Tourists passing through the Philippines can now optimize their layover time by exploring Metro Manila’s rich culture and heritage, while also enjoying top-tier medical services thanks to the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) debut of Transit Tours and Medical Concierge at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 Arrival Area.
‘The Department of Tourism’s (DOT) Medical Concierge at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 Arrival Area offers personalized assistance to medical travelers from arrival to departure, connecting them with DOT-accredited wellness and tourism experiences in the Philippines.
On Tuesday (Dec. 16), President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., along with First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos and Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, inaugurated these innovative programs to modernize and elevate the country’s tourism experience.
A 49-seat, air-conditioned bus with a DOT-accredited tour guide and a police officer on board will be available for layover passengers who opt for the Transit Tour at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 Arrival Area.
The Chief Executive dubbed the initiatives “experiential tourism.” He likewise affirms the administration’s commitment to positioning the Philippines as a tourism powerhouse in Asia.
“DOT introduces the Transit Tour, an initiative created for international passengers with long layovers. Instead of spending hours confined to the terminal, travelers are now given a chance to enjoy a curated glimpse of the Philippines. With the launch of the Medical Tourism Concierge area, we take another important step toward people-centered service. It is designed to receive and assist patients with both efficiency and with compassion,” President Marcos Jr. remarked.
“All these improvements do benefit travelers, including families with children and the elderly, and of course, these changes were designed with our OFWs in mind,” the Chief Executive added, underscoring that the accomplishment is a result of the systems being fixed and institutions cooperating.
Reflecting the President’s statement, DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco noted that this initiative aligns with the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023-2028, which aims to diversify the country’s tourism offerings through gateway-based tourism projects.
“These initiatives reflect a stakeholder-driven approach to governance built through collaboration among government agencies, the private sector, and tourism frontliners,” Secretary Frasco said.
“Under President Marcos and the vision of Bagong Pilipinas, we continue to modernize our gateways to work better for people and compete confidently on the global stage. When we elevate the visitor experience, we create livelihood for Filipinos and present the Philippines with confidence to the world,” she further emphasized, reaffirming DOT’s commitment to giving travelers more reasons to Love the Philippines.
Short but meaningful tourism experience
Eligible travelers from visa-free countries with layovers of at least eight hours can join Transit Tours, offering a safe, curated, and time-bound glimpse of Metro Manila’s most iconic attractions.
To start, two itineraries will be available for layover passengers at USD 50 per person, inclusive of entrance fees and insurance: a morning tour of Intramuros, Manila, and the National Museum; and an afternoon tour focused on entertainment and shopping at Okada and Solaire in Pasay and Parañaque City.
Participants will travel on a 49-seater, air-conditioned bus accompanied by a DOT-accredited tour guide and a police officer.
Tours may be booked through the LovePH mobile app, the Philippine Airlines website, or via walk-in registration at the Transit Tour Concierge Desks at NAIA Terminal 3.
Located at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 Arrival Area, the 24-square-meter Department of Tourism’s (DOT) pavilion features Transit Tour Booth and the Medical Tourism Concierge, showcasing authentic Filipino architecture, including a wooden main structure, a solihiya-inspired counter, and a backdrop that radiates Filipino warmth and hospitality.
Specialized medical support center
Meanwhile, to further position the country as a premier destination for world-class medical services and holistic wellness experiences, the Medical Concierge provides highly personalized support to medical travelers from arrival through departure. Beyond basic coordination, the service assists with airport transfers, hospital and clinic appointments, accommodation bookings, and thoughtfully curated leisure activities. It connects travelers with DOT-accredited wellness and tourism offerings designed to complement post-treatment recovery and relaxation, including luxury spa resorts, nature-based healing retreats, and immersive cultural, culinary, and shopping excursions that highlight the country’s rich heritage and dynamic urban centers.
This initiative is delivered in partnership with leading medical and wellness institutions such as The Medical City, St. Luke’s Medical Center, Asian Hospital and Medical Center, Makati Medical Center, Belo Medical Group, Gan Advanced Osseointegration Center (GAOC), Novodental, Urban Smiles, and members of the Wellness Tourism Association of the Philippines (WeTAP). Through this strong collaborative network, every visitor is assured of high-quality care, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and a consistently premium experience that blends advanced healthcare, restorative wellness, and the warmth of Filipino hospitality.
Concierge Procedures
The International Patient Concierge (IPC) at the selected medical facility in the Philippines will organize all required medical and travel documents related to the patient’s condition and treatment. This includes medical reports, treatment plans, and, when needed, assistance with passport and visa processing, airline ticket arrangements, and medical or fit-to-fly clearances, in line with Philippine and airline regulations.
Upon arrival, the patient will follow standard airport procedures and pass through the regular lanes of the Bureau of Immigration (BI), the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ), and the Bureau of Customs (BOC). The IPC may brief the patient in advance on which documents to present—such as passports, visas, medical certificates, and customs forms—to streamline these checks.
After clearing BI, BOQ, and BOC, the patient will proceed to the Medical Tourism Concierge area. Here, the assigned IPC from the chosen medical facility will personally meet the patient and any companions, assist with airport navigation and baggage coordination, and liaise with the receiving hospital or clinic while transportation is being prepared.
While waiting for the vehicle (ambulance, medical transport, or private car), the IPC will stay with the patient to provide support and address immediate needs. A private patient room or exclusive waiting area is available for those who require additional privacy or comfort, such as VIP patients or individuals with special medical needs, providing a discreet, comfortable environment before transfer to the medical facility.
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