Ep 167: The Travel Fun is Back in the Philippines, with Feliz Axalan, Tradewings

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7 Mar 2023 • 29m30s

“The fun is back in the Philippines… even more so!” It’s almost a year since the Philippines reopened its borders after the pandemic. Inbound, outbound and domestic travel volumes are expanding fast. To gain a clearer picture of the travel recovery in South East Asia’s second-largest nation, Gary chats with Manila-based Feliz Axalan, General Manager of Tradewings Tours & Travel.

We discuss the hot destinations for Philippine outbound travellers (spoiler alert: Japan yes, South Korea no) and some intriguing booking trends, visa issues and FIT vs Group Tour shifts in recent months.

Feliz reveals the staycation, surfing and cycle trip hotspots for domestic travel, which the Department of Tourism expects to fully recover to the 2019 level this year.

For inbound travel, we look at improvements in airport infrastructure and flight access. Feliz provides insider insights about boutique hotel, villa and Airbnb bookings, and the locations travel influencers are promoting on social media.

Plus, as an archipelago nation, the Philippines has big cruise travel ambitions. How will this play out in 2023 and beyond?

« Next Episode Ep 169: Will the Sunny Outlook for Airlines & Aviation in South East Asia Endure Through 2023? Previous Episode » Ep 166: Tackling South East Asia's Big Travel & Tourism Challenges

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Ep 167: The Travel Fun is Back in the Philippines, with Feliz Axalan, Tradewings

About This Episode

Latest Episodes Catch up with the pods you may have missed

Ep 257: Chinese Backpackers, Mountains Clad with Solar Panels, a Giant Lenin Statue & Delightful Almaty: An Epic Overland Journey from Bali to Britain, with Stuart McDonald

Ep 256: A 'Resort Airline', An OTA Law Suit, Time for Timor Leste & Blackpink Back in the Area: May 2025 in Review

Hannah Pearson

Gary Bowerman