a nativity story projection, and the unveiling of the Gastronomy Book at the City Hall.

The market will showcase over 100 vendors, local talents, and entertainment, including chorale competitions, folk dances, and performances by Teatro Sinag.PNA

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Iloilo-Antique road project aims to entice more tourists https://www.imtnews.ph/iloilo-antique-road-project-aims-to-entice-more-tourists/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=iloilo-antique-road-project-aims-to-entice-more-tourists Sun, 24 Nov 2024 23:18:22 +0000 https://www.imtnews.ph/?p=29160 The completion of the paving of a 1.3-kilometer road from Tubungan, Iloilo to San Remigio, Antique will entice more tourists to visit the so-called “Little Baguio” of the province. San Remigio Mayor Margarito Mission Jr. said that the road will reduce by half the current three-hour travel to Aningalan from Iloilo City. Aningalan, about six […]

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The completion of the paving of a 1.3-kilometer road from Tubungan, Iloilo to San Remigio, Antique will entice more tourists to visit the so-called “Little Baguio” of the province.

San Remigio Mayor Margarito Mission Jr. said that the road will reduce by half the current three-hour travel to Aningalan from Iloilo City.

Aningalan, about six kilometers away from Tubungan, is one of the premier tourism destinations in Antique because of its cool climate and picturesque mountain sceneries.

“The 1.3 kilometers remaining unpaved road portion is on the side of Iloilo province, so it will be the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) First District Engineering Office that will implement the road completion,” Mission said.

He said Senator Loren Legarda already sourced a PHP50 million budget for the engineering office to implement the project.

Meanwhile, Mission said that the DPWH Antique District Engineering Office is repairing the road depressions from the town proper of San Remigio to Barangay Aningalan with a budget of PHP109 million and an additional PHP28 million for the bridge construction.

“I hope that the road repair and bridge construction can already be finished by summertime when there would be an influx of tourists,” Mission said.

He added that he requested an additional P60 million from Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco for the construction of an event place to host weddings and other important activities during the groundbreaking of the Tourists Rest Area (TRA) on Thursday, Nov. 21.

“I requested the event place under Phase 2 of the TRA based on our tourism plan,” Mission said.PNA

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Boracay welcomes 1.7M tourists from Jan. to Nov. 2024 https://www.imtnews.ph/boracay-welcomes-1-7m-tourists-from-jan-to-nov-2024/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=boracay-welcomes-1-7m-tourists-from-jan-to-nov-2024 Wed, 13 Nov 2024 06:45:37 +0000 https://www.imtnews.ph/?p=28937 More than 1.7 million tourists visited Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan in the first 11 months of 2024. Based on data from the Malay-Boracay Tourism Office (MBTO), the world-famous island accommodated 1,759,979 tourists from Jan. 1 to Nov. 10. Of the number, 1.3 million were domestic visitors while 350,000 were foreigners. Boracay targets to record […]

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More than 1.7 million tourists visited Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan in the first 11 months of 2024.

Based on data from the Malay-Boracay Tourism Office (MBTO), the world-famous island accommodated 1,759,979 tourists from Jan. 1 to Nov. 10.

Of the number, 1.3 million were domestic visitors while 350,000 were foreigners.

Boracay targets to record 2.1 million tourists this year, higher than its 2023 target of 1.8 milllon.

Katherine Licerio, MBTO information officer, said they are confident that they will hit their 2024 target.

Boracay is known for its powdery white sand and crystal clear waters.IMT

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DOT: New Tacloban-Iloilo, Davao flights boost Vis-Min connectivity https://www.imtnews.ph/dot-new-tacloban-iloilo-davao-flights-boost-vis-min-connectivity/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=dot-new-tacloban-iloilo-davao-flights-boost-vis-min-connectivity Tue, 29 Oct 2024 20:30:03 +0000 https://www.imtnews.ph/?p=28748 The opening of air routes connecting Tacloban City to Iloilo and Davao strengthen connectivity between Visayas and the Mindanao region, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said. Department of Tourism (DOT-Eastern Visayas) Director Karina Rosa Tiopes said the new flights to the regional capital offer travelers greater convenience and accessibility. “With these additional flight options, traveling […]

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The opening of air routes connecting Tacloban City to Iloilo and Davao strengthen connectivity between Visayas and the Mindanao region, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said.

Department of Tourism (DOT-Eastern Visayas) Director Karina Rosa Tiopes said the new flights to the regional capital offer travelers greater convenience and accessibility.

“With these additional flight options, traveling has never been easier. Whether you’re on a business trip, reconnecting with loved ones, or exploring the unique charms of these cities, you’re now just one flight away,” Tiopes said in a statement.

On Oct. 29, Cebu Pacific launched its new routes: Iloilo-Tacloban-Iloilo, operating four times weekly (every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday), and Davao-Tacloban-Davao, operating three times per week (every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday).

Tiopes said flights between Tacloban and Davao by Cebu Pacific are a big factor in promoting the region to the Mindanao market and in making Tacloban a MICE destination.

MICE, which stands for meetings, incentives, conferences, and events/exhibitions, is one of the DOT’s major programs to attract more tourists and visitors
Tacloban City, along with Ormoc City and Baybay City, are positioned by the regional tourism office as MICE destinations in Eastern Visayas due to the presence of facilities, such as convention centers and big hotels that can accommodate many visitors.

The Iloilo-Tacloban-Iloilo flights will link islands in the Visayas and support the proposed “One Visayas” initiative.

Tiopes said that under the program, which will be launched in December, there are identified tour operators willing to do the costing as they come up with thematic tour programs for the three Visayas regions.

“Connectivity is not a problem since we have flights to Cebu and Iloilo will. Since this is a long-haul tour, this is good for our inbound foreign guests,” she said.

The Iloilo-Tacloban-Iloilo flights offered in 2012 were stopped after a year due to the devastation brought by Super Typhoon Yolanda in November 2013.PNA
 

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P92-M road projects to improve access, boost tourism in Iloilo https://www.imtnews.ph/p92-m-road-projects-to-improve-access-boost-tourism-in-iloilo/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=p92-m-road-projects-to-improve-access-boost-tourism-in-iloilo Wed, 16 Oct 2024 00:53:06 +0000 https://www.imtnews.ph/?p=28460 Three road projects implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) are eyed to improve access in remote areas and enhance connectivity to key tourism areas in Iloilo. The first two projects are implemented by the Iloilo 1st District Engineering Office from Barangay Potrido to Barangay Alimodias in the town of Miagao, according […]

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Three road projects implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) are eyed to improve access in remote areas and enhance connectivity to key tourism areas in Iloilo.

The first two projects are implemented by the Iloilo 1st District Engineering Office from Barangay Potrido to Barangay Alimodias in the town of Miagao, according to DPWH.

The first project, worth P14.7 million, covers the construction of the 280-meter concrete Malagyan-Tigmalapad Road, leading to Sinuhotan Cave and Tinagong Dagat Lake.

Another is the P71.6 million access road that will provide access to Bugsukan and Banogon Falls and the 500-hectare rice terraces. It has two sections, including 840 lineal meters for section 1 and 1,445 lineal meters for section 2.

“The construction of these access roads is crucial for promoting sustainable tourism in Miag-ao. By providing smoother and safer routes, we are enhancing the travel experience for tourists, encouraging local businesses, and creating opportunities for the communities in the area,” DPWH regional director Sanny Boy O. Oropel said in a statement.

On the other hand, the P5.88 million road project in the municipality of New Lucena will improve access to its remote areas.

Undertaken by Iloilo 4th District Engineering Office, the 327-lineal meter, two-lane Portland Concrete Cement Pavement (PCCP) road, including a slope protection structure, covers a portion of Sitio Cabunga in Barangay Poblacion, leading to residential and agricultural areas.

Oropel said the paved road makes a vital contribution to local economic development and growth and provides easy access to basic services and economic opportunities for an improved quality of life.

“Paving this road will provide riding comfort and reduce the impact of flood when heavy rains occur. Transporting agricultural products from the farms in the remote areas to the market will be faster and less costly,” he said.PNA

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Dinagyang 2025 set on Jan. 24-26 https://www.imtnews.ph/dinagyang-2025-set-on-jan-24-26/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=dinagyang-2025-set-on-jan-24-26 Fri, 04 Oct 2024 21:40:47 +0000 https://www.imtnews.ph/?p=28225 The Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. (IFFI) has announced the schedule for the Dinagyang Festival 2025. The 2025 edition of Iloilo City’s festival is set to take place on January to 24 to 26. It will carry the theme  “Buhi nga Pagtuo sa Kinabuhi sang mga Ilonggo.” The festival’s major events include the Ati Tribes Competition, […]

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The Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. (IFFI) has announced the schedule for the Dinagyang Festival 2025.

The 2025 edition of Iloilo City’s festival is set to take place on January to 24 to 26. It will carry the theme  “Buhi nga Pagtuo sa Kinabuhi sang mga Ilonggo.”

The festival’s major events include the Ati Tribes Competition, Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan, ILOmination Streetdance Competition and Floats Parade of Lights, and the Miss Iloilo 2025 Coronation Night.

Dinagyang is one of the country’s biggest and grandest festivals, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.IMT

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Antique resort owners urged to offer modest rates, serve local dishes https://www.imtnews.ph/antique-resort-owners-urged-to-offer-modest-rates-serve-local-dishes/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=antique-resort-owners-urged-to-offer-modest-rates-serve-local-dishes Thu, 12 Sep 2024 12:03:39 +0000 https://www.imtnews.ph/?p=27771 The Antique Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (APTCAO) is urging resort owners to make their prices affordable to local tourists and to serve native dishes. APTCAO head Juan Carlos Perlas, who led the launch of Tourism Month, said locals make the tourism industry in the province vibrant. He urged the over 100 resort owners […]

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The Antique Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (APTCAO) is urging resort owners to make their prices affordable to local tourists and to serve native dishes.

APTCAO head Juan Carlos Perlas, who led the launch of Tourism Month, said locals make the tourism industry in the province vibrant.

He urged the over 100 resort owners in the province to make their rates for an overnight stay affordable for local tourists, in addition to serving them native dishes.

“To encourage more Antiqueños to have a tour in the different destinations within their home province, we are also launching the tagline Lagaw Ta! (Let’s travel!),” Perlas said in his message.

He said Antique beautiful destinations, especially in the northern part of Antique, near the famous Boracay island of Aklan province. 

These destinations located in the northern towns are Malumpati Cold Spring in Pandan and Kawa (cauldron) Hot Bath in Tibiao.

“Tourist resorts are requested to adjust their prices for Antiqueños so they could also afford their accommodation,” he said.

The APTCAO also unveiled the revised version of the book “The Flavors of Antique Await You,” containing heirloom recipes that can guide resort owners.

In his message, Provincial Government Consultant on Tourism Errol Santillan said Antiqueños, through the new tagline, are encouraged to invite their friends from other places.

“We also have many important historical and cultural heritage,” he said.

He cited, as an example, the life-size statues of the 10 Bornean datus in Barangay Malandog, Hamtic, which are significant recollections of the village as the first resettlement site of Malay ancestors in the country.PNA

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PCO commits to help promote PH tourism  https://www.imtnews.ph/pco-commits-to-help-promote-ph-tourism/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=pco-commits-to-help-promote-ph-tourism Tue, 10 Sep 2024 13:16:14 +0000 https://www.imtnews.ph/?p=27670 The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) has committed to helping the Department of Tourism (DOT) boost the country’s tourism industry. “I think we will seriously consider your suggestion, Madam Chair, on helping the Department of Tourism campaign,” Acting Secretary Cesar Chavez told Aklan Rep. Teodorico Haresco Jr. during a budget hearing at the House of Representatives, […]

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The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) has committed to helping the Department of Tourism (DOT) boost the country’s tourism industry.

“I think we will seriously consider your suggestion, Madam Chair, on helping the Department of Tourism campaign,” Acting Secretary Cesar Chavez told Aklan Rep. Teodorico Haresco Jr. during a budget hearing at the House of Representatives, when the latter urged the PCO to assist the DOT’s international relations.

Chavez noted the agency’s framework of communication that includes services for both the president and agencies of the executive branch.

“Ang bagong framework ko ay hindi siya dapat isolated sa trabaho ng PCO. If PCO is the premier communication agency… Remember that the Cabinet secretary’s an alter ego of the President. And therefore, DOT project is the President’s project,” he added.

The official said the DOT’s project is a communication obligation of the PCO, therefore taking the suggestion as guidance.

The Committee on Appropriations also pushed for the possible cooperation of the PCO with other nations to bring in tourists to the country through an agreement.IMT

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