Industry News Updates for the Philippine Hospitality and Tourism Industry for the week ending March 20, 2026.
Industry News Updates & Headlines:
- Ongoing Disruptions To UAE Flights
- Wellness Tourism In PH Growing
- PH Ranks 4th in Gold Circle Awards
- BTS Comeback Boosts Hotel Bookings
- Growing Demand For Hybrid Hospitality Models
Ongoing Disruptions To UAE Flights
Flights to and from the Philippines and airports in the Middle East remain disrupted as military action continues in the region.
While some UAE airlines are gradually resuming flights to some parts of Asia, Europe, and the US, others continue to ground flights.
- Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Etihad have all resumed a limited number of flights.
- Cathay Pacific has cancelled all flights until the end of March.
- Philippine Airlines (PAL) has temporarily suspended flights between Manila and Riyadh, Doha, and Dubai until April 30, 2026
- Cebu Pacific has currently suspended all flights to Dubai until March 28.
Passengers who have booked flights are urged not to go to their departure airports without first confirming their flight.
The Philippine government is continuing its repatriation program bringing home OFWs and tourists who have enlisted for repatriation flights.
Wellness Tourism In PH Growing
The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) released data this week highlighting the growth of Wellness Tourism in the Philippines.
GWI ranks the Philippines’ at No.8 out of 45 countries in Asia-Pacific for its Wellness Economy.
The Wellness Tourism economy in the country has grown by 45% since 2019, and it contributes 10.2% of the Philippines’ GDP (Gross Domestic Product).
“When countries commit to understanding their wellness economies, it creates a powerful foundation for investment, innovation, and wellbeing. The Philippines is showing how a nation can build on its unique strengths to grow a vibrant wellness sector and stand out globally.” – Susie Ellis, CEO – GWI
PH Ranks 4th in Gold Circle Awards
The Philippines ranks 4th overall in AGODA’s 17th Gold Circle Awards 2025 for the APAC region, tying for the position with India.
The Gold Circle Awards celebrate hotels that consistently deliver high standards, adaptability and digital engagement.
This year more than 50% of the Awards were given to independent properties – an 11% increase from the previous year.
“The Gold Circle Awards recognize partners who get the fundamentals right consistently, from day-to-day operational discipline to how they show up online and deliver on what travelers expect.” – Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President, Supply at Agoda.
The Philippines position is based on how its top-performing Agoda hotel partners perform against others in the APAC region on a points-based system.
However, the 4th place ranking is not as good as it would seem as Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, Thailand and Indonesia all tied for the 3rd place ranking. With Australia coming in at 5th place.
The top performing countries were Taiwan, in first position, and Vietnam which ranked 2nd.
Some of the Philippines’ Gold Circle Award Winners include:
- Conrad Manila
- Okada Manila
- The Piccolo Hotel Boracay
- Casa Bocobo Hotel Manila
- St Giles Makati, Manila
- The Maximilian Hotel
- Eurotel (Pedro Gil) Manila
- SureStay Plus (Best Western) Cebu City
- Fairfield by Marriot Belagavi
- Hilton Manila
- BSA Twin Towers Hotel, Cebu
Global Industry News Updates
BTS Comeback Boosts Hotel Bookings
Hotel and accommodation bookings jumped by 103% in Seoul, after the BTS comeback concert was announced, according to AllMyTour.
AllMyTour reported that search engines saw a 155% increase in people searching for travel and accommodation in Seoul within 48 hours of the comeback concert being announced.
The majority of the bookings are in hotels near to Gwanghwamun Square, where the concert will be held.
Demographically
- 41% of the bookings are for travelers from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan
- 29.2% are by people traveling from the USA and Europe
- 26.2% are from travelers from South-east Asia.
The Korea Culture and Tourism Institute have estimated that holding just one BTS concert in Seoul can generate around S$1.03 billion in economic impact.
Growing Demand For Hybrid Hospitality Models
A panel of experts at the recent DesignInn Southeast Asia conference raised some interesting data points about the emerging demand for hybrid-hospitality.
Hybrid-hospitality models merge hotel services with flexible workspaces and community-driven amenities, offering travelers greater flexibility.
Hybrid accommodation has shown to boost hotel turnover by up to 20%.
The panel discussion considered the growing demand for hybrid hospitality models, which is being driven by the rise of “bleisure” travel, digital nomads, and remote work.
The sector has seen a 40% compound annual growth rate since 2014.
Key Drivers and Trends in Hybrid Hospitality:
The “Workcation” Phenomenon: Remote working, which has become more normalised, has accelerated demand for accommodation that allows for both a high-quality working environment and a vacation.
Growing Market Segment: Digital nomads and remote workers want “live-and-work-friendly” spaces that offer more than a traditional room. They’re often looking for accommodation that also offers communal lounges, on-site co-working spaces, and tech-friendly, long-stay options.
Adaptable Spaces: Hotels are converting underutilized areas into flexible offices, meeting rooms, and vibrant social hubs to maximize revenue and attract a modern, younger demographic.
Investor Interest: Both developers and investors are increasingly shifting towards hybrid concepts (e.g., aparthotels, pod-style hotels) which offer higher returns and flexibility compared to traditional hotel models. Major chains like Marriott and Accor have already begun expanding into this market.
This trend represents a shift towards more versatile, experience-oriented lodging that blends traditional hospitality with flexible living and working.
