As the Christmas travel season begins, Senator Erwin Tulfo has renewed his call for the Department of Tourism (DoT) to intensify efforts to lower domestic flight ticket prices, arguing that high costs are hindering both local tourism and international competitiveness.

Tulfo raised the concern during Senate plenary debates for the 2026 DoT budget, stating that prohibitive airfares are steering Filipinos to travel abroad instead of exploring local destinations.

“Our people would rather go to Hong Kong or Taiwan because the one-way ticket going to Batanes or a one-way ticket going to Tawi-Tawi is more expensive compared to a round-trip ticket going to Hong Kong,” Tulfo said.

Meantime, Senator Loren Legarda, the DoT budget sponsor, responded on behalf of the agency, acknowledging the issue.

“The Department of Tourism recognizes that high airfares are the key deterrent to travel. They’re working closely with the Department of Transportation, Civil Aeronautics Board, Department of Trade and Industry, and the PCC (Philippine Competition Commission) to address this,” Legarda said.

Legarda also cited that consultations are ongoing to finalize a code of conduct for online travel agencies, in line with the Internet Transactions Act, to ensure transparency and fair pricing.

Tulfo’s sentiment stemmed from recent travel data showing the Philippines lags behind its Southeast Asian neighbors in international tourist arrivals. According to seasia.stats data from January to August 2025, the Philippines recorded 3.96 million international arrivals, placing it at the tail end compared to Malaysia (28.24 million), Thailand (21.88 million) and Vietnam (12.9 million).

“This is the major hindrance to boosting local tourism — the skyrocketing ticket prices,” Tulfo said. “We have beautiful beaches in Basilan, and we have beautiful beaches in Jolo, Tawi-Tawi, and other parts of the country. We have beautiful scenery in Batanes. Unfortunately, it is too pricey.”

In addition to advocating for lower ticket prices, the legislator recommended the creation of direct flights to provinces and the promotion of underrated provinces like Marinduque.

The DoT was sought for comment but had not replied as of yet.