Agoda Reveals: Khao Lak, Seoul, and Perhentian Island are the Top Destinations for Slow Travel
With slow travel being one of the most talked about travel trends, digital travel platform Agoda shares the top Asian destinations for slow travel for longer stays. Thailand’s Khao Lak takes the crown as the tourist destination where travelers spend the most time. Searches for slow travel have grown threefold in the past five years, […].....»»
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......»»
Agoda Reveals: Khao Lak, Seoul, and Perhentian Island are the Top Destinations for Slow Travel
With slow travel being one of the most talked about travel trends, digital travel platform Agoda shares the top Asian destinations for slow travel for longer stays. Thailand’s Khao Lak takes the crown as the tourist destination where travelers spend the most time. Searches for slow travel have grown threefold in the past five years, […].....»»
Seoul police chief indicted over Halloween crush
SEOUL — South Korean prosecutors have indicted the head of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency , charging him with contributing through negligence to the Halloween crowd crush in Seoul in 2022 that killed nearly 160 people, according to the Seoul Western District Prosecutors Office. The indictment of Seoul police chief Kim Kwang-ho came more than.....»»
Agoda Unveils 2024 New Horizons List
Digital travel platform Agoda reveals its first-ever “Philippines’ New Horizons,” a list of destinations that are fast growing in popularity. The list, which compares year-on-year search data, highlights emerging destinations that have seen significant growth in interest from both domestic and international travelers. Bohol tops the list with an impressive 72% increase in searches, followed […].....»»
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 […].....»»
Japan Emerges as Top Lunar New Year Destination for Pinoy Travelers, Agoda Reveals
Aside from Japan, Filipinos are also visiting other short-haul flight destinations with Hong Kong, Thailand, South Korea, and Singapore rounding out the top five choices. The preferred international cities for Pinoy travelers include Tokyo, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Osaka, and Singapore. Looking at which travelers will be visiting the Philippines during the Lunar New Year, Agoda’s […].....»»
Agoda Spotlights Three Philippine Havens for Mindful Explorers
As the Philippine government invests more in its Green Economy Model (GEM), digital travel platform Agoda spotlights three destinations that are leading the pack in more conscious tourism. Coron in Palawan, Panglao in Bohol, and Siargao in Surigao del Sur have been prioritized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for their conservation […].....»»
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......»»
Palawan pasok sa Top 10 Trending Travel Destinations ngayong 2024
WALANG kupas pa rin ang kagandahan ng isla ng Palawan! Marami pa rin kasi ang nabibighani at tumatangkilik na puntahan ang isa sa kilalang tourist spot ng Pilipinas. Sa katunayan nga, pang-apat ang Palawan sa listahan ng “Top 10 Trending Travel Destinations” ng travel platform na Tripadvisor para sa taong ito. Sa website, inilarawan ang.....»»
Iloilo is the Most Affordable Tourist Destination in the Philippines
With many across Asia looking forward to long weekends and holidays in the coming weeks, the digital travel platform Agoda reveals the tourist destinations with the cheapest accommodations on average. Travelers looking for some of the best deals in Asia are best off in Udon Thani, Thailand. While in the Philippines, it’s Iloilo where travelers […].....»»
Palawan Recognized as One of the Top Destinations in World for 2024
Palawan has once again earned recognition as one of the Trending Destinations in the World for 2024 on Tripadvisor, the global hub for travel deals and reviews. This follows Palawan’s outstanding global achievements in 2023, being named one of the World’s Most Desirable Countries for Adventure, making it to Travel + Leisure’s top Islands, and […].....»»
Top 5 Spots in Lapu-Lapu to celebrate Valentine’s Day
For most people, Valentine’s Day is all about grand gestures of expressing love. On this special day, couples explore unique places to create a memorable Valentine’s Day experience with their loved ones. While the island of Mactan is known for its world-class beach destinations, the island offers other destinations perfect for couples. This Valentine’s Day,.....»»
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 […].....»»
55% in SEA ready for domestic travel for safe, budget-friendly destinations
55% in SEA ready for domestic travel for safe, budget-friendly destinations.....»»
Slice of heaven: Palawan among world’s trending 2024 destinations
Palawan was hailed by foreign travel platform Tripadvisor as fourth of seven of the world’s most trending destinations in its Traveler’s Choice Awards Best of the Best 2024......»»
Chiba Jets outlasts Seoul SK Knights, lord EASL Final Four
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Japan B. League’s Chiba Jets reigned supreme in the recently concluded East Asia Super League (EASL) Final Four after narrowly defeating the Seoul SK Knights, 72-69, in the championship match held Sunday night, March 10, at the Hoops Dome in Lapu-Lapu City. The Jets pocketed a whopping $1 million for topping.....»»
Blinken Arrives in South Korea to Attend Democracy Summit
Seoul, South Korea - U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived Sunday in South Korea on the first stop of a brief Asia tour also including the Philippines, as Washington moves to reinforce ties with two key regional allies.Blinken landed Sunday afternoon ahead of the third Summit for Democracy on Monday, an initiative of U.S. President Joe Biden, which Seoul is hosting this week.Before arriving in Se.....»»
Seoul passes new law for aspiring K-pop idols
The Seoul Metropolitan Council has approved a new law that serves to better protect individuals in the South Korean capital looking to pursue a career in music, acknowledging the pressure involved in becoming a Korean idol......»»
Delivery drivers urge Mayor Baste for business permit exemption
Title: Delivery Drivers Seek Exemption from Business Permit Requirement A group of delivery drivers in Davao is urging Mayor Sebastian Duterte to exempt them from the mandatory business permits. The drivers, including those from various delivery apps such as Grab and FoodPanda, are concerned about the financial burden imposed by the business permits, which range from P2,000 to P6,000. They argue that this requirement is unique to Davao City among all cities and provinces in the Philippines. Grab rider Rolando Atico emphasized the need for solidarity among all delivery drivers, regardless of the app they work for. He urged fellow drivers to support each other, as the financial impact may extend beyond just Grab and FoodPanda. Atico also requested Mayor Duterte to reconsider the requirement and reinstate the previous occupational permit, which only cost P125. The group is facing a 30-day deadline to obtain the business permits, and they are citing financial constraints as a reason for their request for an extension. Failure to comply could result in their removal from the delivery platforms, jeopardizing their livelihoods. Additionally, they are advocating for changes to Davao City's Revenue Code, proposing a model similar to Cebu City, where only an occupational permit is required. The drivers are also calling for an inquiry into the lack of transparency and unilateral actions of food delivery companies, particularly concerning rider capitalization and financial concerns. They believe that a thorough investigation will help ensure fairness and equity in their financial obligations and working relationship with the delivery companies. Maribel Paguican, the Business Bureau officer-in-charge, stated that non-certified delivery riders categorized as service contractors must obtain a business permit. She mentioned two permits for occupational and business activities, with a discounted structure for delivery riders. However, concerns have been raised about increased taxes, potentially ranging from P3,000 to P6,000, along with an additional tax on top of the declared income of P1,400. The delivery drivers' plea for exemption from the business permit requirement reflects their concerns about the financial impact and the potential threat to their livelihoods. Their call for solidarity and support from fellow drivers highlights the urgency of the situation. This story sheds light on the challenges faced by delivery drivers in Davao and the implications of the business permit requirement on their financial well-being. It also underscores their efforts to seek fairness and equity in their working relationship with the authorities and delivery companies......»»
Chiba repels Jeremy Lin-less New Taipei, forges EASL finals vs Seoul SK
Undefeated Chiba Jets took flight in the clutch to hold off the New Taipei Kings, 92-84, and arrange a championship showdown with Seoul SK Knights in the East Asia Super League (EASL) Final Four Friday at the Hoops Dome here......»»