What’s new in travel: Halloween, Boracay, stopovers and more

From Halloween getaways and discounted airfares to new travel services and hotel industry accolades, there’s plenty happening in the travel scene. Here’s a roundup of the latest deals, developments and destinations worth keeping on your radar.

Diamond Hotel Philippines will host K-pop All Stars, a Halloween-themed event for families and young K-pop fans, on Oct. 25 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Diamond Ballroom. The event will feature live performances, games, prizes, food and a grand raffle, with one winner taking home a Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ 5G. Tickets cost P2,800 net per person, inclusive of buffet lunch, a loot bag and access to activities and entertainment. The hotel is also offering a Super Sleepover Halloween Package starting at P9,800 net per night, with two event tickets and breakfast for two. Halloween-themed sweets and afternoon tea are available at the Lobby Lounge until Oct. 31.

The Ascott Limited received three Philippine honors at the World Travel Awards 2026. Its Ascott brand was named the country’s Leading Serviced Apartment Brand for the 10th consecutive year, while Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila won Asia’s Leading Serviced Apartment for the fourth time. Ascott Makati was named the Philippines’ Leading Serviced Apartment for the seventh time. The awards were presented at the Asia, Oceania and Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony in the Maldives on Sept. 27. Ascott also retained the title of Asia’s Leading Serviced Apartment Brand for the 11th consecutive year.

Tune Protect Re has expanded its partnership with online booking platform Airpaz to offer travel insurance in Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines, following the service’s launch in Malaysia last year. Travelers can purchase coverage during the flight-booking process on the Airpaz website or mobile app. The digital service provides instant policy issuance, access to coverage information and claims support. In the Philippines, Pioneer Insurance & Surety Corp. serves as the local insurance partner. The expansion aims to make travel protection more accessible by integrating it into the booking process.

Visa application volumes from the Philippines increased 20% year on year from January to August 2026, according to VFS Global. Applications for non-Schengen destinations rose 28%, while demand for Schengen destinations remained stable. Australia, Canada, Japan, Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom were the most popular non-Schengen destinations, while Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands and Switzerland led among Schengen countries. VFS Global also reported a 58% increase in its Visa At Your Doorstep service, which allows applicants to complete submissions and biometrics at a location of their choice, with passports returned by courier. The company advises travelers to apply well ahead of departure and use official visa channels.

AirAsia MOVE was named Asia’s Best Travel Booking App at the World Travel Tech Awards 2026 for the fourth consecutive year. The platform offers bookings across more than 700 airlines and over a million hotels, along with bundled flight-and-hotel deals, attractions, experiences and entertainment tickets. Its monthly active users rose 22% year on year to nearly 17 million, while journey searches increased 14% to 33 million. At the same ceremony, MOVE also won the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline App and World’s Best Low-Cost Airline Website awards.

Discovery Boracay has been selected for the Michelin Guide Hotels 2026, recognizing its beachfront location on White Beach’s Station 1, all-suite accommodations and guest experience. The resort has 99 suites, starting at 40 square meters, and offers dining, spa services, recreation, watersports and family activities. Its inclusion comes ahead of its 20th anniversary in 2027. Michelin Guide hotel selections assess properties based on factors including design, service, value, connection to the destination and individuality.

Belmont Hotel Manila is promoting its Recharge & Fly package for travelers seeking a break between flights or before departure. Priced at P1,300 per person, the four-hour package includes a special menu at Café Belmont, a traveler’s kit, Wi-Fi, luggage storage and access to the gym, steam room, sauna, changing rooms, swimming pool and Rooftop 11. The hotel, located across NAIA Terminal 3 with access to Newport City via Runway Manila, also offers overnight parking for P500. From October to December 2026, its Pamana culinary initiative features a collaboration with chefs Grant Zuñiga and Aaron Veloroso showcasing contemporary interpretations of Batangueño cuisine.