Pinoys told to postpone non-essential travel to Israel
Alert Level 2 for Israel, advising Filipinos to postpone non-essential travel to Israel, remains, the Department of Foreign Affairs said yesterday......»»
Travel agencies group warns about cheap, illegal operators
The Davao Travel Agencies Association (DTAA) has issued a warning about unregistered and illegal travel and tour operators in their area. These operators have been found to be offering travel and tour services without proper licensing, leading to issues such as lack of refunds, scheduling problems, and other travel arrangement discrepancies. Pia Partoza Montano, a travel agency owner and Vice-President for the Travel and Tours Sector of DTAA, emphasized the prevalence of these unauthorized operators, particularly in inbound tourism, and the challenges in monitoring and regulating them due to their large numbers. Montano also highlighted the potential risks associated with using these unregistered agencies, as they may offer cheaper rates but could lead to problems in case of incidents. To address this issue, the Department of Tourism-Davao (DOT-Davao) has introduced a QR code system to help the public verify the legitimacy of travel agencies by accessing data on authorized and registered operators. The DOT-Davao encourages travelers to transact with accredited enterprises to ensure the quality and reliability of their travel arrangements. Currently, there are at least 109 registered travel and tour agencies in Davao City under DOT-Davao's accreditation. The DOT-Davao also provides information on the requirements for registration and renewal for travel agencies on their official website. This warning serves as a reminder for the public to be cautious and discerning when engaging with travel and tour operators to avoid falling victim to unauthorized and illegitimate services......»»
10th ID bashes Canadian gov’t for travel advisory vs Mindanao
The 10th Infantry Agila Division (10ID) of the Philippine Army criticized the Canadian government for issuing a travel advisory against all parts of Mindanao, which includes their area of responsibility. Major Mark Anthony Tito, spokesperson for the 10th ID, emphasized that the regions under their jurisdiction are peaceful and free from terrorism and violent threats, contrary to the Canadian embassy's advisory. The division oversees 12 provinces, seven cities, and 72 municipalities in various parts of Mindanao. Tito expressed bewilderment at the basis of the travel advisory, asserting that the Canadian government lacks awareness of the actual situation on the ground. He highlighted the peaceful nature of the entire Davao Region throughout 2023, with no recorded incidents of terrorism or insurgency. Despite the exclusion of Davao City from the advisory, Tito noted that the region would still be impacted. The Canadian embassy's advisory warned its citizens to avoid visiting Mindanao due to ongoing terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, high levels of violence, and encounters between rebel forces and government security authorities. Specific provinces and regions were singled out for caution or non-essential travel, including Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen, and Eastern Mindanao. Contrary to the advisory, the 10th ID has been actively weakening and eliminating guerilla forces within its jurisdiction as part of the Philippine Army's efforts to establish an insurgency-free zone. In fact, on October 27, 2023, the Davao Region celebrated its first anniversary as an insurgency-free region in the Philippines. This dispute has led to other related stories, including the Chamber's intention to engage in discussions with the Canadian government regarding the travel advisory, as well as refutations from the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and celebrations of the Davao Region's insurgency-free status by the Regional Peace and Order Council. In summary, the 10th ID vehemently opposes the Canadian government's travel advisory, citing the peaceful and secure nature of the regions under their jurisdiction, and highlighting the significant strides made in eradicating insurgency in the Davao Region......»»
Israel sees decrease in foreign trade in 2023
Tel Aviv [Israel], January 23 (ANI/TPS): Israel's Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) reported on Israel's foreign trade in 2023 as compared to 2022. The countries to which exports of goods (excluding diamonds) from Israel had the largest increases in 2023 were Morocco, Egypt, Hungary, Romania, Uruguay, Lithuania, Hong Kong and Poland. In contrast, the countries with the largest decreases in exports from Israel were Malays.....»»
Israel sees decrease in foreign trade in 2023
Tel Aviv [Israel], January 23 (ANI/TPS): Israel's Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) reported on Israel's foreign trade in 2023 as compared to 2022. The countries to which exports of goods (excluding diamonds) from Israel had the largest increases in 2023 were Morocco, Egypt, Hungary, Romania, Uruguay, Lithuania, Hong Kong and Poland. In contrast, the countries with the largest decreases in exports from Israel were Malays.....»»
Agoda’s Eco Deals Survey: 4 in 5 Travelers Care About More Sustainable Travel
As Pinoy travelers venture to explore new horizons, they are increasingly mindful of the potential impact of their choices. According to a survey conducted by digital travel platform Agoda, 92% of Filipino travelers care about more sustainable travel. Respondents highlighted that financial incentives, the availability of sustainable travel packages, and clearer guidance on sustainable travel […].....»»
The Mental Wellness Odyssey: Unveiling Travel’s Transformative Power
In our hectic world, travel transcends leisure, impacting mental health beyond its scenic and cultural appeal, as supported by scientific evidence. Escape Stress: Travel breaks routine, offering a refreshing respite from daily demands, reducing stress. Joyful Exploration: Experiences, not possessions, bring happiness. Travel’s thrill and diversity elevate joy. Mindful Journey: Travel promotes mindfulness, offering moments […].....»»
Gaza war: Fierce fighting between Israel, Hamas continues as efforts for truce gains pace
International efforts towards a new pause in the devastating Gaza war gathered pace Wednesday, as Israel bombarded the Palestinian territory during fierce fighting with Hamas militants. Hamas was reviewing a proposal for a six-week truce in its war with Israel, a source told AFP, after mediators gathered in Paris. While talks take place, the population.....»»
Israel bombs Gaza, fights Hamas around hospitals
Israeli forces pounded besieged Gaza on Wednesday and fought Hamas around several hospitals, despite a UN Security Council demand for a ceasefire. Talks in Qatar towards a truce and hostage release deal involving US and Egyptian mediators have brought no result so far, with Israel and the Palestinian militant group blaming each other. READ: Israel.....»»
Israel proposes Palestinian-run ‘humanitarian pockets’ in Gaza
Israel plan 'humanitarian pockets' in districts of the Gaza Strip from which Hamas has been expelled, but that their ultimate success would hinge on Israel achieving its goal of destroying the Islamist faction.....»»
Xinhua Asia-Pacific news summary at 1600 GMT, Feb. 15
COLOMBO -- Sri Lanka's Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva on Thursday announced the signing of a direct air service agreement between Israel and Sri Lanka. Speaking at a press briefing at the President's Media Center, the minister said the agreement marks the beginning of direct flights between Israel and Sri Lanka, which would enhance passenger convenience. (Sri Lanka-Israel-Aviation).....»»
Xinhua Asia-Pacific news summary at 1600 GMT, Feb. 15
COLOMBO -- Sri Lanka's Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva on Thursday announced the signing of a direct air service agreement between Israel and Sri Lanka. Speaking at a press briefing at the President's Media Center, the minister said the agreement marks the beginning of direct flights between Israel and Sri Lanka, which would enhance passenger convenience. (Sri Lanka-Israel-Aviation).....»»
Israel is a Jewish nation, but its population is far from a monolith
As the toll of the Israel-Hamas war continues to mount, Israeli military casualties are shedding new light on a topic that rarely gets international media attention - Israel's ethnic di.....»»
Israel is a Jewish nation, but its population is far from a monolith
As the toll of the Israel-Hamas war continues to mount, Israeli military casualties are shedding new light on a topic that rarely gets international media attention - Israel's ethnic di.....»»
‘Prevent acts of Genocide in Gaza,’ int’l court tells Israel
“This is a landmark ruling, though short of an actual ceasefire order, that places the burden on Israel and the entire world, to ensure that genocide is not committed." The post ‘Prevent acts of Genocide in Gaza,’ int’l court tells Israel appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Israel Presents Defense in ICJ Genocide Case – The Daily Guardian
Title: Israel Defends Actions in Gaza at ICJ as South Africa Accuses of Genocide Date: [Insert Date] The Daily Guardian – Israel appeared before the.....»»
Travel with Confidence: Why Quality Travel Gear is a Great Investment
Have you ever left the house for a getaway and found yourself wondering, ‘Did I turn off the lights or appliances? Did I lock the doors and windows?’ These kinds of situations can haunt you during your travels, making for an uncomfortable experience. Traveling worry-free is essential, and ensuring everything is in order before you […].....»»
Going on solo travel? International flight attendants share practical tips, hacks
The lure of solo travel is that it offers a unique opportunity to explore the world on your own terms without having to accommodate the whims and wants of travel companions......»»
The Filipino superfans travelling thousands of miles to see Taylor Swift - Philippines
Swifties from across the country are spending big so they can travel to see stars Eras tour in Japan, Singapore and Australia Taylor Swift Melbourne concert live updates: Eras tour hits Australia For Allan Villa, seeing Taylor Swift live in concert is an unmissable experience, worthy of the backbreaking travel that will be required to take him there. From Masbate Island, where he lives, Villa will travel four hours by boa.....»»
Young Pinoy travelers willing to splurge on experience-driven tours
As the world moves past the pandemic and the chaotic period of revenge travel, a transformative shift in travel dynamics is happening right now, especially among millennial and Gen Z travelers, according to Asia’s leading platform for experiences and travel services Klook......»»
Government, stakeholders’ cooperation vital for tourism development – travel agency
The Philippine government and private tourism stakeholders should keep cooperating to promote and develop the country’s tourism industry, according to travel agency Rajah Travel......»»