MANILA — Tourists passing through the Philippines can now turn long airport layovers into meaningful experiences as the Department of Tourism (DOT) officially launched its first-ever Transit Tours and Medical Tourism Concierge at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 Arrival Area.
The new services were unveiled Tuesday (Dec. 16) by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., joined by First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos and Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, as part of the government’s push to modernize the country’s tourism gateways.
President Marcos described the initiatives as a move toward “experiential tourism,” allowing travelers to engage with Philippine culture and services even during short stays.
“With the Transit Tour, international passengers with long layovers can enjoy a curated glimpse of the Philippines instead of waiting inside the terminal. The Medical Tourism Concierge, meanwhile, reflects our commitment to people-centered service that is both efficient and compassionate,” the President said.
He added that the improvements benefit families, senior citizens, and overseas Filipino workers, noting that the programs are the result of stronger coordination among government agencies.
Tourism Secretary Frasco said the initiatives align with the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023–2028, particularly in diversifying tourism offerings through gateway-based experiences.
“These programs demonstrate a collaborative approach among government, the private sector, and tourism frontliners. By upgrading our gateways, we improve the visitor experience, create jobs for Filipinos, and position the Philippines more competitively on the global stage,” Frasco said.
Curated layover experiences
The Transit Tours are open to eligible travelers from visa-free countries with a minimum layover of eight hours. Participants can choose from two time-bound itineraries priced at USD 50 per person, inclusive of entrance fees and insurance.
Options include a morning cultural tour of Intramuros, Manila, and the National Museum, or an afternoon entertainment and shopping trip to Okada and Solaire in Pasay and Parañaque. Travelers are transported on a 49-seater air-conditioned bus accompanied by a DOT-accredited tour guide and a police officer.
Bookings can be made via the LovePH mobile app, the Philippine Airlines website, or through walk-in registration at Transit Tour Concierge Desks at NAIA Terminal 3.
Medical tourism support
Complementing the tours is the Medical Tourism Concierge, designed to assist international patients from arrival to departure. The service connects medical travelers to DOT-accredited hospitals, wellness centers, and post-treatment leisure options such as spa resorts, healing retreats, and cultural excursions.
Partner institutions include The Medical City, St. Luke’s Medical Center, Makati Medical Center, Asian Hospital and Medical Center, Belo Medical Group, GAOC, Novodental, Urban Smiles, and members of the Wellness Tourism Association of the Philippines.
Under the program, an International Patient Concierge coordinates medical documentation prior to travel. Upon arrival and standard immigration, quarantine, and customs clearance, patients are assisted at the Medical Tourism Concierge area, where private waiting rooms are also available for VIP patients.
The DOT said the twin initiatives aim to strengthen the Philippines’ position as both a tourism and medical travel destination in Asia.
