A new “layover tour” set to be introduced by the Philippine government would see tourists transiting through Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) able to join short tours taking in nearby points of interest, including the four Entertainment City integrated resorts.
The concept, announced by Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, could launch as early as 2Q24 pending the finalization of certain technical details.
Comprising a “Hop-on Hop-off” style of bus tour, the scheme currently has 13 designated stops listed in Pasay and Paranaque, including City of Dreams Manila, Newport World Resorts, Okada Manila and Solaire Resort Entertainment City. Other stops primarily include major shopping malls as well as the SMX Convention Center.
“For the very first time we have, in the works already, layover tours for our layover or transit passengers,” Frasco told local media.
“Imagine just having a few hours but being able to get to know the Philippines through our Philippine Hop-on Hop-off bus tours.
“We’re very hopeful that this will be another innovative program to give the Philippines an added competitive edge to become Asia’s tourism powerhouse.” Details still to be negotiated include expediting the process by which visitors temporarily exit the airport.
The government currently operates Manila-based Hop-on Hop-off tours for locals and tourists already in the Philippines, which launched in 2023.
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