Philippine Hospitality and Tourism Industry News Updates for the week ending April 3, 2026.
Industry News Updates & Headlines:
- Forest Fire Closes Mt. Kabunian
- Domestic & International Flight Airport Changes Kick In
- DOTs Answer To Rising Fuel Costs – Walking Holidays!
- Visa Extension Relief For Tourists Stranded In The Philippines
- Domestic Flights V’s Jet Fuel Supply
- DOT Intends To Accelerate Cruise Tourism Growth
- Ascott’s Inclusive Hospitality Benchmark
- World Class Restaurant Scholarship Opportunity opens.
- No PH Presence In Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants List
- Global Aviation Disruptions See Flight Routes Shift To Asia
- Sydney Bars And Restaurants Go 24/7
- New South Wales Resort Fined $53K After Conference Poisoning
- Ads Soon To Rollout on Apple Maps
Philippine Hospitality & Tourism Industry News Updates
Forest Fire Closes Mt. Kabunian
Mt. Kabunian has been closed temporarily to trekkers, from April 3, after a forest fire.
Bakun Mayor Fausto T. Labinio ordered the temporary closure in Executive Order No. 26 series of 2026, with restricted access only to authorized personnel – fire and emergency response operations – only.
Local residents and tourists have been asked to avoid the site and to be on alert for fire, smoke, and possible ground instability. The suspension will remain in effect until further notice.
Domestic & International Flight Airport Changes Kick In
A reminder was issued by all Philippine domestic airlines that the final phase of the transfer of turboprop aircraft operations to Clark International Airport would complete this week, on March 29.
This change is in line with a resolution from the Department of Transportation’s Manila Slot Coordination Committee, which requires the transfer of all turboprop aircraft operations from NAIA (MNL) to Clark International Airport (CRK).
This move is billed as “part of efforts to enhance overall passenger experience” but many figures in the tourism industry have criticized the move.
Adding an additional 2+ traveling hours, at the very least, onto the journey’s of domestic and international tourists wishing to visit places that can only be accessed by turboprop aircraft is hardly enhancing passenger experiences.
Others have pointed out that businesses for, or in, destinations like El Nido and Coron – who were already struggling in 2025 as a result of fewer international tourist arrivals – are set to see things become even more difficult.
AirAsia also released a reminder that from March 29, 2026 its international AirAisa Philippines (Z2) and AirAsia Malaysia (AK) flights will depart from Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 (T1), instead of Terminal 3 (T3).
AirAsia’s Domestic flights will continue to arrive and depart from NAIA Terminal 2 (T2).
DOTs Answer To Rising Fuel Costs – Walking Holidays!
The Philippines Department Of Tourism (DOT) listed a number of vacation alternatives for tourists who are concerned about the rising fuel costs but still want to take advantage of the Easter and May Day holidays.
Suggestions include: –
- Walking and Biking Tours
- local Farm Visits and Community-based tourism activities
- local sustainable tourism escapes focused on wellness or nature
- Staycations and Foodcations.
They also issued a gentle reminder to be energy-conscious at all times. Whether in your own home, when visiting friends or family, or in hotels and accommodations during vacation stays – turn off lights and air-con, and switch off and unplug appliances when they are not being used.
Visa Extension Relief For Tourists Stranded In The Philippines
The Department of Justice, which oversees the Bureau of Immigration, has extended Visa Relief for foreign nationals stranded in the Philippines.
Foreign Nationals who have been affected by flight cancellations, and stranded in the country as a result of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, can remain in the Philippines legally without the worry of overstaying fees, motion for extension costs, or other administrative penalties until at least May 1.
The ruling covers temporary visitors and tourists who were scheduled to depart but were prevented from doing so by the conflict.
Proof of disrupted travel – original boarding passes, flight itineraries, email notification of flight cancellations from the airline – must be provided to qualify for the fee waiver.
Cebu Pacific has advised that all its flights, to and from Dubai, are cancelled until April 20, 2026. As yet there is no announcement on its flights to Riyadh, which were previously cancelled until March 31.
Philippine Airlines (PAL) has also enacted a temporary suspension of flights to and from Dubai until 30 April 2026, and to and from Riyadh (RUH) until April 8, 2026.
Passengers are encouraged to check the status of their flights via the carriers website or App, and to check their emails (Inbox and spam folder).
Domestic Flights V’s Jet Fuel Supply
As the conflict in the Middle East continues, and the strait of Hormuz remains mostly closed to tankers carrying fuel, measures are being taken by the Philippines airlines.
Cebu Pacific released a statement on March 29, confirming that they have sufficient fuel to support all scheduled domestic and international flights until June 2026. Although, prior to that statement Cebu Pacific announced a number of route suspensions and reductions on March 23
Cebu Pacific Air International Route Suspensions: –
Davao – Bangkok – Davao from April 13 – Oct 23
Iloilo – Bangkok – Iloilo from April 17 – Oct 24
Iloilo – Singapore – Iloilo from June 14 – Oct 24
Clark – Hanoi – Clark from May 2 – Oct 25
Cebu Pacific Air International Route Reductions:-
Cebu – Singapore – Cebu
Manila – Jakarta – Manila
Manila – Kuala Lumpar – Manila
Manila – Melbourne – Manila
Manila – Sydney – Manila
Philippine Airlines has also listed the following route suspensions
PAL International Route Suspensions:-
Cebu – Guam from April 16 until further notice
Cebu – Ho Chi Minh City from April 19 until further notice (except May 1, 3, 24 and 31)
PAL Domestic Route Suspensions
Clark – Siargao from May 4 until further notice
Cebu – Ozamiz from May 5 until further notice
Cebu – Calbayog from May 6 until further notice
DOT Intends To Accelerate Cruise Tourism Growth
The Department of Tourism (DOT) held its first Philippine Cruise Tourism Development Committee, since its reconstitution, at the Hilton Manila last week.
The committee saw participants from the Department of Transportation, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Information and Communications Technology, and Department of Public Works and Highways, attending.
Other representatives included officers from the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, the Philippine Ports Authority, Maritime Industry Authority, and the Bureaus of Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine, and other stakeholder agencies and port authorities.
The focus of the committee was on accelerating the growth of cruise tourism in the country, cruise infrastructure development and the utilization of cruise visa waivers.
Attention was also given to the harmonization of tourism data, after it was revealed earlier this year that the recording of foreign national arrival data with regards to cruise passengers was inconsistent.
At least 127 Cruise Ships are expected to visit the Philippines in 2026. 2025 saw 136 cruise calls, with 56,040 passengers and 15,071 crew.
Ascott’s Inclusive Hospitality Benchmark
The Ascott Limited has unveiled one of the world’s first open-access Disability Inclusion Playbooks for the Accommodation Sector, setting a new benchmark for inclusive hospitality worldwide.
The brand is currently represented in the Philippines with Ascott Makati, Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila, and the upcoming Ascott DD Meridian Park Manila
The playbook has been developed with inclusion specialist Colorful Earth and supported by SG Enable, World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, and Valuable 500. It offers a practical framework to help hotels and accommodation providers better serve persons with disabilities.
The guide focuses on five key areas: inclusive training, accessible spaces, hiring, digital platforms, and programmes, enabling operators to create more welcoming experiences – from booking to check-out – while promoting inclusive employment practices.
Ascott also announced major global commitments aligned with the playbook:
- By 2026: Each country will host at least one disability inclusion programme, while the company begins reporting employment of persons with disabilities
- By 2027: All frontline staff worldwide will complete disability awareness training
- By 2028: All guest-facing digital platforms will meet international accessibility standards
With an estimated 1.3 billion people globally living with disabilities, Ascott emphasized that accessibility is both a social responsibility and a major opportunity for the tourism sector.
The initiative is part of the company’s broader sustainability strategy and reflects growing global efforts to make travel more inclusive. The playbook is now publicly available and aims to encourage other hospitality providers to adopt similar practices.
No PH Presence In Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants List
It is likely to have come as a shock to many that not a single Philippine Restaurant made it into the top 50 Asia’s Best Restaurant List.
The 51-100 Extended list, announced on March 12, featured Toyo Eatery at No.71 and Celera at No.100.
It was hoped that, with so many new Michelin-starred and recognised restaurants in the Philippines, some new entries would show up in the top 50 List, when it was released on March 25.
This years Top 50 list featured a strong showing from Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Seoul restaurants and nothing from the Philippines.
Global Hospitality & Tourism Industry News Updates
World Class Restaurant Scholarship Opportunity opens.
If you are over 18 years of age and have spent less than 3 years working in a professional kitchen, the 50 Best Restaurants Scholarship Program could be the perfect chance to win an all-expenses-paid, on-the-job scholarship, with three world-renowned chefs.
But Hurry! You only have until April 15 to enter!
The 50 Best Restaurants Scholarship, in partnership with Parmigiano Reggiano, will give one lucky and aspiring chef the opportunity to work at Salsify at the Roundhouse, in Cape Town, South Africa, and at The Fat Duck in Bray, UK.
The winner will receive two, four-week scholarship stints at each restaurant, under Chef Heston Blumenthal (The Fat Duck) and chefs Ryan Cole and Nina du Toit (Salsify). All flights, accommodation and travel costs will be covered, PLUS £2,000 paid at each location.
Details for how to enter can be found at the Worlds 50 Best website
There are three stages to the competition. Round One starts with providing information about yourself and your career, answering 5 questions and submitting a short video.
25 people will then be selected to go through to Round Two.
Global Aviation Disruptions See Flight Routes Shift To Asia
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is forcing airlines to reroute flights away from the region, and shifting global air traffic toward Asia as a safer alternative corridor.
European airlines in particular have been forced to pivot the most, as their routes to Asian or Oceanic destinations have required transits and connections via Middle Eastern hubs.
Some airlines have implemented longer, more complex routes which result in longer flight times, and higher operational costs and airfares. Others have switched to Asian hubs instead for connections and transitting.
Singapore (SIN), Bangkok (BKK) and Kuala Lumpur (KUL) have seen increased flight and passenger traffic as a result.
Indian airports, New Dehli (DEL) and Mumbai (BOM), have gained prominence as critical refueling or rerouting hubs for traffic moving between Europe and Southeast Asia.
And Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) has seen increased cargo traffic and airfreight.
Sydney Bars And Restaurants To Go 24/7
24-hour trading is a strong possibility for the city of Sydney, Australia, as part of a bid to boost city nightlife and businesses.
Extensive consultations have been undertaken with the community regarding the proposal to turn some areas in the city into “special entertainment precincts”, including some zones that will be allowed to open 24-hours.
The Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO, has stated that the proposal to extend and add new zones has received resounding approval from the public, and local businesses.
The city of Sydney already has some areas that are allowed to trade later in to the evening. The proposals will see extensions and widening of those areas, plus completely new areas added too.
There will also be some areas allowed to trade even later to encourage more live music, events and community and cultural collaborations.
The Council endorsed the special entertainment precincts, in their March meeting. A project team will now prepare precinct management plans and planning proposals ahead of further public consultation.
New South Wales Resort Fined $53K After Conference Poisoning
Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific, in New South Wales has been ordered to pay more than $53,000 in costs and fines this week, after 76 people became ill during a conference held there in December 2022.
40 of the conference participants, who became unwell during and after the conference, were found to have contracted Salmonella infections.
The venue was thoroughly investigated by the New South Wales Food Authority and Health Departments, immediately after the incident, which recorded several concerning issues and incidents including:-
- Fruit and vegetables being stored in tubs that were meant for meat
- Refrigeration unit temperatures set too high for the types of food being stored in them.
Hospitality & Tourism Tech Industry News Updates
Ads Soon To Rollout on Apple Maps
Apple is preparing to introduce advertising within Apple Maps as early as summer 2026, signaling a major shift from its historically ad-free navigation experience.
The initial rollout will see sponsored listings appear directly in search results and “Suggested Places,” with businesses able to bid on keywords (e.g. “tacos” or “pasta”) to optimize brand visibility.
This model closely mirrors established formats in Google Maps and Apple’s own App Store advertising ecosystem.
This is exciting news for hospitality and tourism marketers as, typically, users searching within Apple Maps are actively looking for places to go, or things to buy, there and then.
