Philippines Raises Airport Tax at Major International Airports, Increasing Burden on Travelers

The increase in airport tax at major international airports in the Philippines is expected to raise the burden on Korean travelers.

According to News1 on the 19th, the airport tax at major international airports in the Philippines, popular among Korean tourists such as those in Boracay and Bohol, will increase starting from the 21st. As a result, travelers visiting tourist destinations will have to pay more in airport taxes.

According to the tourism industry, the airport tax at major airports in the Philippines will be raised to 900 pesos (17 dollars) per person for international flights.

Considering the current exchange rate, this amounts to approximately 22,500 won.

The airport tax is a type of fee collected from airport users for the operation and improvement of airport facilities and enhanced security, typically paid at the airport used when entering the traveler's home country.

**Variation in Increases by Airport and Traveler Reactions**

Previously, the Philippines applied different airport taxes at each airport. Manila's tax was 550 pesos, Clark's was 750 pesos, Bohol's 560 pesos, Boracay's 784 pesos, and Puerto Princesa's was also 784 pesos.

In the cases of Manila and Clark airports, the airport tax was included in the airfare, and no additional charges were imposed locally.

As a result of the increase, the fee for Bohol will rise by about 8,000 won, and Boracay by about 3,000 won. Particularly, with the airport tax exceeding 20,000 won per person, there appears to be an increased psychological burden on travelers.

However, children under 2 years of age and transfer passengers are exempt from paying the airport tax based on their departure date.

Travel agencies predict that this increase in airport tax will not significantly impact travel demand. The prices of package products are expected to remain unaffected in the short term.

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