In an effort to provide a more convenient and enjoyable experience for layover passengers, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco announced today that, “One of the expansions of our Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tours is the offering of Transit Tours for layover passengers so that they can enjoy Manila’s offerings even for a short time. In November, we are actually launching the transit tours in Manila.”
Hop-on, hop-off bus tours have become a popular way for tourists to explore a city at their own pace, and in the Philippines, these tours have been a hit among travelers looking to experience the best of Manila. To optimize these bus tours, the Department of Tourism (DOT) has decided to expand their offerings to cater to layover passengers as well.
The transit tours will allow passengers with layovers in Manila to make the most of their time in the city by exploring its attractions and offerings, even if only for a short period. Work is ongoing to finalize the tour itineraries, which will be disclosed during the launch. Sources said that it is patterned after the ASEAN countries offering the same product.
Transit or layover tours are done in many countries specifically designed for travelers with at least eight hours of layovers. These tours, which will run for two to three hours, typically have set itineraries and departure times to accommodate multiple travelers with different layover schedules.
To make this possible, DOT is working with a private operator to facilitate the service at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to provide seamless and hassle-free transit tours for passengers. This collaboration will ensure that layover passengers have a smooth and enjoyable experience while exploring Manila.
Meanwhile, DOT is also set to introduce a Medical Tourism Concierge service at the airport. This service will cater to tourists seeking medical treatment in Manila, providing them with assistance and support throughout their medical journey.
“The Medical Tourism Concierge will be in conjunction with our launch of Transit Tours also at the airport in November,” Frasco said in a brief interview.
With these new offerings, DOT aims to enhance the overall travel experience for passengers visiting Manila.