Philippine offshore gaming operations brought a lot of Chinese visitors, the tour operator said. Many Pinoys would rather go to those countries than visit popular local destinations, according to the tour operator. This month the government began offering a non-extendible 14-day visa-free stay to Chinese visitors. Comparable accommodations as well as airfares are cheaper in neighboring countries, the tour operator told me – echoing what local tourism industry players also bemoaned when I attended a tourism convention in Cebu last year. Considering the space constraints, there is only so much that the NAIA operator can do.

Source: Philippine Star January 27, 2026 16:39 UTC