President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday formally unveiled the Philippines’ first-ever transit tours and medical tourism lounge at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3.

The transit tour allows foreign transit passengers from visa-free countries, with a minimum layover of at least eight hours in Manila, to explore Metro Manila’s iconic cultural, historical, and leisure destinations.

Tourists may choose between the two four-hour tour layover tour options —a “Cultural and Heritage Experience” featuring Intramuros and the National Museum, or a “Leisure and Entertainment Experience”.

“Instead of spending hours confined to the terminal, travelers now are given a chance to enjoy a thoughtfully curated glimpse of the Philippines, including its culture, heritage and people, or what we call experiential tourism,” Marcos said.

“Layunin po nating iparamdam ang diwa at ganda ng Pilipinas kahit sa maikling panahon lamang (Our goal is to let them experience the beauty of the Philippines even in short period of time),” he added.

Marcos said the tours are open to all transiting passengers of Philippine Airlines, those connecting to other carriers and landed travelers with onward domestic flights.

“All these improvements benefit travelers, including families with children and the elderly, and of course, these changes were designed with our OFWs in mind,” he said.

In a separate interview, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said there are plans to further expand the program in other gateways, including in Cebu.

In addition to introducing Manila landmarks to more tourists, Frasco anticipates the tours to create livelihood opportunities to local guides, tourism businesses, and transport providers.

Bookings may be made via walk-in registration at the Transit Tour Concierge Desks located at NAIA Terminals 1 and 3, the Philippine Airlines website, and the mobile application accessed through lovephtourism.gov.ph.

Based on the DOT data, more than 10,000 passengers transit through Philippine airports, totaling nearly 500,000, annually.

Medical tourism lounge

Alongside the layover tours, Marcos inaugurated the Medical Tourism Concierge, which also functions as a Transit Tours desk inside the terminal.

“With the launch of the medical tourism concierge area, we take another step towards people centered service,” Marcos said.

“It is designed to receive and assist patients with both efficiency and with compassion —ensuring a smooth and dignified experience from arrival onward.”

The area includes a well-designed reception counter from medical partners, as well as an enclosed consultation bed for the privacy of traveling patients.

The lounge also provides a dedicated airport assistance to medical tourism patients and facilitate seamless transfers from the airport to their hospitals and clinics.

The partner hospitals include The Medical City, St. Luke’s Medical Center, Asian Hospital and Medical Center, Makati Medical Center, Belo, Gan Advanced Osseointegration Center, Novodental, Urban Smiles, and Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center, among others.

Medical tourism is one of the Philippines’ many tourism products, and integrates health care and travel by highlighting the country’s world-class medical expertise, hospitality, and holistic wellness offerings.

Under this program, the Philippines also introduces patients to wellness and tourism experiences in DOT-accredited spa resorts and healing retreat places. (PNA)