The Department of Tourism (DOT) has launched its first-ever Transit Tours and Medical Tourism Concierge at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 Arrival Area, introducing new value-added services designed to enhance the air travel experience and strengthen the Philippines’ position as a regional aviation and tourism hub.
The initiative enables airlines and airport stakeholders to offer passengers with extended layovers meaningful, safe, and time-efficient experiences beyond the terminal, while also providing streamlined medical travel support for inbound patients.
The programs were officially launched on December 16, led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., alongside First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos and Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, as part of the government’s broader gateway modernization agenda.
President Marcos described the programs as experiential tourism initiatives that improve passenger satisfaction, particularly for long-haul and connecting travelers, while reinforcing the Philippines’ competitiveness in the Asia-Pacific aviation market.
“These initiatives are part of our broader effort to modernize the Philippines’ gateways and improve the overall air travel experience. By introducing Transit Tours and the Medical Tourism Concierge at NAIA Terminal 3, we are enabling our airline and airport partners to offer passengers more seamless, people-centered services—whether they are transiting through Manila or arriving for medical and wellness care,” said Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.
Transit Tours add value to long layovers
Designed for international transit passengers from visa-free countries with a minimum eight-hour layover, the DOT Transit Tours allow airlines and airport partners to offer passengers a curated off-airport experience without disrupting onward connections.
Two itineraries are initially available at USD 50 per passenger, inclusive of entrance fees and insurance coverage. The morning itinerary features visits to Intramuros and the National Museum, while the afternoon itinerary offers entertainment and retail experiences at Okada and Solaire in Pasay and Parañaque.
Passengers are transported via a 49-seater air-conditioned bus, accompanied by a DOT-accredited tour guide and a police officer, ensuring safety, security, and schedule adherence.
Bookings may be facilitated through the LovePH mobile app, the Philippine Airlines website, or via on-site registration at Transit Tour Concierge Desks at NAIA Terminal 3, allowing flexibility for airline staff and ground handlers assisting transit passengers.
Medical Tourism Concierge supports seamless medical travel
The Medical Tourism Concierge complements airline and airport operations by providing structured assistance for inbound medical travelers, reducing friction at arrival and improving coordination between healthcare providers, transport services, and airport authorities.
The concierge offers personalized support from arrival to departure, linking travelers to DOT-accredited hospitals, clinics, and wellness partners, as well as post-treatment recovery and leisure options.
Participating institutions include The Medical City, St. Luke’s Medical Center, Asian Hospital and Medical Center, Makati Medical Center, Belo Medical Group, GAOC, Novodental, Urban Smiles, and members of the Wellness Tourism Association of the Philippines (WeTAP).
Coordinated arrival process for medical passengers
Prior to travel, the International Patient Concierge of the selected medical facility prepares all required documentation, including medical clearances and travel requirements.
Upon arrival at NAIA, medical travelers proceed through standard processing at the Bureau of Immigration, Bureau of Quarantine, and Bureau of Customs, after which they are met at the Medical Tourism Concierge for onward assistance and transport coordination. Private waiting rooms are available for VIP medical passengers.
Supporting airlines, improving passenger experience
By integrating tourism and medical services directly into the airport environment, the DOT initiatives provide airlines, airport operators, and aviation partners with additional tools to enhance passenger satisfaction, manage long layovers more effectively, and position Manila as a more attractive transit and medical travel gateway in the region.
