From smarter ways to plan a trip to new hotel packages, travel deals and expanded airline services, there’s plenty happening in the travel scene. Here are some of the latest developments for travelers.
Grand Westside Manila Bay launches Executive Escape
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Grand Westside Manila Bay has introduced The Executive Escape, a hotel package designed for business travelers, weekend guests and those looking for a longer city stay.
Available for stays from October 1 through December 30, the package includes an overnight stay in a 50-square-meter Executive One-Bedroom Suite for P9,888 net. Guests also receive daily breakfast and evening cocktails for two at the Executive Club Lounge, a welcome drink and amenity, early check-in and late check-out subject to availability, and a complimentary two-hour boardroom use for up to six guests.
The package also includes a 15% discount on laundry and dry-cleaning services. Booking runs through November 8.
Located in Westside City, Parañaque, Grand Westside Manila Bay is within reach of entertainment, shopping, business and leisure destinations, as well as Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Airbnb rolls out new tools for trip planning
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Airbnb has introduced new features designed to make trip planning more personalized, including recommendations from friends and family, AI-powered search and trip-planning tools, and new travel services.
The platform now allows guests to connect with people they know on Airbnb to see where they have stayed and what they recommend. An interactive travel map lets users explore previous and upcoming trips, save properties and message connections.
AI-powered planning tools, initially available in the United States, allow guests to search in their own words, see AI-generated descriptions of property features and compare saved homes. AI-powered chat support is available in more than 50 languages, with voice support rolling out in the US.
Newport World Resorts brings back Oktoberfest
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Oktoberfest returns to Newport World Resorts from October 28 to 31 at The Ballroom of Hilton Manila Newport World Resorts, marking its fourth year.
Guests can enjoy Weihenstephaner beer, Bavarian food, live entertainment from AnTon Showband and traditional Oktoberfest games.
Hilton Manila is also offering an Oktoberfest stay package for two priced at P18,700. It includes two tickets to the Saturday celebration, an overnight stay in a King Room and breakfast for two at Kusina Sea Kitchens. Guests who already have Oktoberfest tickets can book the overnight stay and breakfast package for P8,500.
Savoy Hotel Manila named top airport hotel
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Savoy Hotel Manila has been named the Philippines’ Leading Airport Hotel for the sixth consecutive year at the 2026 World Travel Awards. It also received the Asia’s Leading Airport Hotel title for the second time.
Located in Newport City across from Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, the 684-room hotel caters to travelers looking for accommodations before or after flights, during layovers or for short stays in Manila.
Savoy first won the Asia award in 2021 and has retained its Philippine title every year since then.
Megaworld hotels offer travel deals at Travel Sale Expo
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Megaworld Global Hotels & Resorts is bringing its TARA! travel offers to the Travel Sale Expo 2026, which runs Oct. 2-4 at SM Megamall.
Hotel rates start at P3,800 at participating properties, including Belmont Hotel Manila, Savoy Hotel Manila, Grand Westside Hotel and Kingsford Hotel Manila. Other participating hotels include properties in Iloilo, Boracay, Cebu and Metro Manila.
For a more upscale stay, Eastwood Richmonde Hotel and Twin Lakes Hotel are available from P5,800. The promotional offers are valid for bookings until Nov. 29, with stay dates until Nov. 30.
Smart Travē offers discounted travel eSIMs
Filipinos traveling abroad can get up to 40% off data packs through Smart Travē, Smart’s travel eSIM app, which provides connectivity in more than 100 destinations.
The promotional rates include 3GB for US$5.75, down from US$10, and 10GB for US$12, down from US$20. A 1GB package is also available for US$3.
The eSIM can be purchased and activated through the Smart Travē app, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card while traveling.
Emirates enters winter season with expanded network
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Emirates is entering the winter travel season with expanded capacity, new aircraft and additional services across its global network.
The airline carried more than 8.6 million passengers between July and August and is operating at around 93% of its pre-disruption capacity. Since January, Emirates has added 18 aircraft, including 11 Airbus A350s and seven Boeing 777 freighters.
The airline is also expanding its network, with Helsinki joining its destinations on October 1. Additional frequencies are planned for Accra, Tokyo Narita, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, while one Delhi service will be upgraded to an A380.