UTG Strengthens Philippines Destination Expertise

The Unbound Travel Group has completed a team visit to the Philippines, bringing together its Australian and Philippines-based staff to explore key destinations, inspect hotels and strengthen relationships with local trade partners.

Travelling through Manila, Bohol and Siquijor in September 2026, the team followed sections of the Islands of the Visayas small group tour itinerary from Remarkable East. The visit combined product development with first-hand destination research, supporting the group’s Philippines offering across private tailor made travel and small group journeys.

In attendance were Lorinda Childs, Product & Sales Manager, and Angela Wallace, Group Marketing Manager, both based in Australia, alongside Philippines-based Camila Centeno, South East Asia Country Manager, and DJ Leparto, Social Media Specialist.

The trip brought together the Australian team’s understanding of traveller expectations with the local team’s destination knowledge and the expertise of the partners who deliver experiences on the ground.

Australia’s Place In Philippines Tourism

The visit comes as the Philippines continues to develop its international tourism sector, with Australia remaining an important source market. 

According to Philippine Department of Tourism figures reported by the Philippine News Agency, the country recorded approximately 4.11 million foreign arrivals between January and August 2026, an increase of 3.7% compared with the same period in 2025. Australia accounted for 234,156 arrivals, placing it fifth behind the United States, South Korea, Japan and China.

For the Unbound Travel Group, that established Australian visitor market provides a strong foundation for introducing travellers to a broader range of Philippines experiences. The country’s beaches and resorts are an obvious attraction, but its appeal also extends to regional culture, island communities, natural landscapes and marine environments.

The team’s visit focused on understanding how these elements can be brought together in a well-paced itinerary, with time to explore beyond a single resort and appreciate the differences between destinations.

Lorinda returned with a deeper understanding of what sets the Philippines apart from other destinations in South East Asia.

“As Australians, we often have to spend an entire day travelling to get anywhere, so direct flight options can make a real difference. Beyond its beach resorts, the Philippines also offers many reasons to visit, especially for travellers interested in nature and culture.”

Following The Islands Of The Visayas Itinerary

Beginning in Manila before continuing to Bohol and Siquijor, the team experienced sections of the Islands of the Visayas group tour itinerary.

The journey brings together distinct destinations across the central Philippines, combining island stays with opportunities to explore local history, culture and wildlife. Bohol and Siquijor demonstrate the variety within the Visayas: Bohol is known for its Chocolate Hills and coastal attractions, while Siquijor offers beaches, waterfalls, historic buildings and traditions that remain part of island life.

Travelling through these destinations in person helps the team assess more than the individual highlights. Connections between places, transfer times and the balance between organised activities and free time all influence the experience of a journey.

Following sections of the itinerary also gives the product and sales teams a practical understanding of the travel they recommend. That knowledge supports clearer advice for travellers and agents, particularly when planning a holiday involving several islands.

Direct Access And Connections Across Asia

The Australian team travelled on direct services with Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines, experiencing first-hand one of the destination’s practical advantages for the Australian market.

Direct access allows travellers to spend more of their holiday in the destination and provides a useful starting point for journeys continuing beyond Manila to the islands.

Connections to Japan add another dimension for Australians considering a broader Asian itinerary. Philippine Airlines offers Australia-Japan journeys through its network, creating opportunities to explore the Philippines alongside a visit to Japan.

Air access is also continuing to develop. Philippine Airlines has announced additional Melbourne-Manila services from 19 November 2026, taking the route to daily flights and adding capacity ahead of the summer holiday period.

Five-Star Stays And Local Partnerships

During the visit, the team stayed at five-star properties and inspected key hotels, building its understanding of the accommodation available to travellers seeking a premium Philippines holiday.

Staying at a property provides a different level of insight from reviewing its facilities online. Room comfort, service, dining, location and access to nearby experiences all contribute to its suitability for a particular traveller or itinerary.

These stays and inspections support more informed hotel recommendations, especially for private tailor made journeys where accommodation can be selected around individual preferences.

Meetings with on-the-ground trade partners were another central part of the visit. Working alongside Camila and DJ, the Australian team spent time with the people whose local knowledge and operational expertise support the group’s Philippines programme.

Those relationships connect itinerary planning in Australia with delivery in the destination. They also create opportunities to share feedback, discuss product ideas and ensure the experiences presented to travellers reflect current conditions and local expertise.

Bringing First-Hand Knowledge Into Future Journeys

The visit will inform product development, sales advice and destination content across the Unbound Travel Group’s Philippines offering.

For the marketing team, it provided first-hand material to communicate the country’s variety more clearly. For the product and sales team, it strengthened the practical knowledge behind recommendations about destinations, accommodation and the structure of a journey.

The trip also reinforced the value of Australian and locally based staff working together in the destination, combining an understanding of the market with knowledge of the places and people that make each itinerary possible.

Travellers and travel agents can contact Asia Unbound to discuss private tailor made journeys to the Philippines, or travel in a small group via Remarkable East.