The Philippine travel landscape is seeing significant shifts, including a surge in visa applications and new regional connectivity initiatives. Recent data shows that Filipino visa applications increased 20% year-on-year between January and August 2026, with non-Schengen destination requests rising by 28%.

New travel trends in the Philippines

A new campaign titled "Discover the Visayas" is promoting seamless multi-island travel using Cebu as a central gateway. The #FlyViaCebu initiative aims to connect six different destinations, allowing travelers to move between locations more easily via the Mactan-Cebu International Airport and its CEB Connects transfer service.

Destinations included in this travel push are:

  • Boracay and Panglao for beach activities
  • Siquijor for a slower pace
  • Guimaras for food and culture
  • Biliran for off-the-beaten-path adventures
  • Lapu-Lapu for convenience near the airport

What seasonal festivities are available?

Several hotels are launching themed events for the upcoming holiday season. Diamond Hotel Philippines will host a K-pop themed Halloween event on October 25, while Richmonde Hotels is offering various celebrations. These include a kiddie party at Eastwood Richmonde Hotel on October 31 and an "Enchanted Casita" event in Iloilo on October 30.

Global recognition and digital services

Philippine destinations continue to earn international acclaim. In the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, Coron ranked fourth, Boracay placed eighth, and El Nido ranked tenth among the world's top beaches. Additionally, Palawan and Boracay were recognized as top islands in Asia for their sustainability.

To improve accessibility, the online booking platform Airpaz has expanded its travel insurance offerings. In partnership with Tune Protect Re, the service is now available in Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines. In the Philippine market, Pioneer Insurance & Surety Corp. serves as the local partner, allowing travelers to purchase coverage during the flight-booking process.

FAQ

Which Philippine beaches were recognized by Condé Nast Traveler?

Coron ranked fourth, Boracay placed eighth, and El Nido ranked tenth on the list of top world beaches.

How can travelers plan a Visayas itinerary?

Travelers can use the campaign's itinerary builder to map out personalized journeys and connect to booking options via Trip.com and Klook.