DOT Advances Airfare Transparency and Airport Upgrades to Boost Tourism

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is putting final touches on initiatives aimed at increasing airfare transparency and protecting consumers amid efforts to upgrade provincial airports and expand flight connectivity.

During the budget plenary on November 21, 2025, Senator Loren Legarda emphasized that steep domestic airfare continues to discourage local travel. To address this, the DOT is collaborating with the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Civil Aeronautics Board, the Department of Trade and Industry, and the Philippine Competition Commission in developing a code of conduct for online travel agencies. This code is intended to promote fair pricing and enhance airfare transparency.

Legarda noted that this undertaking aligns with the Internet Transactions Act and complements ongoing investigations by the Philippine Competition Commission into potentially anti-competitive practices among airlines. Furthermore, the DOT and DOTr will initiate a public information campaign to provide travelers with clearer fare details and more affordable options.

Senator Joseph Victor “JV" Ejercito revealed that a significant portion of reallocated flood control funds will be dedicated to upgrading airports in strategic tourism areas such as Siargao, Mati, Legazpi, and Bohol. These enhancements will focus on expanding capacity, improving runways, and increasing flight frequencies.

"To ensure nothing goes to waste, construction projects like airport modernization are vital to sustaining economic growth," Ejercito stated. He added that these upgrades will open new travel gateways, stimulating tourism and development across regions.

Legarda also highlighted recent gains from DOT-DOTr partnerships, citing new international routes launched under Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco. These include flights by Air Canada from Vancouver; Philippine Airlines from Da Nang and Sapporo; United Airlines from San Francisco; Jetstar from Perth; Air India from New Delhi; and VietJet from Ho Chi Minh City.

Domestically, new routes such as Manila–Cauayan, Cebu–Catarman, and several daily flights from Clark to destinations like El Nido, Coron, Masbate, and Siargao have been introduced. Legarda emphasized that these expanded connections illustrate effective collaboration aimed at providing travelers with more choices, potentially reducing the impact of high domestic fares.

Senator Erwin Tulfo, who voiced concern over the negative effects of elevated airfare on local tourism, expressed his support for the DOT’s budget following assurances that reforms are underway.

The DOT’s proposed budget, along with those of its attached agencies, was subsequently submitted for plenary deliberation.