The Philippines has no shortage of beautiful places to explore. The bigger question? How easy is it to actually get there?

That could soon change as the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Department of Tourism (DOT) team up to improve transportation access to tourist destinations around the country.

The two agencies are looking at airport, seaport, and passenger terminal upgrades that could make traveling to some of the Philippines’ popular and emerging destinations more convenient.

Among the projects on the radar are improvements involving Siargao Airport, Benoni Port in Camiguin, and the Port of Jubang in Siargao. Several regional airports are also being considered for upgrades, including those in Busuanga, Tacloban, Aklan, Tuguegarao, Bukidnon, and Laoag.

One major focus is extending airport runways. With longer runways, some regional airports could eventually handle larger aircraft, potentially opening the door to more passengers and better flight options.

For travelers, that could mean fewer travel headaches when planning trips outside the usual Manila, Cebu, or Boracay routes.

But the bigger picture goes beyond making vacations easier.

Better transportation links could also bring more visitors to lesser-known destinations, giving local businesses and communities more opportunities to benefit from tourism.

So while your dream destination may already be on your travel bucket list, getting there could become a little less complicated in the future.

More destinations, better connections, and hopefully fewer “ang hirap pala pumunta dito” moments.