Experience Manila on a Layover: New Tourism Initiative at NAIA Terminal 3

Published on December 16, 2025

On December 16, 2025, two highly awaited ventures were unveiled by Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 to transform the future of travel to the Philippines. With the launch of the first layover tours and the medical tourism lounge, this development is bound to leave a positive impression on international tourists as well as medical travelers visiting the country for their medical needs.

This new feature in NAIA Terminal 3 is part of a larger push by the government to increase tourism and position the Philippines as a major tourist and medical destination for patients visiting for medical needs. This new feature saw its launching attended by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and other high-ranking government officials including Pres. Ramon Ang of the New NAIA Infra Corp.

Introducing the Philippines’ First Layover Tours

The standout initiative is the introduction of layover tours, a unique offering for foreign passengers from visa-free countries who find themselves with an 8-hour or longer layover in Manila. These transit tours are designed to allow international tourists a chance to explore some of Manila’s top attractions beyond the airport, turning what would otherwise be a long wait into an exciting opportunity to discover the local culture and heritage.

President Marcos emphasized that the layover tours are an innovative form of “experiential tourism,” a new approach that allows visitors to experience the Philippines, even if only for a brief time. “Layunin po nating iparamdam ang diwa at ganda ng Pilipinas kahit sa maikling panahon lamang (Our goal is to let people experience the beauty of the Philippines even in a short period of time),” he said.

Two Unique Tour Options for a Taste of Manila

The layover tours offer two distinct experiences, giving travelers a choice of how they wish to spend their time in Manila. The “Cultural and Heritage Experience” focuses on the city’s rich history and includes visits to iconic spots such as Intramuros and the National Museum. For those looking for a more modern and relaxing experience, the “Leisure and Entertainment Experience” takes passengers to world-class resorts like Okada Manila and Solaire Resort.

Both tours are priced at USD 50 per person, making them an affordable and accessible way for visitors to immerse themselves in the Philippines’ culture or enjoy some leisure time during their layover.

These tours are open to passengers traveling on Philippine Airlines as well as those connecting to other carriers, making the initiative available to a broad range of international travelers. In addition, the program includes benefits for families, senior citizens, and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), helping to connect Filipinos abroad with their homeland.

Expanding Access and Opportunities for Tourism

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco mentioned that while the initial rollout is limited to NAIA Terminal 3, there are plans to expand the program to other major airports across the Philippines, such as in Cebu. Frasco highlighted the potential for these tours to not only attract more international tourists but also create livelihood opportunities for more Filipinos involved in the tourism industry.

A New Frontier for Medical Tourism

In addition to the layover tours, another significant feature launched at NAIA Terminal 3 is the Medical Tourism Concierge, a dedicated lounge designed to cater to medical travelers. This new service aims to make the experience for medical tourists more seamless and comfortable by providing personalized assistance right at the airport.

The Medical Tourism Concierge is equipped with reception counters, private consultation beds, and airport-to-hospital transfer services to ensure medical travelers receive compassionate and efficient care from the moment they arrive. The lounge partners with leading healthcare institutions in the Philippines, including The Medical City, St. Luke’s Medical Center, Asian Hospital and Medical Center, Makati Medical Center, and Belo Medical Group, among others.

For medical tourists, this new facility provides not only logistical support but also a reassuring environment where they can feel at ease as they transition from their flight to their medical procedures. The concierge desk will serve as a one-stop shop for medical inquiries and help ensure that patients can access world-class medical care while in the Philippines.

The Impact on Tourism and the Economy

These new initiatives at NAIA Terminal 3 are expected to have a substantial impact on both tourism and the medical travel sectors in the Philippines. With transit tours allowing foreign visitors to explore the capital during layovers, the country stands to benefit from increased international exposure and interest. In addition, the Medical Tourism Concierge opens up a new avenue for the Philippines to attract international medical travelers seeking high-quality, affordable healthcare options.

The launch of these initiatives reflects a growing recognition of the Philippines as not only a tourist destination but also a hub for medical tourism in Southeast Asia. Both projects align with the Philippine government’s efforts to diversify the country’s tourism offerings and increase its competitive edge in the global market.

Easy Access and Booking for Tourists

Booking for the new layover tours is available through walk-in registration at Transit Tour Concierge Desks located at NAIA Terminals 1 and 3. Alternatively, passengers can book through the Philippine Airlines website or via the official lovephtourism.gov.ph mobile application. These easy-to-access booking options ensure that tourists can seamlessly integrate these experiences into their travel plans.

Shaping the Future of Travel in the Philippines

The Indonesian travel trade mission visit to Macao and Hengqin is a major step ahead in developing collaboration in the field of tourism between these two regions. By leveraging the visa-free transit system, Macao and Hengqin are positioning themselves as exciting, accessible, and attractive destinations for visitors across the globe. This move not only leads to development in the field of tourism but also contributes to economic growth in Macao and Hengqin, keeping them at the top of the Asian tourism map.