President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday, December 16, launched the Philippines’ first layover tours and a medical tourism lounge at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3, marking a new push to improve the country’s tourism offerings.
The project introduces transit tours for foreign passengers from visa-free countries with at least an 8-hour layover in Manila, allowing them to explore the capital’s main attractions beyond the airport.
Tourists may choose between two 4-hour tour options: a “Cultural and Heritage Experience” featuring Intramuros and the National Museum, or a “Leisure and Entertainment Experience” visiting Okada Manila and Solaire Resort, each priced at USD50 per person.
Marcos said the project gives tourists a chance to experience the Philippines even during short stops, calling it a form of “experiential tourism” that highlights culture, heritage, and people.
“Layunin po nating iparamdam ang diwa at ganda ng Pilipinas kahit sa maikling panahon lamang (Our goal is to let people experience the beauty of the Philippines even in a short period of time),” the President said, emphasizing the value of meaningful travel experiences.
The tours are open to Philippine Airlines passengers, those connecting to other carriers, and travelers with onward domestic flights, with benefits extending to families, the elderly, and overseas Filipino workers.
Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said in a separate interview that the program may expand to other PH airports such as Cebu, and is expected to generate livelihood opportunities for more Filipinos.
Bookings are available through walk-in registration at Transit Tour Concierge Desks in NAIA Terminals 1 and 3, the Philippine Airlines website, and the lovephtourism.gov.ph mobile application.
Alongside the tours, Marcos also launched the Medical Tourism Concierge, which works as a transit tour desk within the terminal.
The lounge is designed to assist medical travelers efficiently and compassionately, providing reception counters, a private consultation bed, and dedicated airport-to-hospital transfer services.
Partner institutions include The Medical City, St. Luke’s Medical Center, Asian Hospital and Medical Center, Makati Medical Center, Belo, and other leading clinics and hospitals.
The launch was attended by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, New NAIA Infra Corp. President Ramon Ang, and other government officials and medical partners.
