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Industry News
Breaking updates from hotels, resorts, airlines, F&B businesses


El Nido’s Entalula Beach Crowned the World’s Best Beach for 2026
The Philippines has earned another major international tourism milestone after Entalula Beach in El Nido, Palawan was named the No. 1 Beach in the World for 2026 by The World’s 50 Best Beaches, surpassing renowned destinations in Greece, Australia, the Maldives, and Mexico. The annual ranking was based on the votes and evaluations of more than 1,000 travel professionals from around the world. Unlike many world-famous beaches that have become heavily commercialized, Entalula

Hospitality Watch PH
Jul 102 min read


MICHELIN Guide Commits to the Philippines Until at Least 2028, Strengthening the Country’s Culinary Tourism Ambitions
The Philippines is set to remain on the global culinary map for years to come after the Department of Tourism (DOT) confirmed that it has extended its partnership with the MICHELIN Guide for at least two more years, with the possibility of a third, securing the guide’s presence in the country until at least 2028. Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay revealed that the agreement has already been signed, describing the extension as part of the government’s broader strategy to

Hospitality Watch PH
Jul 92 min read


From Boracay to Coron: The Lind Hotels Begins Island Expansion, with Siargao Next in Sight
After establishing itself as one of the country’s premier luxury lifestyle resorts in Boracay, The Lind Hotels is entering a new phase of growth with the development of new properties in Coron and Siargao, marking its transformation from a single-property brand into a curated multi-island portfolio. The expansion comes as demand for premium leisure destinations in the Philippines continues to strengthen, with the independent Filipino hospitality brand betting on destination

Hospitality Watch PH
Jul 62 min read


Why Are More Filipinos Choosing Vietnam Over Local Destinations?
As regional travel becomes more affordable, industry leaders are asking what it will take to keep domestic tourism competitive. For generations, the Philippines has been synonymous with island getaways. Destinations such as Boracay, Palawan, Siargao, Bohol, and Cebu have built global reputations for their natural beauty, warm hospitality, and unforgettable experiences. Yet a growing number of Filipino travelers are asking an unexpected question before booking their next vacat

Hospitality Watch PH
Jul 43 min read


Philippines Named the World’s Best Retirement Destination for 2026
The Philippines has earned another global recognition—this time as the world’s best country to retire in 2026, according to the Retirement Abroad Index 2026 by UK-based international health insurance provider Expatriate Group. The country topped the rankings with an overall score of 78 out of 100, surpassing well-known retirement destinations such as Thailand, Colombia, Portugal, South Africa, and Sri Lanka. The report evaluated countries based on five major factors that ma

Hospitality Watch PH
Jul 22 min read


Luxury Landmark: Conrad Manila Reaches 10-Year Milestone
MANILA, Philippines — Luxury hotel Conrad Manila is celebrating a significant milestone as it marks its 10th anniversary, commemorating a decade of delivering world-class hospitality while helping shape Manila’s position as a premier destination for business and leisure travelers. Since opening its doors in 2016, the hotel has become one of the country’s most recognizable luxury properties, welcoming international dignitaries, business executives, leisure travelers, and local

Hospitality Watch PH
Jun 302 min read


Ayala Land Bets Bigger on El Nido with Major Lio Estate Expansion
As travel preferences continue to evolve, Ayala Land is reinforcing its commitment to sustainable tourism with a major expansion of Lio Estate in El Nido, Palawan. The latest investment reflects a growing shift in the hospitality industry, where destinations are increasingly designed not only for short vacations but also for extended stays, remote work, wellness, and lifestyle living. Lio Estate, Ayala Land’s flagship mixed-use tourism development in northern Palawan, is ente

Hospitality Watch PH
Jun 302 min read


Hotel101 Set for Biggest Expansion Yet, Adding 2,229 Rooms Across the Philippines and Overseas
MANILA, Philippines — Hotel101 Global is entering its most ambitious year to date, with a record 2,229 new hotel rooms scheduled to become operational in 2026 across the Philippines, Spain, and Japan. The expansion marks the largest number of room openings in a single year for the Filipino hotel brand and reflects growing confidence in both domestic and international tourism markets. The 2026 pipeline includes 519 rooms in Davao, 548 rooms in Cebu, 680 rooms in Madrid, Spain,

Hospitality Watch PH
Jun 292 min read


Philippines: Tourism Between Hope and Threat
The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) has maintained its baseline target of 6.7 million international visitors for 2026. This goal was set under former Secretary Christina Garcia‑Frasco and remains in place under the current administration. By the end of 2025, arrivals totaled only 6.48 million, highlighting the challenge of reaching—or surpassing—the ambitious figure. A New Secretary, the Same Target In April 2026, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed Dita Angara‑

Hospitality Watch PH
Jun 273 min read


Hospitality Industry Outlook: Why 2026 Could Be a Defining Year for Philippine Hospitality
The Philippine hospitality industry continues to build on its post-pandemic recovery, with 2026 shaping up to be another year of growth, investment, and transformation. As tourism rebounds and business travel gains momentum, hotels, resorts, restaurants, and mixed-use developments are adapting to meet the changing expectations of today’s travelers. Across the country, new hotel developments are expanding room inventory not only in Metro Manila but also in emerging destination

Hospitality Watch PH
Jun 262 min read


Ayala Acquires New World Makati: A Power Move in the Heart of the City
MAKATI CITY, PHILIPPINES — Just when we thought the Makati skyline had settled into its rhythm, a quiet shift sends ripples through the city’s luxury hospitality scene. The well-loved New World Makati Hotel, a longtime favorite for both business travelers and staycationers, is now under the wing of one of the country’s most powerful names in real estate: Ayala Land.

Hospitality Watch PH
Jul 3, 20252 min read


Move Over Boracay? Bohol Just Surpassed Tourism Expectations in a Big Way
They say paradise takes time to heal. For Bohol, the healing has finally turned into a comeback—and it’s not just a quiet one. From...

Hospitality Watch PH
Jun 28, 20252 min read


IHG Moves Toward Plant-Based Menus in the Philippines
June 2025 — Manila, Philippines As the hospitality industry continues to redefine luxury through sustainability, InterContinental Hotels...

Hospitality Watch PH
Jun 27, 20252 min read


Amanpulo Named One of Asia’s Top 10 Resorts in 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Awards
PALAWAN, PHILIPPINES — In a prestigious nod to Philippine hospitality, Amanpulo has secured a spot among the Top 10 Resorts in Asia in the 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, reaffirming its standing as one of the region’s premier luxury destinations.

Hospitality Watch PH
Jun 24, 20252 min read


Siargao in 2025: Island Icon Rises Again With Global Recognition, New Developments
Photo Courtesy of Agoda.ph Once known as the country’s best-kept surf secret, Siargao is stepping into the global spotlight once more in...

Hospitality Watch PH
Jun 22, 20252 min read


Philippines Eyes 8.4 Million Tourists in 2025, Yet Early Momentum Falls Short
The official tourism campaign of the Department of Tourism (DOT), Love the Philippines , launched in 2023, aims to inspire deeper...

Hospitality Watch PH
Jun 22, 20252 min read


Palawan Reigns Supreme: The World’s Best Island for 2025
There are places that live up to the hype—and then there’s Palawan. In a world overflowing with beautiful destinations, the Philippines’...

Hospitality Watch PH
Jun 21, 20252 min read
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