Qatar Airways will be adding six extra flights per week between Doha and Manila starting from October 26th. The move follows an expanded Air Service Agreement between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Philippines. Qatar Airways chief executive Akbar Al Baker, said: “The increase in flight frequencies on the Doha–Manila route serves to further strengthen commercial and trade links between our two countries and we are delighted to be able to provide our Philippines-based passengers with greater connectivity options.”

The Philippines Department of Tourism has announced a year-long international campaign with leading youth tour operator, STA Travel, in order to promote and expand travel to the destination, from the 19-35 year old market. The Marketing partnership will target six international markets including Austria, Australia, France, Germany, Switzerland and the UK, in order to meet the project objectives set out in the partnership agreement.

Officials in the Philippines have urged tourists not to abandon the country as it comes to terms with the aftermath of super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), an unprecedented category five storm, which struck the country last week. The storm, which claimed thousands of lives, was the strongest in recorded history to make landfall in the country.

Ramon Jimenez, secretary of tourism, Philippines, speaks to Breaking Travel News at the World Travel & Tourism Council Asia Summit in Seoul, South Korea.

Flooding caused by torrential rain has brought chaos to the Philippine capital of Manila as thousands of people flee their homes, offices and schools. It is feared that the floods, which have killed more than 50 people in recent weeks, could get worse as the Le Mesa damn overflows.

The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) has lined up plans to increase air capacity, hotels, and investments to infrastructure for 2011-2012, in an effort to double tourism in the country.