QUEZON CITY — The Department of Tourism (DOT) has announced upcoming initiatives aimed at enhancing tourist safety and convenience across the Philippines, including the establishment of tourism first aid facilities and the introduction of layover tours for transit passengers.
According to Philippines News Agency, speaking at the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas in Quezon City, these developments mark a significant first in the nation’s tourism history. The new first aid stations will be equipped with essential medical equipment such as defibrillators, aiming to ensure the safety and well-being of visitors at major tourist destinations throughout the country. The first of these facilities is set to be constructed on a beach in La Union within the year.
In addition to safety measures, the DOT is also preparing to launch layover tours for travelers transiting through Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Zabala-Batin highlighted that the DOT recently conducted benchmarking visits to major airports in South Korea and Singapore to study their transit tour programs. This new service is designed to provide transit passengers with a quick and convenient way to experience local attractions during their layovers.
The layover tours are expected to incorporate features of the newly-launched Hop-on Hop-off (HOHO) Pasay-Parañaque route, also known as the Entertainment Hub route. Furthermore, the DOT plans to expand the HOHO program to include three more hubs covering Taguig, Quezon City, Pasig, San Juan, and Mandaluyong, potentially launching later this year or in 2025.
Since its inception in 2023, the HOHO program has served approximately 2,000 passengers, offering flexible travel options through designated hubs where tourists can select their destinations and duration of stay. Bookings for these tours can be made through Klook or directly via the HOHO's website and mobile app.