DOT launches website with exclusive travel deals for Balikbayans

As the Department of Tourism (DOT) launches the balikan.ph website – a one-stop shop for Balikbayan-exclusive promos with up to 50 per cent off hotel and resort rates and worry-free, value-for-money vacation packages – big discounts and great deals from airlines, accommodation establishments, tour operators, and travel agencies await Balikbayans who will return to the Philippines this season.

The campaign of the DOT, ‘Balikan ang Pilipinas’, encourages overseas Filipinos (OFs) and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to return home for the holidays and rediscover the Philippines with their loved ones through the Balikan.ph website.

“Through the balikan.ph website, we can offer great travel deals from airlines and DOT-accredited hotels, resorts, and tour operators to our Balikbayans and their families. This is one way to make their visit here more affordable and fun, especially after a long separation caused by the pandemic,” says Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, Tourism Secretary, the Philippine Department of Tourism.

The balikan.ph page serves as an information aggregator where different travel promotions and packages are posted for returning Balikbayans to avail. The posts will direct them to the merchant’s websites to learn more about the deals and discounts. The packages have been curated in collaboration with several airlines, DOT-accredited establishments, the Philippine Tour Operators Association Inc. (PHLTOA), the Philippine Hotel Owners Association Inc. (PHOA), and the Hotel Sales & Marketing Association International Inc. (HSMA).

Balikbayans are encouraged to regularly check the site for updated list and details of travel deals. The campaign will run until March 2022.