Government tackling steep domestic airfaresTourism Secretary Christina Frasco (center) joins her counterparts for a family photo at the 29th Meeting of Asean Tourism Ministers in Cebu City yesterday. LAPU-LAPU CITY, Philippines — Amid criticisms of international flights being cheaper than domestic travel, the Department of Tourism (DOT) has called on airline companies and state agencies to be more transparent in setting airfares for local destinations. The Department of Transportation is working to resolve issues on expensive domestic flights, Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said yesterday. “(Acting Transportation) Secretary Banoy (Giovanni Lopez) is coming up with a solution,” she said. Frasco thanked local and foreign travelers for making the Philippines first in Southeast Asia’s domestic tourism, with 134 million domestic trips made and revenue worth $70 billion, citing a recent study by the World Travel and Tourism Council.

Source: Philippine Star January 29, 2026 16:03 UTC