Spratlys to be new resort hotspot?
MANILA – The Philippine military is considering developing the disputed Spratly islands into a tourist destination, local news sources report.
A military chief was quoted in the Philippine Star as saying that the army would help bring tourists to the white sands and pristine waters of Pag-Asa Island, the largest of the islands in the South China Sea occupied by Filipino forces.
Rosendo Mantes, mayor of Pag-Asa, the Philippine town established on the island, was quoted as saying the area has good diving sites, many of which are still unexplored.
Although the area still lacks the usual amenities such as resorts and hotels, the military hopes to attract people seeking to get close to nature.
A navy ship would take tourists to the islands although the military failed to explain how such tours would be arranged.
The Spratlys, a chain of islands and atolls – believed to be rich in oil and gas deposits – are claimed in full or in part by Brunei, China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam. All but Brunei have troops posted on some of the islands.
Ian Jarrett
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026