DOT to Launch Layover Tours for Transiting Passengers at NAIA in November

MANILA – The Department of Tourism (DOT) is set to launch its highly anticipated “layover tours” for travelers transiting through Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) this November. The initiative aims to offer short, curated tours of Metro Manila for passengers with limited time between flights.

Photo courtesy of The Department of Tourism - Philippines

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco shared that the DOT is working closely with the San Miguel-led New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation (NNIC), the new operator of NAIA, to bring this project to fruition. "One of the expansions of our Hop-on Hop-off (HOHO) program is offering transit tours to layover passengers so they can enjoy Metro Manila’s offerings even with a very short amount of time,” Frasco said during an interview at the Philippine Hotel Industry Strategic Action Plan (PHISAP) event in Mandaluyong City.

The layover tours are part of the DOT's efforts to enhance visitor experience, allowing transiting passengers to explore key attractions in Metro Manila during their brief stay. On top of this, the DOT is also planning to establish a "medical tourism concierge" at NAIA to provide streamlined services for medical tourists.

Details regarding the final HOHO hubs included in the tours are still being finalized, but passengers will be able to book either guided or self-guided tours through the "HOHO app," which is available on the App Store and Google Play Store.

This new initiative demonstrates the DOT's commitment to enhancing tourism services and making the most of the country’s growing potential as a global hub for both leisure and medical travel.