tourist blog – Page 3 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Business Group Proposes New Blueprint To Solve Bottlenecks of Tourism In The Philippines

January 16, 2026January 11, 2026carlocarrasco

Things are clearly not looking good for the Philippines economically and also on international tourism. The Philippines was left behind by many of its Southeast Asian neighbors even as the region attracted more foreign tourists in 2025. Vietnam attracted more than 21 million foreign tourists last year and they are clearly benefiting from the ongoing tourism boom. That said, it is not surprising to see a local business group or federation make noise and urge the government to implement comprehensive reforms to solve the many problems of the tourism industry of the Philippines which the Manila Bulletin recently reported.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…

The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) is sounding the alarm on the Philippines’ lagging tourism sector, urging the government to enact sweeping reforms as international arrival figures fall behind regional competitors.

In a statement on Sunday, Jan. 11, FFCCCII President Victor Lim described the current state of the industry as a “pivotal” moment, arguing that structural changes are now an urgent economic necessity.

While neighboring nations in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations are reporting a robust post-pandemic recovery, the Philippines is struggling to regain its footing.

“We, the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), urge immediate decisive and comprehensive tourism reforms,” Lim said.

Data from the first 11 months of 2025 showed that the Philippines recorded 5.24 million international arrivals, a 2.2 percent decrease from the same period a year earlier.

The end-November figure also remained 37 percent below the benchmark levels seen in 2019, before the pandemic disrupted global travel.

Lim said the decline posed a direct threat to the broader economy, noting that tourism is a critical engine of inclusive growth. The sector is a primary employer and a lifeline for micro, small, and medium enterprises across the archipelago.

The federation identified three systemic hurdles: a “hassle factor” caused by congested airports and poor digital connectivity, uncompetitive visa policies that act as a deterrent compared to the streamlined entry points of regional peers, and a fragmented marketing strategy that fails to capitalize on the country’s cultural heritage.

To reverse the trend, the FFCCCII proposed a “Blueprint for Immediate Reform.” The plan calls for an “ASEAN-competitive” visa regime and a “connectivity revolution” to modernize primary gateways and facilitate easier travel between islands.

Lim also cited the need to pivot promotional efforts toward “The Philippine Experience,” moving beyond traditional sightseeing to highlight the nation’s history and hospitality.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the FFCCCII is correct about the current state of Philippine tourism? Do you find the FFCCCII’s proposal sensible and believable? Do you think the Department of Tourism (DOT) should take the FFCCCII’s proposal very seriously? Do you thinking it is inevitable that other business chambers from around the Philippines will push for tourism industry reforms?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Department of Tourism Claims Domestic Tourism Surged During 2025 Christmas Break

January 10, 2026January 5, 2026carlocarrasco

With the slowing economic growth and clear weakness on international tourism compared with many Southeast Asian neighbors, the Philippines still has domestic tourists to rely on and many Filipinos traveled around the country during the 2025 Christmas season, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT) announcement published via the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the DOT announcement via the PIA. Some parts in boldface…

The Christmas long break underscored the strength of domestic tourism as Filipinos traveled across the country in large numbers, filling beaches, heritage sites, mountain retreats, and island destinations—cementing local travel as a vital pillar of the Philippine tourism industry during the holiday season.

Leading holiday destinations saw robust visitor turnout, with Boracay Island in Western Visayas recording the highest arrivals at 118,745 tourists from December 15 to 28, 2025, as Filipinos gathered to celebrate Christmas by the beach. The region also welcomed cruise passengers during the holidays, with Star Navigator and Norwegian Sun making multiple port calls and bringing in thousands of passengers and crew, further adding to local tourism activity.

Close behind, Cebu City welcomed 102,124 visitors, while Panglao Island in Bohol received 62,240 tourists, reflecting sustained domestic travel to Central Visayas despite the region having faced a series of natural calamities earlier in the year.

Meanwhile, Tacloban City in Eastern Visayas saw some 25,194 overnight guests. But the most visited tourist destination in the region was Malajog Beach in Calbayog City, Samar which registered some 56,543 tourists.

In the Cordilleras, Baguio City—long regarded as a favorite Christmas destination—recorded 117,137 visitors from December 15 to New Year’s Eve, drawn by its cool weather, festive lights, and seasonal sound-and-light shows.

In Bicol, Camarines Sur attracted 92,000 visitors over the holiday break, while neighboring Albay welcomed 45,000 tourists, many traveling along scenic routes framed by views of the iconic Mayon Volcano.

Northern Luzon destinations also saw steady holiday traffic. La Union recorded 47,338 foreign and local visitors seeking a beach escape, while Ilocos Sur welcomed 32,232 tourists drawn to its heritage streets and coastal landscapes. Meanwhile, Nueva Vizcaya received 10,012 visitors, many opting for nature-based and countryside travel during the break.

Island destinations remained popular for a “summer in December” experience. El Nido, Palawan welcomed 40,000 tourists, while Coron recorded 17,850 visitors. Puerto Galera also drew 13,204 holiday travelers.

In Mindanao, the Province of Sarangani in SOCCSKSARGEN welcomed 26,191 visitors, reflecting growing interest in the region’s diverse landscapes. Siargao Island attracted 32,742 tourists, while Bukidnon recorded 9,488 visitors drawn to its rolling mountains and cool climate. Camiguin Island likewise welcomed 6,558 tourists during the Christmas season.

In Metro Manila, the historic Walled City of Intramuros once again became a focal point for holiday visits, as Filipinos flocked to its illuminated streets, churches, and heritage landmarks. The area felt especially alive during the season, with families and groups attending Christmas masses at the Manila Cathedral and enjoying festive decorations in one of the country’s most celebrated heritage destinations.

“The strength of domestic tourism in the Philippines remains a driving force of our travel industry. The Christmas holidays once again showed how Filipinos continue to explore and support our own destinations,” said Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.

“From ridge to reef, cities to heritage towns, domestic travel helps communities recover and thrive, boosts the economy, deepens national pride, and supports more equitable tourism development across our regions.”

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think DOT is honest and transparent with its claims of surging domestic tourists during the 2025 Christmas season? Do you think the DOT should focus more on domestic tourism so that the nation’s tourism industry will grow better and become less dependent on tourists from abroad? Do you think the “Love the Philippines” should be replaced soon?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Vietnam Attracts All-Time High 21.2 Million Foreign Tourist Arrivals In 2025

January 10, 2026January 6, 2026carlocarrasco

Vietnam, a nation ravaged by war decades ago, has emerged as a major tourism magnet in both Southeast Asia and Asia as a whole after successfully attracting more than twenty-one million foreign tourists in 2025, according to a VnExpress International news report. The figure is a new all-time high. What Vietnam achieved was more than 20% higher than its 2024 foreign tourist numbers. For 2026, Vietnam is aiming high with a target of 25 million foreign visitors.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report VnExpress. Some parts in boldface…

Vietnam welcomed a record number of foreign tourists in 2025 with 21.2 million, up 20.4% from the previous year and the highest ever, according to General Statistics Office.

Mainland China was Vietnam’s biggest source of visitors last year with 5.2 million arrivals, up 41% year-on-year, followed by South Korea with 4.3 million and Taiwan with 1.23 million.

The U.S. ranked fourth with 848,000, followed by Japan with 814,000. The rest of the top 10 were India (746,000), Russia (689,000), Cambodia (687,000), Malaysia (573,000) and Australia (548,000).

Tourism industry insiders attributed Vietnam’s strong performance to visa reforms.

*Foreign tourists welcomed in Vietnam. (photo credit: Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism)*

In March the government decided to extend visa exemptions until 2028 for citizens of 12 countries: Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and the U.K.

In August it waived visa requirements for stays of up to 45 days for citizens of 12 more countries: Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Hungary, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland.

This expanded the unilateral visa waiver list to 24 countries and the total number including bilateral waivers to 39.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Considering the strong international tourism momentum it has right now, do you think Vietnam will succeed in attracting 25 million foreign tourists this year? Do you think a lot more visitors from Europe will come to Vietnam this year?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Philippines Department of Tourism Condemns Fatal Shooting of Two Japanese Nationals

August 27, 2025August 19, 2025carlocarrasco

As the Philippines continues to experience difficulty attracting foreign tourists, a tragedy struck two Japanese nationals in the City of Manila which led to the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) condemnation of the fatal shooting committed by motorcycle-riding assailants, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

For the newcomers reading this, Japan accounted for 444,528 visitors in the Philippines for the year 2024 which was a huge growth over the 2023 numbers.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of the PNA. Some parts in boldface…

The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Tuesday strongly condemned the fatal shooting of two Japanese nationals in Manila.

In a statement, the agency extended its sympathies to the families and called on law enforcement agencies to conduct a “swift and thorough” investigation into the incident.

“Tourism, a vital pillar of livelihood for millions of Filipinos, heavily depends on creating and maintaining conditions of peace, safety, and security,” the statement read.

“We note with deep concern that recent events have already prompted advisories from foreign embassies in the country’s top visitor source markets, which could adversely affect tourist confidence and the Philippines’ image as a safe and welcoming destination,” it added.

The DOT is working with relevant agencies, including local governments and stakeholders, to reinforce security measures for visiting foreigners.

“[T]he Department also continues to coordinate with its Regional Offices, local government units, and tourism stakeholders to reinforce protective measures, reassure foreign and domestic visitors, and safeguard the tourism industry that sustains so many Filipino families,” it said.

The two Japanese were shot by motorcycle-riding assailants while exiting a taxi along Malvar Street in Manila on Aug. 15.

The Manila Police District on Monday said one suspect has been taken into custody while another person of interest has been identified in connection with the robbery with homicide.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the fatal shooting of the two Japanese nationals in Manila is already heavily damaging the Philippines’ standing as a tourist destination? Do you think that people in Japan are already turned off by the tragedy of August 15?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Philippines attracts 3.47 million international visitors as of July 30, 2025

August 10, 2025July 31, 2025carlocarrasco

As the Department of Tourism (DOT) gave the press updates about the state and direction of tourism, it was revealed that the international visitors who arrived in the Philippines this year reached less than 3.5 million as of July 30, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

For the newcomers reading this, the DOT confirmed early this year that the nation attracted less than 6 million foreign tourists in 2024 (note: the declared target was 7.7 million) and quickly pointed to all-time high revenue for success and the tourism industry as a whole contributed 8.9% to the 2024 Philippines gross domestic product (GDP).

By attracting 3.47 million international visitors as of July 30, 2025, it looks like the Philippines will barely reach the 6 million mark by the end of the year, and there is no denying the fact that not enough foreign tourists are visiting the country. Keep in mind that in the Philippine perspective, international visitors include both foreign tourists and overseas Filipinos.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

The Philippine tourism sector has so far generated USD4.2 billion (PHP242 billion) in visitor receipts from Jan. 1 to June 18, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said Thursday. Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said the figure is up 0.48 percent, year on year.

As of July 30, the agency recorded 3,473,726 international visitors – 3.15 million foreigners and 317,536 overseas Filipinos.

In a media briefing in Makati City, Frasco said the DOT is planning to recalibrate its targets for 2025 to take into consideration the challenges the sector is currently facing.

Despite this, aggressive promotions will continue in the Philippines’ top markets, including South Korea, Japan, and the United States.

The DOT, Frasco said, would also increase Philippine exposure in Canada to capture more Canadian visitors with the recent launch of direct flights from Air Canada.

With recalibration underway, Manila is likewise looking at emerging markets to boost arrivals, among them Australia, the United Arab Emirates, and India, Frasco said.

“We’re taking a very close look at these exciting markets, especially India, which now has visa-free access and forthcoming direct flights to Manila,” she said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the DOT right now cannot come up with effective solutions to make the Philippines a more attractive tourist destination? Do you think Congress should increase the annual budget of the DOT so that it can execute its tourism plans? Does the DOT need a new leader right now?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Government pushing direct international access to Philippine tourist hubs

July 22, 2025July 14, 2025carlocarrasco

In what is clearly an attempt to help the Philippines attract more foreign tourists, the government is pushing to open regional tourism and business hubs to international flights which should enable foreigners to have better access to other parts of the country, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

For context, it has been reported already that the Philippines is failing on attracting foreign tourists when compared to the other Southeast Asian nations. In 2024, the Philippines attracted less than 6 million foreign tourists and the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) declared target for the year was 7.7 million foreign tourists.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

President Marcos has underscored the government’s push to open regional tourism and business hubs to international flights, saying these would allow foreign travelers to skip Metro Manila and head straight to their chosen destinations.

Marcos said this as he led the groundbreaking of the Caticlan Passenger Terminal Building in Aklan on Monday, July 18.

In his speech, the President said regional airports such as Caticlan are key to welcoming foreign travelers directly to Philippine destinations, bypassing Metro Manila and stimulating regional economies.

“We are slowly putting together the building blocks of our policy of opening up our tourist areas… to international travelers without having to go through the Manila Airport,” he said.

Marcos added that the new passenger terminal, which will serve as the main airport gateway to Boracay and other destinations in Western Visayas, would help ease travel to the region and boost economic activity.

“It is not just Aklan who is involved in this; it is the entire region that will be assisted by the construction of this terminal building,” he said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the national authorities will be able to establish new ways for foreign tourists to skip Metro Manila and move on to their chosen destinations located in other parts of the country? On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate the current state of tourism in the Philippines?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Domestic travel leading recovery of Philippine tourism industry

July 15, 2025July 11, 2025carlocarrasco

While it is a fact that the Philippines is failing on attracting visitors from overseas, the real estate advisory firm Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC) pointed to domestic travel as the key to the industry’s recovery, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

Domestic travel continues to lead the recovery of the Philippine tourism industry, with its receipts able to make up for the “shortfall” in international arrivals, real estate advisory firm Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC) said Thursday.

“Domestic travel is so big. It’s so big and strong that it can make up for, now in the short term, the shortfall of international arrivals,” Alfred Lay, LPC director for Hotels, Tourism, and Leisure, said during the presentation of the LPC Q2 2025 Philippine Property Market Report in Makati City.

“It can do that for a long time, and the long-term goal for domestic tourism would probably to double (its) size within the next five to 10 years.”

Lay noted that domestic tourism expenditure in 2024 reached PHP3.16 trillion, surpassing the pre-pandemic level of PHP3.14 trillion in 2019. Tourism contributed 8.9 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) last year.

International tourism expenditures, on the other hand, stood at PHP699 billion, up from PHP600 billion pre-pandemic levels, despite missing the 2024 targets.

In an interview, Lay said he expects inbound arrivals this year to reach at least six million.

He noted that the arrival of South Korean visitors, the Philippines’ top market, has seen a decline in the past five months, likely due to the “negative media coverage” in South Korea over security issues in the country, but long-haul tourists are increasing and have offset the decline.

According to the LPC report, Korean arrivals in the first five months of 2025 dipped 19 percent to 552,000 from 682,000 in the same period last year, while inbound arrivals from the United States, Japan, Australia, and Canada surged between 9 percent and 19.4 percent.

Additional routes and flight frequencies, he said, are likewise expected to sustain this upward momentum.

Meanwhile, Lay addressed news coverage about the affordability of travel to the Philippines, stating that the country only ranks in the “middle of the pack” in terms of hotel average daily rates (ADR) compared to Southeast Asian neighbors and competitors.

The LPC report showed that the Philippines ranks fourth in hotel ADR at PHP6,048, with Thailand (PHP8,171), Cambodia (PHP6,591), and Vietnam (PHP6,359) in the top three places.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the tourism industry of the Philippines will do better this year with domestic travel as the main factor? Do you think it is still possible for the Philippines to attract at least six million foreign tourists by the end of this year? Do you think both the national government and private sector should work together to improve local infrastructure so that the cost of travel will go down?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Philippines tourism industry failing to attract many foreign visitors this year

July 10, 2025July 14, 2025carlocarrasco

Based on the latest international tourism statistics and analysis for 2025, the Philippines is clearly failing to attract foreign tourists when compared to its Southeast Asian neighbors, according to a news article by VnExpress.

For the newcomers reading this, the Philippines attracted 5.95 million foreign tourists in 2024 and generated more than P760 billion in tourism revenue. The entire Philippine tourism industry registered an 8.9% share of the Philippine gross domestic product (GDP) for 2024. The nation’s tourism industry had a strong start of over P65 billion in revenue for January 2025.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the VnExpress news article. Some parts in boldface…

An online debate has erupted on social media as users wonder why the Philippines, with its rich nature, culture, and cuisine, is being overlooked by foreign tourists in favor of destinations like Vietnam and Thailand.

Thea Tan, a Filipino, posted on her X account in May expressing frustration over the Philippines’ underwhelming tourism numbers despite offering what other countries dream of: breathtaking beaches, vibrant culture, incredible food, and the warmest locals.

“So, why are tourists still choosing Thailand, Vietnam, and Bali over us?” she asked.

The post quickly went viral, accumulating over 9,000 likes and hundreds of comments.

In the first quarter of the year, Malaysia topped the list of most-visited Southeast Asian countries, with 10.1 million arrivals, followed by Thailand (9.55 million), Vietnam (6 million), and Singapore (4.3 million). By April, the Philippines had only welcomed 2.1 million visitors.

In 2024, the country saw 5.9 million foreign tourists, falling short of the government’s target of 7.7 million and far behind its regional neighbors including Cambodia, which had 6.7 million visitors.

Many online users, like Tan, argue that the Philippines is not considered a top priority destination in ASEAN.

“We are tiring out tourists with poor infrastructure and complicated transportation,” Tan noted.

Even locals find domestic travel expensive and difficult, let alone for foreign visitors, according to comments on the post.

“The Philippines has beautiful beaches, delicious food, and friendly people, but it lacks roads, reliable airports, and public transportation. Most importantly, the prices here are too high,” one local shared.

Another netizen pointed out, “In all the countries you’ve mentioned, their capitals are also tourist destinations. Manila, on the other hand, is boring for tourists. We don’t have decent museums or historical tours, and moving around in Manila is not easy either.”

A netizen added, “The government isn’t investing in quality tourist facilities and infrastructure like our neighboring countries. That’s where we’re lagging behind.“

Recently, the Philippines was ranked as the most dangerous destination by U.K. financial comparison site HelloSafe in a survey dismissed by the Philippines’ tourism experts as biased and misleading.

Victor Lim, president of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, emphasized that the Philippines must improve its infrastructure and enhance safety measures to establish itself as a leading tourist destination in Southeast Asia, Philstar reported.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Department of Tourism and its strategic partners should get together and come up with hard adjustments to make the Philippines more attractive to foreigners? What do you think are the five biggest problems of the tourism industry of the country? Do you consider tourism-related awards crucial to the Philippines’ ability to attract visitors from around the world?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Tourism registers 8.9% share of 2024 Philippine gross domestic product

June 23, 2025June 20, 2025carlocarrasco

The tourism of the industry of the Philippines accounted for a share of 8.9% of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) for the year 2024, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of BusinessWorld. Some parts in boldface…

THE SHARE of the tourism industry in the Philippine economy rose to a five-year high of 8.9% in 2024, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said on Thursday.

Tourism direct gross value added (TDGVA) — an indicator of the economic contribution from tourism-related activities — jumped by 11.2% year on year to P2.35 trillion last year, preliminary data from the PSA showed.

However, TDGVA growth was slower than the 49.9% surge logged in 2023 and the slowest annual growth since the 10.3% expansion in 2020.

Despite the slower growth, the share of TDGVA to the economy rose to 8.9% in 2024, the highest share since the 12.9% recorded in 2019.

By industry, country-specific tourism characteristics goods – shopping accounted for 21.8% of the total with P512.68 billion. It was followed by miscellaneous services (20.2% share or P476.23 billion) and accommodation services for visitors (18.4% share or P432.9 billion).

Domestic tourism expenditure, which includes resident visitors’ spending within the country on a domestic trip or as part of an international trip, grew by 16.4% to P3.16 trillion last year.

Outbound tourism spending reached P345.68 billion in 2024, rising by 37.5% from P251.35 billion in 2023.

Inbound tourism expenditure, meanwhile, inched up by 0.4% annually to P699.99 billion. Total employment in the tourism sector grew by 6.1% to 6.75 million in 2024. Tourism accounted for 13.8% of the total jobs in the country in 2024.

The majority of the tourism-related jobs were centered on miscellaneous activities. The health and wellness sector employed 1.83 million, accounting for a 27.1% share.

The accommodation and food and beverage sector had 1.69 million workers (25% share), while passenger transport had 1.67 million workers (24.7%).

Reinielle Matt M. Erece, an economist at Oikonomiya Advisory and Research, Inc. said easing inflation helped boost tourism spending last year.

“Lower inflation relative to 2023 and better economic conditions in the country may have encouraged tourists due to better prices,” he said in an e-mail. Inflation averaged 3.2% in 2024, cooling from the 15-year high of 6% in 2023.

Last year, the Department of Tourism recorded 5.95 million visitor arrivals, falling short of its 7.7 million target.

“While Philippine tourism has made substantial progress — particularly in revenue generation — it hasn’t achieved full recovery in terms of visitor numbers, and the pace of recovery appears to be slowing in early 2025,” Leonardo A. Lanzona, Jr., an economics professor in Ateneo de Manila University, said in an e-mail.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think Philippine tourism will end up being weaker as an economic sector this year? Do you think the weakening Philippine Peso will convince foreigners to visit the Philippines very soon?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Passenger service fees in CAAP airports hiked

April 26, 2025April 23, 2025carlocarrasco

If you are traveling through an airport operated by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), prepare yourself as the passenger service charge has officially been raised since April 21, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the report of the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

A higher passenger service charge (PSC) has been imposed in all airports operated by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) starting April 21.

“The increase, primarily adjusted based solely on inflation from 2015 to present, underwent the required public hearing with various stakeholders, as well as the necessary publication,” the aviation authority said in a news release late Monday.

It added that the adjustment supports CAAP’s efforts to enhance passenger experience and improve airport facilities and operations.

In Memorandum Circular 019-2025 signed on April 4, the PSC for international flights rose to PHP900 from PHP550.

From the PHP200 PSC for domestic flights, the rate will be PHP350 for international airports; PHP300 for principal class 1 airports; PHP200 for principal class 2 airports; and PHP100 for community airports. CAAP operates 44 commercial airports.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the hike of the passenger service charge at CAAP airports has been justified? How much did you pay recently at a CAAP-operated airport?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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