Good news for international travelers: layovers at the Philippines’ main gateway are now more than just waiting time. Tourists passing through Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 can enjoy an elevated travel experience with the launch of the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) first-ever Transit Tours and Medical Tourism Concierge, transforming long stopovers into curated cultural, leisure, and wellness experiences.
The landmark initiatives were officially launched on Tuesday (Dec. 16) by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., alongside First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos and Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, as part of the government’s push to modernize the country’s tourism gateways and elevate visitor experience.
President Marcos described the programs as a step toward “experiential tourism,” reaffirming the administration’s commitment to positioning the Philippines as a tourism powerhouse in Asia.
“DOT introduces the Transit Tour for international passengers with long layovers, allowing them to experience a curated glimpse of the Philippines instead of staying confined to the terminal. With the Medical Tourism Concierge, we take another important step toward people-centered service—one that delivers both efficiency and compassion,” the President said.
He added that the improvements benefit all travelers, including families, senior citizens, and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), noting that these initiatives reflect strengthened inter-agency coordination and institutional reforms.
Tourism Secretary Frasco said the programs are aligned with the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023–2028, particularly in advancing gateway-based tourism initiatives.
“These initiatives reflect a stakeholder-driven approach to governance, built through collaboration among government agencies, the private sector, and tourism frontliners,” Frasco said.
“Under the vision of Bagong Pilipinas, we continue to modernize our gateways to better serve people and compete globally. By elevating the visitor experience, we generate livelihoods for Filipinos and confidently present the Philippines to the world,” she added.
Curated Layover Experiences
Eligible travelers from visa-free countries with a minimum layover of eight hours may avail themselves of the Transit Tours, which offer safe, time-bound, and curated experiences highlighting Metro Manila’s culture, history, and leisure destinations.
Two itineraries are initially available at USD 50 per person, inclusive of entrance fees and insurance:
Morning Tour: Intramuros and the National Museum in Manila
Afternoon Tour: Entertainment and shopping at Okada and Solaire in Pasay and Parañaque
Participants will be transported via a 49-seater, air-conditioned bus accompanied by a DOT-accredited tour guide and a police officer.
Bookings may be made through the LovePH mobile app, the Philippine Airlines website, or via walk-in registration at the Transit Tour Concierge Desks at NAIA Terminal 3.
Medical Tourism Concierge
To further position the Philippines as a destination for world-class medical and wellness services, the DOT also launched the Medical Tourism Concierge, which provides end-to-end assistance for medical travelers—from arrival to departure.
The service connects patients with DOT-accredited healthcare providers, wellness centers, and post-treatment recovery experiences such as spa resorts, healing retreats, cultural tours, and shopping excursions.
Partner institutions include The Medical City, St. Luke’s Medical Center, Asian Hospital and Medical Center, Makati Medical Center, Belo Medical Group, Gan Advanced Osseointegration Center (GAOC), Novodental, Urban Smiles, and members of the Wellness Tourism Association of the Philippines (WeTAP).
Concierge Procedures
Prior to travel, the International Patient Concierge (IPC) of the chosen medical facility prepares the patient’s medical documentation, including treatment details, passport and visa requirements, airline tickets, and medical clearances, as necessary.
Upon arrival, patients proceed through regular lanes of the Bureau of Immigration (BI), Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ), and Bureau of Customs (BOC). After clearance, they are assisted at the Medical Tourism Concierge, where the assigned IPC facilitates onward transportation. A private patient room is also available for VIP patients requiring additional privacy.