| First Two Filipinos to Everest were also DOT IPAR Winners | May/25/2006 |
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| First Two Filipinos to Everest were also DOT IPAR Winners The Department of Tourism (DOT) joins the nation as it celebrates the twin feats achieved by veteran mountaineers and tri-athletes Heracleo “Leo” Oracion and Erwin Pastour Emata, the first two Filipinos to reach the summit of Mount Everest in Nepal. Both Oracion and Emata were winners of the DOT’s Island Paradise Adventure Race (IPAR) held December last year. IPAR is the biggest adventure race event in the Philippines today in terms of prizes and size of coverage area. Emata and Oracion bagged the P1 million grand prize and P300,000 second prize, respectively, in the IPAR Visayas leg. IPAR is aimed to highlight the culture, traditions, and tourism spots of the country’s different regions featuring activities such as trail running, trekking, paddling and traditional games. It kicked-off last May 2005 with its Luzon leg and will once again re-open this October for the Mindanao leg. For those who missed Oracion and Emata during the IPAR Visayas leg, you may still catch them every Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6 o’clock in the evening at Studio 23 in the 13-episode television special to run until July. Tourism Secretary Ace Durano hailed the efforts of the Filipino mountaineers, as well as their organizers and sponsors, in conquering the world’s highest peak and in making history. “I extend my congratulations to the mountaineers for their record-breaking achievement. Their passion and courage in fulfilling their dreams truly conveys a positive message to the youths who look up on them as idols” Durano said. IPAR Project Director Shahlimar Hoffer Tamano said that IPAR Committee is planning to arrange a welcome reception for Oracion and the rest of the Philippine team who reached the summit of Mount Everest. He also plans to tie-up with Oracion and Emata, particularly to support the DOT’s initiative in promoting tourism adventure activities in the country. | ||
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| Partnership forged to promote islands to Chinese tourists(Photo Release) | Jul/05/2007 |
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| Partnership forged to promote islands to Chinese tourists(Photo Release) Department of Tourism Undersecretary for Planning and Promotions Eduardo Jarque, Jr. (left) shakes hands with Pu Li Kai, General Manager of Nanhu International Travel (NIT) after signing a Memorandum of Agreement for joint promotional activities on the Philippines. NIT is one of the largest out-bound tour operators in Guangzhou, managing over a hundred branches in the Guangdong province. | ||
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| TRAVEL BULLETIN 1: | Feb/24/2006 |
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| TRAVEL BULLETIN 1: We wish to advise the traveling public that travel to the Philippines continues to be safe. All appropriate government agencies as well as other law enforcement agencies have coordinated their activities to ensure the safety of all tourists. Tourist facilities, establishments and related services, including international gateways, continue to conduct their business as usual. We therefore assure the traveling public and the overseas markets that the TOURIST DESTINATIONS OF THE COUNTRY REMAIN SAFE, BOLSTERED BY THE INHERENT WARMTH AND HOSPITALITY OF THE FILIPINO PEOPLE. 24 February 2006. Manila, Philippines (signed) JOSEPH H. DURANO Secretary | ||
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| Black Eyed Peas’ apl.d.ap to Promote Philippine Tourism | Apr/08/2008 |
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| Black Eyed Peas’ apl.d.ap to Promote Philippine Tourism Hip hop artist apl.d.ap (a.k.a. Allan Pineda) of the Black Eyed Peas recently met with Ace Durano, Secretary of Tourism, to discuss possible joint efforts to promote the Philippines to global Filipinos and foreign tourists. Talks are in place to make apl.d.ap a Philippine tourism promoter. The DOT and the marketing arm of the Black Eyed Peas are further collaborating on other activities to encourage the young travel population to visit the islands through music. | ||
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| Central Luzon gears up for heavy influx of tourists | May/29/2006 |
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| Central Luzon gears up for heavy influx of tourists The Hotel and Restaurant Association of Pampanga (HARP) in cooperation with the Department of Tourism is gearing up to upgrade the hospitality industry in Central Luzon as a result of the huge influx of foreign tourists to the region. Tourism Secretary Ace Durano lauded HARP and the local tourism industry for its aggressive marketing efforts to draw more visitors to the region by showcasing its various tourist attractions and highlighting the hospitality of its people. Tourist arrivals in Central Luzon rose to 102,398 in the first quarter of 2006 from 96,672 total during the same period last year with a registered growth rate of 5.92 percent, DOT-Region 3 Director Ronaldo Tiotico revealed. “The Metro Clark is experiencing an upsurge in tourist arrivals due to the increasing number of low-cost flights via Diosdado Macapagal Airport. Thai Air Asia and Tiger Airways, with regular flight routes to Macapagal Airport since October last year, are seen to double the passenger traffic to Clark at an average of 400,000 a month” said Tiotico. Jimmy Dale of Hotel Casa and HARP newly elected president pledged to help boost travel and tourism in Central Luzon with a series of seminars on hospitality and other skill enhancement programs intended for frontline personnel. A priority program is the launching of the North Philippines Travel Mart at SM City Clark in November this year where provinces including Ilocos, Cagayan North, Cordillera and Central Luzon will converge at the newest megamall in Pampanga for a three-day travel and tourism exhibit. Some 300 tour operators, travel agents and exhibitors are expected to participate in the event to showcase their tourism-related products to the public. | ||
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| DOT Slates Comprehensive Tour Guiding Seminar | June/20/2006 |
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| DOT Slates Comprehensive Tour Guiding Seminar In gearing up for the expected heavy surge of foreign tourists, the Department of Tourism has set a 22-day comprehensive multi-lingual Tour Guiding Seminar from July 10 to August 8, 2006. DOT Office of Tourism Standards Director Ma. Victoria Jasmin said the training program is being initiated with the goal of keeping a high level of professionalism and quality in tourism services. “The increased tourist traffic the Philippines has received at this early stage of the year is a clear indicator that we should continue to upgrade the country’s frontline services to international standards for the Philippines remain competitive in the global tourism market”, Director Jasmin enthused. DOT statistics showed that January to April 2006 tourist arrivals to the country totaled 965,853, a 13.3-percent jump from the same period last year. By yearend, arrival figures are seen to hit the three-million mark with the country’s major source markets – North America, Japan, Korea and China expected to top the list. Jasmin said the comprehensive three-week training will be structurally divided into five modules – tourism services, tourism management, tour guiding skills and techniques, Philippine history, arts and culture and tour simulation. Nineteen speakers representing the tourism industry, the academe and government are expected to facilitate the program, which will be conducted using lectures, group dynamics and case exercises. To qualify to the program, applicants must have at least completed an equivalent two years of collegiate course and must be proficient in English and another foreign language – preferably Japanese, Chinese, Korean, French, German, Russian or Italian. A second screening of qualified applicants will be conducted to ensure the quality of participants attending the program. An all inclusive seminar fee of P5,000 per participant will be collected to cover program expenses. Interested applicants may secure application forms at the DOT Standards Development Division. Deadline of application is on June 23, 2006. The pre-screening of qualified applicants is scheduled from June 26-30, 2006. For further inquiries, interested parties may call the following telephone numbers: 525-7980, 536-1128 and 523-8411. | ||
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| TRAVEL BULLETIN 2: | Feb/28/2006 |
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| TRAVEL BULLETIN 2: Travel to the Philippines remains safe and secure. Primary tourist destinations in Metro Manila, Cebu, Bohol, Palawan, Boracay and the rest of the country are undisturbed. As of Monday, 27 February 2006, business operations in the Philippines remain normal. The Philippine Department of Tourism, together with law enforcement agencies, continues to monitor all activities within the tourist destinations. No major cancellations of groups traveling to the islands have been reported. The Philippine Department of Tourism, jointly with the entire travel industry, assures visitors that travel to the country remains safe and secure. 27 February 2006. Manila, Philippines. | ||
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| Private Sector Initiative Benefits Small Hotel Operators | July/04/2006 |
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| Private Sector Initiative Benefits Small Hotel Operators The Department of Tourism together with Patio Pacific Resort management recently forged a partnership that will benefit the small hotel and resort operators. In fulfillment of its corporate social commitment to assist in the development of the tourism industry, Patio Pacific Resort shares its 16 years of management expertise by donating a “Front Office Management Software” for distribution to DOT’s accredited small accommodation establishments. Tourism Secretary Joseph H. Durano lauded the gesture of this resort management citing the private sector initiative as vital to the further development of small- scale tourism business operations. Durano further said that this will advance frontline services and make their operations globally competitive. Mr. Charles Uy, owner of the resort said that the beneficiaries of the software are the DOT accredited accommodations establishment with a maximum of 15 rooms. The software is capable of recording guests registration information, outlet sales transactions, room bookings , inventory reports and mailing lists. Data recorded is then the basis for the generation of reports that are required in the efficient and proper management of an accommodation establishment. For more details visit the Patio Pacific Resort’s website: www.patiopacificboracay.com or call Ms.Marian Obispo, Accreditaion Division at (02) 523-02-52 / 524-98-41. | ||
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| UNWTO Seminar for Tourism Execs | Apr/17/2006 |
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| UNWTO Seminar for Tourism Execs The Department of Tourism with the United Nations World Tourism Organization recently spearheaded a seminar on managing tourism destinations with full attendance of the tourism department’s top executives. The seminar is aimed to enhance skills on tourism planning and development with key emphasis on formulating strategies on destination positioning and branding while addressing the impacts of tourism to environment, culture and communities. In photo are Tourism Secretary Ace Durano (front row, 7-L), Robert Cleverdon and Michael Fabricius of UNWTO (2nd row, 2nd & 3rd from left respectively), Undersecretary Oscar Palabyab (5-R) and the Regional Directors of the DOT. | ||
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| A Korean Jewel To Shine In RP | July/28/2006 |
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| A Korean Jewel To Shine In RP "The resort project will be the biggest Korean investment so far in the country," Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Joseph H. Durano enthused during the recent groundbreaking ceremony for the Philippine BXT Corporation's The Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort & Spa in Mactan, Cebu. Its Chairman, Mr. Park Yong Jun, envisions this to be their major offshore venture and promises to bring state-of-the-art in waterpark technology to raise water and marine recreation to a new level. The 616-room class AAA resort will consist of six medium-rise and three low-rise buildings and 40 single units complete with amenities. To be developed in three years on a 7.5 hectare private property in Lapulapu City, Mactan Island, Cebu, the project will boast of swimming pools, tennis courts, golf course and water sports facilities. The property will be managed by Imperial Palace Hotel, one of the finest in South Korea, now with global operations through the Summit Hotels and Resorts. The country's renown architect Tessie P. Javier is behind the resort buildings' unique designs which combine functionality with luxury as well as modern with locally-inspired architecture. The ceremony started with a simple Korean rite followed by the blessing and lowering of the time capsule. At the cocktail programme, DOT Secretary Durano expressed his appreciation for the Philippine BXT's confidence in investing in the country. He added, "Our marketing efforts have paid off. This sets off a "virtuous" cycle of attracting visitors and increasing the demand for infrastructure and facilities. As tourist traffic continues, investments will follow and while we had targeted for five million visitor arrivals in 2010, we are confident that such may be exceeded with our relentless efforts at general tourism and investment promotion." The event was also attended by other BXT officials and Korean guests, local government executives, businessmen, key personalities from the tourism industry and DOT officials. Korean as well as national and local media were present to cover the activity. | ||
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| DOT Sets Stage for Philippine Travel Exchange 2006 | Sept/05/2006 |
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| DOT Sets Stage for Philippine Travel Exchange 2006 Tourism Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano announced recently that the Philippine Department of Tourism and the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation in cooperation with the private sector are spearheading the preparations for the forthcoming 6th Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX) slated from September 8-9, 2006 at the Philippine International Convention Center. PHITEX is a must attend travel trade event comprised of business to business sessions that provide an exclusive opportunity for the Philippine travel suppliers to meet, network, negotiate and conduct business with foreign travel trade buyers. More than 150 buyers from Asia-Pacific, Japan, Korea, Australia, Europe, Middle East and North America are expected to participate in the whole day Travel Exchange (TRAVEX) on September 9 at the Philippine International Convention Center, for a one-on-one scheduled appointments with Philippine Sellers. “Our hosting of this important event will undoubtedly redound to greatly benefit tourism and the country through the aggressive promotion of the various Philippine destinations showcased in every PHITEX event which is attended by the industry’s top decision makers from all over the world,” Durano said. “Aside from its business component, this will be an excellent opportunity for the foreign Buyers and media to experience first hand the country’s top destinations when they go on tour of the country,” he added. Complimentary tours to Subic, Boracay, Cebu, Bohol, Palawan and Davao will be offered exclusively to foreign buyers and media as part of their program. Durano also mentioned that this year’s PHITEX will feature the “Manila, Let’s Meet!” campaign. “It’s about time that we re-strengthen Metro Manila’s position as a vibrant destination, the heart and door to the 7,100 Philippine islands,” he said. He added that the campaign will showcase the cities’ main attractions: nightlife, shopping, new airport, convention and meeting facilities, world-class hotels, tourist and historical landmarks. PHITEX will coincide with the Philippine Travel Mart (PTM), which will be held from September 8-10, 2006 at the SM Mega Trade Hall in Mandaluyong City. PTM, now on its 17th year, is the premier inbound tourism event that gathers the 16 regions of the country under one roof showcasing their destinations and latest tourism products and services to consumers and members of the travel trade industry, and information on travel possibilities – where to go, what to see, where to stay what to do, among other things. On September 8, foreign Buyers get an exclusive morning visit to the PTM booths to meet the regional/provincial tourism councils and learn more about the products and services on exhibit. PHITEX 2006 is spearheaded by an Executive Committee headed by Tourism Secretary Joseph H. Durano, in partnership with Travel Trade Gazette (TTG) Asia Media Pte., Ltd.,the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association (HSMA), the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA), the Philippine Travel Agents Association (PTAA) and Chikka.Com. For more information, please contact the PHITEX Secretariat through Tel. Nos. (02) 525-1255, 525-9318 ext. 271/268, or log-on at website www.wowpinoy.net/phitex and e-mail address at tts@dotpcvc.gov.ph. | ||
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| All set for the 33rd Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Program (SSEAYP) - Country Program | Nov/21/2006 |
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| All set for the 33rd Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Program (SSEAYP) - Country Program Preparation for the 33rd Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Program (SSEAYP) - Philippine Country Program is in full swing. The National Organizing Committee composed of NYC, SSEAYP International Philippines and othe inter-agency partners have already laid out plans to make this year's country program a memorable one for this year's SSEAYP delegation. The SSEAYP is annual cultural exchange program between Countries from Southeast Asia and Japan. Delegates to the program embark on a two-month cruise on board the Japanese luxury liner"Nippon Maru". Sponsored by the Japanese government, the program is now on its 33rd year of fostering cultural understanding and cooperation among the young people of ASEAN and Japan. Among this year's highlights are the Interaction with Local Youth and Institutional Visits to be held at various locations in and around Metro Manila. The Welcome Ceremonies is on November 25 at the Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila Grand Ballroom. Among the distinguished guest at the ceremonies are the Honorable Vice President Noli De Castro, Sen. Francis Pangilinan, Secretary Ace Durano of the Department of Tourism and Manila Mayor Joselito Atienza. ############### For more information about the program, you may visit the the National Youth Commission's official website at http://www.youth.net.ph/ | ||
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| Basic Korean Language Course | Dec/18/2006 |
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| Basic Korean Language Course The Department of Tourism (DOT) will conduct a Basic Korean Language Course to be held at the DOT Bldg. T.M. Kalaw St., Ermita, Manila from January 8 to March 2, 2007 (120 hours) Mondays thru Fridays from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The program aims to provide a basic appreciation of the requirements and culture of Korean tourists. It will equip the participants with the skills in speaking/writing Korean language. This program will also serve as a stepping stone for those who will choose a career in tour guiding wherein language proficiency is a requirement. Instructors who will handle this language course were imported from Korea. To qualify, participants must be at least 2nd year college level, of good moral character, proficient in English and must be working in any DOT accredited tourism oriented establishment. Seminar fee is P500.00/participant. Maximum number of participants is 40 only. Acceptance of application will be treated on a first-come, first-served basis. Deadline for submission of application form is on December 29, 2006. Interested applicants may secure application form at the Standards Development Division, Rm. 203, DOT Bldg., T.M. Kalaw St., Ermita, Manila. For inquiries, please call Mutya Aguirre or Haidee Ampatuan on telephone nos. (632) 5257980 / (632) 5361128 / (632) 5238411 local 182 and 176. | ||
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| Central Mindanao and ARMM celebrate 4-day cultural festival | Mar/13/2007 |
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| Central Mindanao and ARMM celebrate 4-day cultural festival Region XII and ARMM’s pride during the WOW Philippines’ Best of the Regions in Intramuros is the latest showcase in Cotabato City’s 4-Day Cultural Festival featuring the indigenous arts and crafts, cultural extravaganzas, indigenous sports and cuisines of Central Mindanao and the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao. Dubbed as “Kuyog,” meaning “all together,” the event, which ran for three years in the Walled City of Manila, is now made bigger and more grand as the Department of Tourism brings this festive event back to the region. To be held in Cotabato City from March 31 to April 3, the activity is expected to attract domestic travelers from within and around the region. South Central Mindanao’s domestic visitor arrivals for 2006 reached over 600,000 while arrival figures for overseas Filipinos hit a 20.59% increase as compared to the previous year’s mark. A pet project of DOT Regional Director for South Central Mindanao Sohura T. Dimaampao, the festival is a continuing program of the WOW Philippines’ Best of the Regions, originally staged in Intramuros, Manila. “It is with great pride that we present our first ever grand celebration of culture through this 4-day festival that highlights the best of what Regions XII and ARMM have to offer” said Director Dimaampao. “This has been a long time dream. Started by then Secretary now Senator Richard Gordon in WOW Philippines Intramuros, I am very grateful that Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano has been equally supportive of this project, especially now that its finally back in the region” she added. “Kuyog” kicks off on March 31 at the South Seas Mall in Cotabato City with Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, Cotabato City Mayor Datu Muslimin Sema and ARMM Governor Datu Zaldy “Puti” Uy Ampatuan opening the event with the ceremonial beating of the gong. Other guests who will grace the various events are officials of DOT, local and national officials from government line agencies and local chief executives of Regions XII and ARMM. Cash prizes await lucky winners who will compete in any of the six various competitions, namely: the Regional Food Festival (culinary competition); PAKARADIAN: a tableau cultural showdown; KANDEDELEMAT NU MAGINED: indigenous sports competition; Best Booth award in the Tourism Fair Exhibit; KUYOG street dancing competition; and, HABI: A fashion competition featuring the indigenous weaves of regions XII and ARMM. Nobody will go home empty-handed. As much as 100,000 pesos cash prize is at stake and all participants to the different competitions are sure to go home with consolation prizes. For more information, call the DOT Region XII office at (064) 421-1110 and (064) 421-7868 or e-mail at dot12@greendot.com.ph. | ||
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| ASEAN COLLABORATION BOOSTS ASIA’S CRUISE INDUSTRY New ASEAN Cruise Portal Launched for Cruise Industry |
Apr/10/2007 |
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ASEAN COLLABORATION BOOSTS ASIA’S CRUISE INDUSTRY New ASEAN Cruise Portal Launched for Cruise Industry Miami USA, 13 March 2007 – Asia’s cruise industry received a boost today when the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Cruise Working Group launched a new cruise portal www.cruiseasean.com at the annual Seatrade Cruise Shipping Convention in Miami. This move marks the commitment by member ASEAN nations to collaborate more closely to further develop the industry in the region. Providing vital information on ASEAN cruise destinations, the new portal is but one of the many initiatives that the Working Group has in the pipeline. “The new cruise portal aims to introduce Asia as a cruise destination to the global cruise industry as well as passengers new to the region. Beside introducing each ASEAN member country and its tourism highlights, busy cruise executives will also be able to access detailed port information online which is useful for planning and developing new cruise products for Asia, “said Mr. Kevin Leong, Chairman of ASEAN Cruise Working Group. “The ASEAN Cruise Working Group represents the collective will and commitment of the region to move this industry forward. We have articulated a two-year plan which is aimed at strengthening and catalyzing the growth of the region’s cruise industry. Our priorities now are to introduce Asian cruising to the world and ensure that we have the systems in place to welcome our guests.” Asia currently holds a 5% share of the world’s cruise market. The Asia Pacific region is expected to be the next growth area in the cruise industry, not only through providing new destinations for cruise passengers from the Western markets, but also by being a new source of cruise passengers. In fact, cruise passengers in the Asia Pacific region are projected to grow by more than 40% from 1.07 million in 2005 to 1.5 million by 2010, reaching 2 million in 2015. With so much untapped potential in these markets which are only just emerging in the cruise industry, the ASEAN Cruise Working Group is working towards providing relevant training for travel agents to equip them with the vital cruise product knowledge. Beside engaging and building strong working relations with the industry and cruise partners, other areas of co-operation include infrastructure development, marketing and promotion and human resource development. Several of the joint activities that have been undertaken aim to give the cruise trade a better understanding of the diverse offerings of the region. The brochure ‘Cruising In ASEAN’ has been produced for industry members and aims to promote the region’s diversity and places of interest. Member countries are also collaborating to showcase their respective attractions at various platform such as Seatrade Miami so that Asian cruise destinations are better represented to positively impact the international cruise trade. |
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| Basic Korean Language Course | May/22/2007 |
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| Basic Korean Language Course The Department of Tourism will conduct another run on Basic Korean Language Course at the DOT Building, T.M. Kalaw St., Ermita, Manila. Schedule of classes will start from June 25 until September 24, 2007 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday The program aims to provide a basic appreciation of the requirements and culture of Korean tourists. It will equip the participants with the skills in speaking/writing Korean language. This program will also serve as a stepping stone for those who will choose a career in tour guiding wherein language proficiency is a major requirement. Instructors who will handle this language course were imported from Korea. To qualify, participants must be employed in any DOT accredited tourism oriented establishments and with good moral character. Registration fee is P750.00/participant. Acceptance of application will be treated on a first-come, first-serve basis. Maximum number of participants is 30 only. Deadline for submission of application form is on June 15, 2007. Interested applicants may secure an application form in Standards Development Division, Rm. 203 DOT Bldg. or you may download @ www.wowphilippines.com.ph. For inquiries, please call Mutya Aguirre or Haidee Ampatuan on telephone nos. (632) 5257980 / (632) 5361128 / (632) 5238411 local 182 and 176. (Click here to download form) | ||
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| TRAVEL ADVISORY: New Iloilo Airport | June/21/2007 |
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| TRAVEL ADVISORY: New Iloilo Airport Air travelers to Iloilo, Guimaras, parts of Capiz and Antique are now embarking and departing from the New Iloilo Airport located at Cabatuan, Iloilo approximately 19 kms. northwest of Iloilo City. The new airport sets on a 188 ha. airport complex, it boasts of a 2.5 km. by 45 m wide runway which can accommodate Airbus 330 and 340 and Boeing 747 aircrafts. It has three (3) passenger bridges, two baggage claim conveyors and a 500 seating capacity passenger lounge. The 8.758 Billion peso complex became operational last June 14 and is considered to be the most modern airport in the country today. Transportation modes available at the airport include metered taxi (approximately P165-180 one way), coupon taxi at P400. Point to point express vans and jeepneys are also available. For your reference. (SGD)EDWIN G. TROMPETA Regional Director DOT Region 6 | ||
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| Patio Pacific Boracay Hosts “Dancers for Freedom” Concert | Aug/30/2007 |
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| Patio Pacific Boracay Hosts “Dancers for Freedom” Concert IT was the one event that the island resort of Boracay had eagerly anticipated --- the visit of the famous Kalilayan Folkloric Group and their “Dancers for Freedom” musical show. The venue was Patio Pacific, and host of the dance delegation from Catanauan, Quezon, and Patio Pacific resort owner, Kelly Boncan, and her hardworking marketing staff, had ensured the overall success of the three-day stint. Schoolchildren, parents and resort guests had dates reserved for watching the series of performances. Among the special guests who came all the way from Manila was Department of Tourism Region IV Director Louella Jurilla, and she saw how the spirit of cultural exchange had successfully propelled the government’s efforts through valuable initiatives like “Dancers for Freedom”. So moved was she by the performances that she extended an invitation to the group from Quezon to perform for the Department of Tourism. Likewise, Patio Pacific was lauded for its efforts to promote art and culture to the grassroots level by way of a trainors’ dance workshop which KFG offered for free to school musical & cultural coordinators from the island and province. Endorsed by the Department of Tourism and the Department of Education, ‘Dancers for Freedom” was co-sponsored by South East Asian Airlines (SEAIR) and was supported by the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) and Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI). For more information on Patio Pacific, call 845-222 to 23, or visit www.patiopacificboracay.com | ||
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| New Shanghai-Cebu charter flights to boost tourism | Jul/18/2007 |
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| New Shanghai-Cebu charter flights to boost tourism The Department of Tourism (DOT) has confirmed the operation of China Southern Airline’s regular charter flight service from Shanghai to Cebu beginning July 27, 2007. The new flight offerings are part of the department’s plans to maximize the growing Chinese outbound travel market. “Our talks with Shanghai-based travel operators revealed that Cebu is a popular destination outside Metro Manila for Chinese tourists. We look forward to the new opportunities that the flights will create not only for Cebu but also for Bohol and the surrounding provinces,” said DOT Secretary Joseph Ace Durano. China Southern Airlines will fly a brand new 180-seater plane twice weekly from Shanghai to Cebu. Two more weekly flights will be added after the first three months of operation. China’s largest air carrier in terms of passenger volume, the company increased its Guangzhou-Manila flight service from three to five times weekly early this year The DOT recently visited the Chinese financial capital to discuss the details of the new service and to finalize agreements with members of consortium of Shanghainese tour operators who expressed interest in promoting the charter. “Our partnerships with the Shanghai travel wholesalers are crucial in generating and sustaining consumer awareness. Our goal is to have Shanghainese tourists visiting our country for their summer break in July and August, the October autumn holiday and up until the Chinese New Year in February 2008,” explained Undersecretary for Planning and Promotions Eduardo Jarque, Jr. Among others, the DOT will be working with China’s leading retail agent Spring International Travel and Shanghai Jin Jiang Tours, one of the biggest travel conglomerates in the country for a series of joint promotions such as outdoor and print advertisements, flyers and brochures. Other companies that intend to provide marketing and advertising support include major Chinese online travel portal and call center C-Trip, Shanghai Airlines Tours, multi-branch retailer CTS Shanghai, and China Hangzhou OTC Travel, which serves the Hangzhou and Nanjing provinces. China Comfort Travel has announced its plans to have two charter flights to Clark for August. Other agents said that they will be working on expanding their tour offerings to include Kalibo and Laoag. Jin Yu Air Service, the general sales agent for the Shanghai-Cebu flight service, recently placed destination descriptions of Cebu and Bohol on Yeexing.Com, one of China’s largest travel trade portals where some 15,000 Chinese agencies subscribe. Additional media mileage was earned when Dragon TV, one of the largest TV networks in China, has also committed to feature the islands in its Shanghai Noon of International Service travel segment in August. The Shanghai Airlines TV group will be producing a feature on Cebu and Bohol, which will be shown in all of the airline’s outbound flights from China. “The Shanghai Dive Association expressed interest in promoting our water sports attractions. Shanghai currently has eight dive schools catering to a growing number of enthusiasts,” shared Tourism Attaché for Shanghai Gerry Panga. Panga added that “These activities augment the existing WoW Philippines digital bus stop ads displayed strategically around Pudong, the commercial district of Shanghai. We are also working on having buses wrapped with the WoW Philippines design plying the major road networks in the area.” A part of the department’s trip to China was the I-Spa Travel Fair held at the Everbright Exhibition Center. The expo, considered one of the major events for the health and wellness industry, involved 200 spa resorts, hotels and other related enterprises from 15 countries. The Philippine booth was brightly lit and had images of the seashore on a calm, summer day. Brochures of the country’s destinations and internationally-acclaimed spa resorts were distributed. Therapists Charisma Berdin and Catherine Cuesta, of Plantation Bay Resort and Spa in Cebu and Nurture Tropical Spa and Café in Tagaytay respectively, provided a sampling of hilot, or Filipino massage, to visitors. The Bayanihan National Folk Dance Company helped open the three-day fair and captured the interest of several guests to the country’s culture and music. The group also entertained diners at the Philippine Food Festival held at Lucio Tan’s Eton Hotel in Pudong. The seven-day Philippine Food Festival introduced the Shanghainese palate to classic Filipino dishes such as adobo, kinilaw, kaldereta, and leche flan. Chefs from the Century Park Hotel in Manila prepared the sumptuous lunch and dinner buffet spreads. The Eton Hotel was also hosting at the same time an exhibit by Beth Parrocha-Doctolero, prolific Filipina watercolor artist and children’s book illustrator, at the foyer area of the hotel’s coffee shop. “The Shanghai mission was about capturing the outbound travel market from all angles: from adventure to relaxation attractions, and the sights, sounds and tastes of our islands,” Secretary Durano explained. The secretary announced that the DOT will be opening a new Shanghai office to accommodate the foreseen increase of outbound travelers from this area. China is currently the 4th top source of visitor arrivals. A total of 49,133 tourists came to the Philippines between January to April 2007, reflecting a 12.9 percent increase over the same period last year. | ||
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| Barrio Fiesta sa London: A Celebration of Filipino Life and Culture | Jul/11/2008 |
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| Barrio Fiesta sa London: A Celebration of Filipino Life and Culture The barrio fiesta is one of the most remarkable aspects of Filipino life and culture. It is a very old tradition that has the exuberant characteristics of Hispanic influence overlaid on ancient pre-colonial rituals that marked festive events of communal achievement, such as bountiful harvests and great victories. With millions of OFWSs as well as immigrants now comprising the huge overseas Filipino community, the barrio fiesta has become one of the most interesting features of Pinoy expatriate life, and this colourful event does not any bigger than the annual Philippines Barrio Fiesta sa London. Now on its 24th year, the festival is traditionally held on a summer weekend in July at Lampton Park in the London borough of Hounslow. Today, it is one of the biggest celebrations of Filipino life, culture and community spirit anywhere in the world, drawing tens of thousands of fiesta-goers not only from all over the UK but from other countries as well. The annual festive gathering in Hounslow has become, for the Filipino community of almost two hundred thousand settled residents and new migrants to the UK, a high point of their social and cultural life. The fiesta is a much-awaited opportunity to have a respite from their labours, to renew acquaintances, treat their loved ones to a joyous day or weekend at the fair, share and enjoy Filipino food with their British friends and relatives, and enjoy once again the artistic brilliance of local talents as well as Manila-sourced performers who sing, dance, and oblige with classic Pinoy vaudeville humor on a makeshift stage. The barrio fiesta is a good time to feel proud to be Filipino, to be able to display our vaunted qualities of cheerfulness in the face of adversity, and hospitality and warmth almost to a fault. It is an opportunity to cast aside our quarrels and differences and share once again the spirit of camaraderie and kinship that is the hallmark of Filipino festivals back home. It is a chance for us to promote our products, our amazing Asian and Western fusion cuisine, as well as our world-class tourist attractions. Last year’s barrio fiesta in London drew a record weekend crowd of 80,000 people, almost double the attendance in recent years. Not even the strongest tempest has been known to dampen the holiday spirit of fiesta-goers, majority of whom were overseas Filipino workers with whole families and even visiting friends in tow—nurses and hospital workers, professionals and students, long-time UK residents working in British companies and institutions. They were joined by numerous Brits and other nationalities—Caucasian, Asian, African, Caribbean, etc.— who were obviously having the time of their lives. “The barrio fiesta,” according to Philippine Tourism Attache in London, Domingo Enerio III, “has been serving as a gateway for our British friends and people of other nationalities in the UK: here they get introduced to the endless offerings of the Philippines, they get enticed to visit our islands, especially when we tell them of the wealth of beautiful customs and traditions waiting to be experienced in the Philippines, as well as the natural wonders of nature that our country has to offer even to the most jaded travellers from Europe!” In practically all barrio fiestas in the UK, the Philippine Department of Tourism office in London has always put up a booth that is always attractive, welcoming, and helpful to the potential tourist to the Philippines. With the upcoming barrio fiesta in Lampton Park, and other similar events taking place throughout England during the summer, the PDOT will again have its hands full handling inquiries from interested visitors, and actually helping them plan their getaway to the Philippines, with value-for-money tour packages and the guarantee of a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in a country rightfully called the Pearl of the Orient. “Promoting the Philippines through one of our most popular events—the barrio fiesta—has proven to be so successful in the UK that we plan to do this also in similar events across Europe, where similar festivals are regularly held by our Filipino communities,” adds Tourism Attache Enerio. “Thus, our barrio fiesta in this part of the world will not simply be a community celebration of our Filipino life and culture, but an exciting invitation to our British and European friends to experience the delights of our festive traditions right there in our country!” The theme of this year’s barrio fiesta is "Community Cohesion and Youth Awareness". As in previous years, the fiesta will again feature a colorful display of Philippine arts and crafts, stage entertainment through music, songs and performances of folk and modern dance, a mouth-watering array of the most savory and exotic Philippine cuisine, and amusement rides and other funfare for children. The Philippine Department of Tourism London office headed by Tourism Attaché Domingo Enerio III will again be spearheading the regular participation in the fiesta by the Philippine Embassy, according to DOT public relations officer Chit Afuang. Embassy officials led by Ambassador Edgardo B. Espiritu will also grace the occasion. The Embassy and the DOT will have a booth to give out information and render assistance to Filipinos coming to the festival. This time, there will be a bigger space for Philippine tourism promotion and marketing, in view of increasing interest in the Philippines as shown by record numbers of British and European visitors last year. | ||
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| DOT Joins Call for Better Halal promotion in Philippines | Jul/14/2008 |
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| DOT Joins Call for Better Halal promotion in Philippines The Department of Tourism (DOT) has joined the call to intensify the promotion and availability of halal food, which is touted to help the country claim a bigger share of the global Muslim tourist market. According to Ace Durano, Secretary of Tourism, “The Department is one with the vision of making the Philippines a culture-sensitive destination. There is a need in making our Muslim tourists and travelers more welcome by having more establishments cater to their dietary requirements. This is one way we enhance the Filipino’s brand of hospitality.” The DOT co-sponsored the recent National Halal Convention held at the Philippine Trade Training Center in Pasay City. The two-day event brought together 600 local and national government officials, Muslim religious leaders and experts, food manufacturers and exporters, certification professionals, local and international civic group representatives, and diplomats to discuss issues on improving the production of and access to halal food in key consumer areas in the country. “The Department is currently striving to help make halal cuisine available in our tourist destinations in anticipation of the influx of travelers from Malaysia and the Gulf States,” said DOT Director for Product Research and Development Elizabeth Nelle speech at the welcome cocktails. The DOT is one of the key government agencies that spearhead the awareness and promotion of the local halal food industry. This special interest group also includes representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Agriculture, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Health, the Office on Muslim Affairs, the ARMM Governor and the Chair of Philippine Halal Accreditation Board. The Department currently implements a country-wide program that advocates the preparation and presentation of halal meals and food products among hotels, restaurants, resorts and airlines. To date, alignment sessions have begun with the management of Hyatt Hotel and Casino, Makati Shangri-La Hotel and Sofitel Philippine Plaza. Information exchanges with Egypt, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and Turkey have likewise occurred. These and other local efforts have been lauded by the hosts of the 3rd World Halal Forum (WHF) held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center in Malaysia early this year. The two-day World Halal Forum drew in policy makers, community leaders, Islamic scholars and business decision makers from more than 50 countries around the world. The Philippines was particularly congratulated by Malaysia Prime Minister Abdullah bin Haji Ahmad Badawi after the presentation of the advocacy and awareness programs for the Philippine tourism industry. The Philippine National Standards on Halal Food was formalized in March this year, laying out the specifics of processing, preparing and handling the ingredients used in meals and food items in accordance to Islamic laws and teaching. The guidelines were crafted by the Philippine Halal Accreditation Board. The DOT is optimistic that the Philippine National Halal Standards will help the country tap the 1.9 billion global Muslim population for potential tourists, making the islands a premiere tropical destination that is also keen on the cultural and religious beliefs of international travelers. | ||
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| DOT Supports Metrostar Ferry Route Expansion | Jul/14/2008 |
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| DOT Supports Metrostar Ferry Route Expansion The Department of Tourism (DOT) has expressed its support for the expansion plans of Metrostar Ferry, Inc. (Metrostar) as the company commemorates its first year of operation. The water transit company currently conveys travelers between the Mall of Asia, Pasay City (MOA) and Cavite City and offers leisure cruises on Manila Bay. “Metrostar’s cruises and commuter services have strategically opened up the tourism potentials of both the Manila bay area and Cavite City, and have made travel more convenient for visitors and locals alike. The Department welcomes their intents to offer more routes to nearby destinations,” said Ace Durano, Secretary of Tourism. According to Metrostar President Restie Bicomong, “The company has lined up a series of expansion programs starting this year. These include interconnecting with the Pasig River Ferry, and plying the route emanating from the MOA terminal to Orion, Bataan.” The company was invited by the Department of Transportation & Communication and the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission to travel into Pasig River and dock at the Plaza Mexico, Intramuros terminal. This will open up water transfer between Pasig and Cavite City. Meanwhile, the new MOA-Bataan service is touted to shorten travel time to the famed former military stronghold will take approximately one hour and 20 minutes. Land travel from Manila takes around four hours. In support of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s nautical highway, Metrostar is also contemplating other routes from its MOA terminal: a 45-minute trip to Navotas, an hour and 45 minutes to Hagonoy, Bulacan, and an hour and 40-minutes to Guagua, Pampanga. All these new destinations will be serviced by the operator’s future expanded fleet of 15 ferry boats. Almost a year after its maiden voyage in July 2007, Metrostar has become a viable transportation alternative to traffic-congested Cavite. While land travel takes two hours, a Metrostar ferry ride from Cavite City to Pasay only takes about 40 minutes. The Metrostar Manila Bay leisure cruises offer daytime and evening tours, which include an introduction of the area’s history and viewing of the major sights in the metropolis. With the Bay known for its spectacular sunsets, the evening tours are more popular. The location of the terminal – world class shopping haven Mall of Asia – is a destination in itself. A 100 percent Filipino-owned corporation which started operating a daily ferry service between Cavite City and the MOA in mid-2007, Metrostar has put into service brand new and modern Filipino-designed twin-hull, twin-engine, fiberglass ferryboats with a 130-550 passenger capacity. Passenger terminals are located at the MOA complex fronting Manila Bay, beside the Shrine of Jesus Church, and at the port of Cavite City, behind the municipal hall. Fares for the MOA-Cavite City (and vice versa) route have been recently reduced from Php75 to Php55 per person. Senior citizens and students enjoy a special marked-down rate. Leisure cruises are pegged at Php120 per person. These fares include passenger insurance of up to Php200,000. | ||
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| Talks on for Sta. Rosa, Laguna – Toyokawa, Japan Twinning Agreement | Jul/14/2008 |
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| Talks on for Sta. Rosa, Laguna – Toyokawa, Japan Twinning Agreement Talks are in place for a twinning agreement between Sta. Rosa, Laguna and Toyokawa City in Japan. This development was revealed by the Department of Tourism (DOT) after it facilitated the initial meeting between the local government officials of the said jurisdictions. “We’re optimistic that forthcoming talks between the two cities will eventually lead to a more formal cooperative program that will bring mutual benefits. The Department decided that Sta. Rosa and Toyokawa would make a perfect match in terms of their local industries,” said Ace Durano, Secretary of Tourism. Sta. Rosa City Mayor Arlene Arcillas-Nazareno led a six-man delegation accompanied by DOT Region IV Director Louella Jurilla in their initial conference with Toyokawa City Mayor Minoru Yamawaki. “We had a very productive meeting with our counterparts in Toyokawa City. Plans for arranging a sister cityhood is very plausible since our development goals tie up well,” shared Mayor Arcillas. Arcillas further reported that they have invited the Toyokawa government officials to visit her jurisdiction to continue the exchange and work towards finalizing the agreement. The twinning agreement would focus on the transfer of knowledge and technology that would mutually develop their domestic industries, which is dominated by manufacturing. The cooperation would also include tourism, cultural and academic exchanges. Venues for discussing local governance and policy will also be explored. Sta. Rosa is a 1st Class City in the Laguna province. Dubbed the “Investment Capital of South Luzon,” the city is host to the manufacturing plants of several Japanese multinational companies, including Nissan, Toyota, Honda and Mitsubishi. Foodstuff producer Monde Nissin Corporation also has a facility located in Sta. Rosa’s Barangay Balibago. Sta. Rosa is also known as the site of Enchanted Kingdom, one of the major theme parks in the Philippines, as well as several housing developments. In the same manner, Toyokawa City of the Aichi Prefecture is known as the production area for transportation equipment and parts, general machinery, electronics and agricultural goods. | ||
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| DOT, Tourism Industry Expands Reach into Japan Outbound Market | Jul/14/2008 |
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| DOT, Tourism Industry Expands Reach into Japan Outbound Market The Department of Tourism (DOT) and its private sector partners has recently concluded business talks with over 1,127 Japanese tour operators and industry stakeholders at the Fourth Philippine Business Mission (PBM). Co-sponsored by Philippine Airlines, the week-long road show covered, for the first time, Fukuoka in addition to Osaka, Nagoya and Tokyo. According to Ace Durano, Secretary of Tourism, "We have reached an unprecedented attendance in the four-year history of organizing the PBM. This mission has opened new opportunities for both our local industry players and their Japanese counterparts." Durano led a 65-man delegation representing local tour operators, dive centers, hotels, resorts, spas, airlines, transportation services and provincial tourism offices. The PBM program involved a briefing session on the country's tourism destinations, facilities, services, flight availability and other vital travel data. Cebu and Manila currently stand as the most popular destinations for Japanese travelers. While these areas were presented at the PBM, they shared the spotlight with Davao, Bohol, Boracay, Palawan, Laguna, Batangas and Negros –places that the DOT anticipates would become the next holiday hotspots for this market. Philippine Airlines, the biggest carrier flying between Japan and the country, was also present to highlight the latest business class and cabin upgrades, aircraft acquisitions and other developments that would benefit the Japanese traveler. The flag carrier flies more than 26 times weekly from Manila and Cebu to Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka. Japanese nationals further gave testimonials about their visits to the Philippines. Freelance photographer Hironobu Mochizuki teased the audience with colorful images of Filipino fiestas, locations and other sights. "Nature, history, shopping, relaxation –you can enjoy all of them. No matter where you go, you will be greeted with cordial Filipino hospitality and talking with local people will be one of the pleasures," shared Sakoto Matsui, who works for Osaka-based non-government organization Japan Asian Association and Asian Friendship Society. The travel mart section allowed the Philippine trade participants to conduct one-on-one discussions with Japanese industry stakeholders for possible joint promotional activities. "Many of the Japanese tour operators know about us but this was a chance for them to update them on what we have to offer and make strong ties for future bookings," said Efren Belarmino, General Manager of Plantation Bay Resort and Spa in Cebu. "The participants are very interested in new destinations. They're also receptive to adding our facilities into their Philippine packages," reported Rizza Sebastian, Sales and Marketing Director for Dos Palmas Island Resort & Spa, which has properties in Palawan and Batangas. Boracay's Discovery Shores Sales Director Leeds Trompeta concurred, "The response was overwhelming. The Japanese are always looking for something extraordinary and they were happy to know that Boracay is ready to cater to premium preferences." Other Philippine establishments that presented their facilities in various islands included participated in the PBM included Alegre Beach Resort, Alta Visa de Boracay, Boracay Regency Beach Resort and Convention Center, Cebu Parklane International Hotel, Club Paradise, Costabella Tropical Beach Hotel, Eden Island Resort, Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa, Hilton Cebu Resort and Spa, Hyatt Casino and Hotel, Marco Polo, Oxford Suites, Pacific Cebu Resort, Shangri-La Mactan Resorts and Spa, Tambuli Resorts, The Farm at San Benito and Waterfront Hotels and Casino. Travel wholesalers ATJ Travel and Tours, Attic Tours, Baron Travel, Cebu San-Pu Tours and Travel, Metropolitan Co. Ltd., Sanyo International Tokyo, Travel Experts Center and Travel Vision also participated in the table-top meeting sessions. Supporting the presence of the Philippine delegation were Consul General Maria Lourdes Ramiro-Lopez, Vice Consul for Cultural and Filipino Community Affairs Anna de Vera, Osaka-based tourism attaché Araceli Soriano and Tokyo-based tourism attaché Valentino Cabansag. While in Japan, Durano and DOT Undersecretary for Tourism Planning and Promotions Eduardo Jarque Jr. further met with the officers of the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) in Kyushu and Chubu, the Tourism Industry Association of Japan in Tokyo and the DOT’s Japan-based marketing and promotions partner JTB. According to DOT Undersecretary Jarque, "The Department highly values its relations with JATA and other stakeholders as they are strategic in positioning our destinations." The sessions sought to align the marketing objectives of the DOT with the Japanese travel industry, identify challenges and explore new programs that will encourage visitor traffic between the Philippines and Japan. "We see the Philippines as an important partner in Japan's 'Visit the World Campaign' in which the government aims to achieve 20 million outbound tourists by 2010," disclosed JATA Chubu Chairman Nobuhisa Okada. A cocktail reception closed the day with more opportunities for networking. Japan is currently the third leading source of travelers to the Philippines. Arrivals from this country reached 157,362 from January to May 2008, providing 11.5 percent of over-all tourist traffic. The DOT attributes this strong presence to its marketing campaign which targets independent young women, divers and active seniors. These sectors are considered “quality travelers,” who opt for premium activities and accommodations. | ||
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| DOT Begins Tourism Cooperation with India | Jul/14/2008 |
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| DOT Begins Tourism Cooperation with India The Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Ministry of Tourism of India have recently signed a cooperative agreement that will jumpstart projects mutually benefiting the travel industries of the Philippines and India. "Tourist arrivals from India to our islands grew at an average of 11.4 percent over the past five years. With the many things happening for the Philippines with regards to this market, the signing comes at an opportune time to discuss ways and means that will enable both countries to seize the potentials and enhance tourist traffic," said Ace Durano, Secretary of Tourism, in a statement. Manas Battacharya, Economic Advisor for the Indian Tourism Ministry, shared, "The similar colonial past and diverse destinations open up many opportunities. This event is the beginning of a journey that will eventually make India and the Philippines an integrated destination for the global traveler." The agreement includes a seven-day exchange program to allow each party to share experiences in tourism product creation, promotion and marketing, cultural and medical tourism, as well as manpower and infrastructure development. The industry learning session begins in September 2009 with a five-member delegation from India visiting the main tourist destinations around the country. Likewise, the DOT will organize a similar team to visit India in 2010. The two parties will further look into enhancing the industry's human resources by organizing and facilitating seminars, workshops and conferences, with much focus on cultural and ecological tourism, hospitality, health and wellness tourism. The plan also states the participation in travel fairs and other similar events organized in each other's country. This will provide a venue for travel agents, hotels and resorts, transport services and other tourism-related establishments to meet for potential tie-ups and other business prospects. Business missions, trade invitational events and discussions will be set up to further promote investment in the tourism sector. The DOT and its Indian counterpart will also establish a transfer system for relevant updates and data. The agreement was signed by DOT Director for Tourism Development and Planning Rolando Cañizal, Manas Battacharya, Economic Advisor for the Indian Tourism Ministry. The event was witnessed by DOT Team India Head Glen Agustin, DOT Officer-in-Charge for Policy Alex Macatuno, Department of Foreign Affairs Desk Assistant for South Asia Sheila Gestoso, India Tourism Office in Singapore Assistant Director Neela Lad and Indian Embassy in Manila Second Secretary Ashiok Warrier. "Already, we are looking into the possibility of packaging India, the Philippines and another ASEAN country as a single tourism product. This is a simple way of going around the challenge of the current flight availability between our country and India," revealed DOT Director Rolando Cañizal. At the moment, air transport services between the countries include stopovers at either Singapore or Malaysia. The DOT sees the cooperative projects to strategically increase travel in the long term and thus create a stronger demand for seats. Indian tourist arrivals from January to May 2008 grew by 24.4 percent over the same period last year. Expenditures from Indian travelers amounted to U.S.$ 53.9 million in 2007. This provided 11 percent of the sector's overall earnings from foreign arrivals. Spending focused mainly on accommodation, food and beverage, and shopping. | ||
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| DOT Calls for Private Sector Participants to Europe Sales Events | July/17/2008 |
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| DOT Calls for Private Sector Participants to Europe Sales Events Department of Tourism (DOT) is inviting hotels, resorts, tour operators, transport services, and other travel-related establishments to assist in promoting the country’s adventure tourism destinations around the Philippines in three major events in France and Russia this September. According to Ace Durano, Secretary of Tourism, “Europe is one of our growth areas. While we maintain strong presence in several countries such as the U.K., Germany and France, we are seeing an overwhelming increase in Russian arrivals. Private businesses that have joined us in past marketing missions have gained significant benefits and these activities will open more opportunities.” From September 16 to 19, the DOT will again take part of the annual TopResa International Travel Market in France. The event is considered the leading business-to-business venue for the French tourism industry with the rest of the world. TopResa celebrates its 30th anniversary this year and will be held for the first time in Paris. Previous editions were held in Deauville, north of France. The DOT has reserved a 63-square meter space on which to showcase the country’s latest adventure and eco-tourism activities to over 20,000 travel wholesalers and other industry decision-makers expected to attend. “What makes this year’s participation exciting is the awareness gained through the latest season of the Koh Lanta reality TV show, which was shot entirely in Caramoan, Camarines Sur,” shared Eduardo Jarque Jr., DOT Undersecretary for Tourism Planning and Promotions. Jarque added that the department will be hosting a Mabuhay Philippine reception night, which will also serve as the celebration party for the cast and crew of Koh Lanta Caramoan. Koh Lanta is the French version of the popular “Survivor” TV show. The 8th installment, which takes place in Caramoan, builds on the top-rating success of its preceding series located in Palawan. Closely following TopResa is the DOT’s first-ever selling mission to St. Petersburg, Russia from September 19 to 21. As of this report, the Department has invited over 70 leading tour operators based in this major Russian city to participate and meet with their Filipino counterparts. The DOT also plans to update the attendees on the latest trends in Philippine tourism, and promote the islands through a special press conference with the Russian media. A cocktail reception closes the event, providing more opportunities for networking. The Department anticipates that the promotional activity will help expand its reach into the Russian market. Most visitor arrivals emanate from this area, whose outbound tourism sector is considered one of the most developed in Central Russia. Dovetailing the St. Petersburg mission are the Otdykh Leisure Moscow and Luxury Leisure Fairs at the Crocus Expo in Moscow from September 23 to 26, 2008. These are Russia’s premier venues for travellers planning their winter holidays and trade players in search of new packages. This year, the country will occupy a 150-square meter area at the Otdykh Leisure Moscow to entice visitors to choose their adventure under the tropical sun. Meanwhile, a pavilion at the concurrent Luxury Leisure Fair will focus on the country’s health and wellness attractions. “Our booth earned an award for the visibly dynamic collaboration of the DOT and our private sector partners, as well as the over-all experience we gave our visitors,” noted Verna Buensuceso, head for DOT Team Europe. Arrivals from Europe during May grew by 15 percent over the figures in same month in 2007. Tourist traffic from France revealed a 28.3 percent hike, while Russia posted a 70.5 percent increase. The Secretary is confident that the Philippines will maintain its prominence as a choice destination for European adventure-seekers, divers, water sports enthusiasts, nature-lovers and holiday-makers. Travel and leisure trade enterprises interested in participating in any of the DOT’s promotional activities for Europe may call Verna Buensuceso, Head of DOT Team Europe, at 523-0934, 524-1928 and 523-8411 locals 254 or 256. | ||
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| RP to Explore Tourism Opportunities in Vietnam | July/17/2008 |
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| RP to Explore Tourism Opportunities in Vietnam The Department of Tourism (DOT) is looking into the possibility of tapping the outbound tourist market of Vietnam and nearby Mekong countries, as it participates for the first time in the Vietnam International Travel Expo (ITE) in Ho Chi Min from September 12-14 this year. Ace Durano, Secretary of Tourism, stressed that “The Philippines is always looking for new sectors to tap for foreign visitors and, eventually, develop the industry.” Durano explained that DOT’s participation in the upcoming Vietnam ITE will help boost the Philippines as a top Asian destination as the Vietnamese look beyond their shores for new places, taste and cultural experiences. “More and more Vietnam nationals have increasing purchasing power and are eager to experience something new via travel. The market comprises mostly of those preferring a cosmopolitan, urban setting and we are confident that the Philippines can give them that,” he added. Tourism Undersecretary for Planning and Promotions Eduardo Jarque Jr. said the Philippine participation in the event will focus more on providing Vietnam travelers a glimpse of modern city living. “We plan to showcase Filipino creativity through contemporary fashion, design, music, arts and food. The over-all theme centers on giving a taste of Manila and Cebu, how adventure awaits at every corner,” Jarque explained. To this, the DOT will stage a presentation at the Philippine pavilion highlighting the pulse and excitement of urban living and the ingenuity of the Filipino in establishing performing cities. The Department will also arrange for a travel exchange wherein local hotels, travel agents, airlines and other tourism-related enterprises can meet and network with their Vietnamese counterparts. Participants will also be provided with the latest information on the country’s destinations and attractions. A special reception night will offers more opportunities for networking. To be held at the Phu Tho Exhibition Center in Ho Chi Minh, the ITE is Vietnam’s largest business-to-business travel trade venue. Last year’s expo drew in Last year, 160 international buyers from 20 countries and regions. Travel between the country and Vietnam is hassle-free due to the availability of flights between Manila and Ho Chi Min. Low-cost airline Cebu Pacific flies the Manila-Ho Chi Min route three times a week while flag carrier Philippine Airlines flies to Ho Chi Min daily. Rica Bueno, Head of the DOT Team Asia Pacific disclosed that the rapid industrialization of Vietnam is giving its citizens additional cash buffer, which they can spend on travel. “Vietnam promises to be an important travel market for us. We see potentials in promoting the country as a great place to learn English, as well as a medical tourism destination,” Bueno said. Bueno added that travel to the Philippines offers more value for money compared to other Asian countries. Tourist arrivals from Vietnam between January and May 2008 have increased by 59.2 percent over the same period last year. Travel and leisure trade enterprises interested in participating in the Vietnam ITE and other promotional activities in Asia Pacific may call Rica Bueno, Head of DOT Team AsPac, at 523-8411 locals 261 or 262. | ||
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| DOT hails UK conservationists’ new RP expedition | Aug/29/2008 |
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| DOT hails UK conservationists’ new RP expedition The Department of Tourism (DOT) welcomes the Coral Cay Conservation (CCC), a British-based group of award-winning specialists in coral reef and tropical forest conservation, on its newest Philippine expedition, this time in Sogod Bay, Southern Leyte. The 2008 CCC expedition is composed of 20 British students aged 17-19, accompanied by 2 supervisors, who will undergo a four-week training on ‘Tropical Ecology and Coastal Resource Course’ from August - September 2008. “Our environment is the wellspring of tourism. We support all efforts to preserve this natural wealth with which our country has been bountifully blessed,” said Ace Durano, Secretary of Tourism. The expedition is set at Sogod Bay in Southern Leyte, an upcoming diving destination teeming with exotic marine life which includes pygmy seahorses and whale sharks. Sogod Bay is endowed with pristine reefs and soft and hard corals which are majestically formed. In a reception held by the Philippine Embassy for the scholars and their families, Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom Edgardo Espiritu said, “I hope that by the end of your sojourn, you will become our adopted ambassadors helping us promote the beauty of our islands, while at the same time wearing the hat of marine conservationists.” The volunteers and young scholars who have joined CCC’s expeditions have had good things to say about their Philippine experience and can potentially be good ‘ambassadors’ for Philippine tourism in general. After the Ambassador’s address, the Philippine Department of Tourism Office in London gave a 20-minute talk to the scholars. London Tourism Attaché, Chicoy Enerio, said, “The scholars were surprised to know that we are just an hour and 45 minutes from Hong Kong as we showed the Philippines' distance in relation to Europe and other ASEAN countries.” The presentation was a virtual tour of the Philippines, covering areas from the northernmost to the southernmost part of the Philippines. It also included topics on culture, traditions, tourist attractions, important places to visit, and transportation. After the program, the DOT also gave out general information kits, some focusing on Leyte. The DOT arranged for the scholars an airport reception in Manila and in Tacloban and coordinated round-trip transportation from the airport to the hotel. The group will also be hosted to a buffet breakfast at Mabuhay Manor Manila and a brunch upon arrival at Tacloban airport. The 2008 CCC expedition, together with the Jack Petchey Foundation (JPF) and CCC Scholarship Programme, gives scholarship to British students from underprivileged background to join CCC expeditions. It is the penultimate phase of the JPF/CCC Coral Reef Conservation Scholarship Programme for the year, which coincides with the UN declaration of 2008 as the ‘International Year of the Reef’. “The scholars have been chosen from among the 1,300 students who underwent an ‘Expedition Training Course’ given by CCC,” explained Peter Raines, CEO and Founder of CCC. Added Raines, “They will be put through a rigorous training while allowing them the opportunity to contribute to the conservation of the marine ecosystem in Sogod Bay.” CCC has been working in the Philippines since 1995. Their pilot project in Danjugan Island, Negros Occidental, received from the Philippine Government the ‘National Best Managed Reef Award’ in 2001. The spillover effect of CCC’s work on the country’s tourism industry could not be ignored. From the marine conservation programs in Negros, CCC moved on to establish a network of community-managed marine protected areas in southern Leyte and Palawan. The group has also sent various expeditions to Polillo Islands and northern Negros and has trained local communities in sustainable use and development of their marine ecosystem. CCC’s work has helped develop an increasing self-sufficiency among its host local communities. CCC’s objectives also complement well with the country’s thrust of promoting its eco- and adventure tourism. Likewise, CCC has active links with Year-Out Group, the biggest British group that sends gap year students from the UK to various parts of the globe. The UK sends out more than 200,000 gap-year students every year and is therefore a potential tourism market sector for the Philippines. | ||
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| DOT’s Grand Finale for Expo Zaragoza | Aug/29/2008 |
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| DOT’s Grand Finale for Expo Zaragoza “The biggest water festival on earth is about to end its run but not without a big splash from the Philippines,” said Ace Durano, Secretary of Tourism on the final weeks of the year’s most important exhibition, Expo Zaragoza, which highlights the theme, Water and Sustainable Development. The exposition is ongoing in the ancient Spanish City of Zaragoza, the country’s fifth largest city. The Philippines, through the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Trade and Industries (DTI), sent its own delegation in the exposition which has over 100 countries participating. The Philippine pavilion is set up with an underwater theme that showcases the country’s teeming marine life. There is also an interesting display of 10 spheres containing the country’s best water practices. Domingo Ramon Enerio, Tourism Attache for London and Deputy Commissioner General of the Philippine delegation, said, “We are all set for the rest of the month with fun and festive activities to entertain guests which come to around 8,000 daily.” Enerio further said that they have an ongoing travel exchange with Catai Tours, Ultima Frontera and Viajes Iberia. Showcasing the Philippines’ top destinations, the travel exchange pushes adventure tourism in Bohol and Davao, diving in Palawan, trekking in Luzon, and shopping in Manila. Dive packages and other underwater adventure packages are being snapped up by guests. The team is also raffling off prizes to lucky visitors. The first draw held gave out a 6-day trip to premier Philippine destinations and a Jewelmer gold pearl pendant. Other draws are scheduled in the following days. “Luminaries are likewise frequenting our pavilion. Just the other day we welcomed Her Highness, Ubolratana Mahidol, Princess of Thailand.” Enerio added that Princess Mahidol was serenaded by the UST Singers and was given a grand tour of the Philippine pavilion. The daughter of King Bhumidol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit reportedly enjoyed the “hilot” or traditional massage and coffee-tasting. Gruppo Tribale, a 6-man percussion group, has also debuted with their daily performances in front of the pavilion, drawing crowds into dancing and merry-making. While the UST Singers have started serenading guests with ‘kundiman’ and well-known Spanish songs in, “Nostalgia Filipina.” Outside the booth, the Philippine delegation will host a big get-together for travel wholesalers, operators, and media members. The event dubbed as Filipinas Te Esperra Party Night will have the travel exchange, free massage and overflowing drinks courtesy of Tanduay Rhum at Las Playas. Another celebrity, Zaragoza’s Fluvi have also gained a media frenzy in his much-celebrated meeting of the Philippines’ Filipo. The mascots’ partying was covered live by Spain’s top glodabl media networks such as Aragon Televisión and Radio Nacional de Espaῆa, and an Australian broadcasting company, SBS TV. Leading newspapers in Spain have also featured photos of the two beloved mascots. A unique campaign on Filipo was also launched in partnership with Heraldo De Aragon, the no. 1 daily newspaper in Aragon, a province in Spain. The paper publishes photos of guests taken with Filipo with caption that reads, “Is this you with Filipo?” Featured winners are instructed to claim their prize from the Philippine pavilion. Expo souvenir items showcasing Philippine ingenuity and craftsmanship are on discount at 40% off for “Rebajas”. Before its closing, the 2008 Expo Zaragoza is expected to have received 7 million guests from all over the world. | ||
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| 2008 Tourism Week Photo & Product Exhibit, DOT-NCR & NCR Tourism Officers Associations (NCRTOA) | Sept/22/2008 |
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| 2008 Tourism Week Photo & Product Exhibit, DOT-NCR & NCR Tourism Officers Associations (NCRTOA) In annual celebration of the National Tourism Week, the DOT-National Capital Region and the NCR Tourism Officers Association (NCRTOA) is mounting "Rediscovering the Best ... Metropolitan Manila!", (People, Places, Products and Practices), a 3-day exhibit/activity to be held at the Music Hall, SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City from September 29 to October 1, 2008 from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM. The exhibit which will officially open on 29 September at 6:00 P.M., will present the different attractions, culture, festivals, sites, destinations, products, & services of Metro-Manila's 17 LGUs (Cities/ Municipality). Cultural presentations, different contests, trivia/s and raffles await viewers and guests at the activity center. Further to this launching, the Exhibit will be on “Tour” of the 17 NCR local government units in the succeeding six months. We hope to promote awareness, especially among our youth, our region’s heritage and enhance our pride on what Metro-Manila has now to offer our local and foreign visitors. COME, VISIT, VIEW and VALUE the “2008 DOT-NCRTOA Photo and Product Exhibit”. For more information please contact Dalisay Alvarado DOT-NCR Tel. No. : 525-7082 E-mail Address: dalisayalvarado@yahoo.com | ||
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| DOT Pushes Rural Tourism to Hike Countryside Income | Mar/27/2008 |
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| DOT Pushes Rural Tourism to Hike Countryside Income The Department of Tourism (DOT) is promoting community-based rural tourism to optimize the production and sale of indigenous products, boost household incomes and encourage ecological preservation in the countryside. The DOT is coordinating with Asian Productivity Organization Japan, Philippine Small and Medium Business Development Foundation, Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) and the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation (PCVC) for this program. According to Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, “The community-based rural tourism project was designed to stimulate sustainable economic activity in the countryside and open up more opportunities to uplift the quality of life.” The tourism chief added that the project complements the DOT’s thrust to protect natural resources by offering eco-tourism as a better alternative to dynamite fishing, slash-and-burn farming and other practices that destroy, pollute and endanger the rural environment. To help jumpstart the program, a seminar on Community-Based Rural Tourism will be held at the Marriott Hotel in Cebu City on March 26-28. The seminar aims to enlighten community organizations and enterprises on the many opportunities from rural tourism, how to market and promote their local culture, natural attractions, products and services as package. Participants will further learn how to develop and preserve natural and man-made assets. The sessions will also cover the basics of project planning and implementation, establishing a hospitality industry in rural destinations and maintaining the delivery of high-quality services to meet traveler expectations. “We plan to share with them models of best practices in rural tourism management, thus raising the level of their capabilities in this new enterprise,” Durano explained. Representatives national and provincial tourism organizations and from local industry associations and chambers of commerce are expected to attend the seminar. Small and medium entrepreneurs, provincial and municipal officials, travel agents, tour operators, and executives of local hotels and resorts will also be present. As of this report, over 220 participants have confirmed their attendance for the seminar, exceeding the targeted number of 150. | ||
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| DOT invites British divers to plunge into the Philippines | Apr/01/2008 |
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| DOT invites British divers to plunge into the Philippines The country’s underwater attractions stood out in the recent London International Dive Show, touted to be the largest expo for the diving community in the United Kingdom. The Philippine booth presented the diverse marine life and aquatic adventures surrounding the islands. Photo shows (from left) Department of Tourism (DOT) Undersecretary for Tourism Planning and Promotions Eudardo Jarque, Jr., Travel Time producer Susan Calo-Medina, journalist Katrina Holigores, London-based Tourism Attaché Domingo Enerio III and DOT Marketing Head for Team Europe Verna Buensuceso sporting their waterproof Dive Philippines vests in front of the Philippine pavilion. Representatives from the DOT’s partner tour operators and dive resorts successfully closed transactions with their British counterparts and diving groups. A fully-hosted Philippine underwater adventure for two was raffled out to exhibit visitors. The DOT’s participation in the London International Dive Show aims to encourage repeat visits and longer stays by more tourists from the United Kingdom. The U.K. is currently the top provider of foreign arrivals from the European region. | ||
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| Adventure Philippines breaks out at world's biggest travel fair | Apr/01/2008 |
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| Adventure Philippines breaks out at world's biggest travel fair It's all about leaving the beaten path behind and taking on pure, high-octane adventure. From mountain trekking to spelunking, encountering rare migratory birds or giant whale sharks, the Department of Tourism (DOT) formally lunged into the Adventure Philippines campaign at the recent Internationale Tourismus-Börse (ITB Berlin), the largest travel fair in the world. According to Ace Durano, Secretary of Tourism, "ITB Berlin is the definitive venue for the global travel and tourism industry. Naturally, this proved to be the best place to present the Philippines as one of the top adventure travel destinations in Asia." Announced during the first quarter of this year, Adventure Philippines promotes the country as the region's center for ecotourism, nature exploration, scuba diving and water sports, and extreme quests. The DOT has partnered with R.O.X. (Recreational Outdoor Exchange), the biggest outdoor equipment retailer in Southeast Asia, in developing packages and marketing activities. Durano shared that for a destination to be considered part of Philippine Adventure, it should touch on at least two of three components: involves a physical activity, allows for cultural exchange and interaction, and engages the natural environment or ecology. Some of the Philippine Adventure excursions announced at the 42nd ITB include hiking and trekking on the various mountain peaks across the country, scuba diving in wreck sites and coral reefs around the islands, white-water rafting, surfing in Siargao, windsurfing in Boracay, mountain biking through Northern Luzon, whale shark interaction in the waters of Donsol, spelunking down the ancient caves of Sagada and rock climbing on the limestone faces of Palawan. "Our participation in this year's ITB showed a new side of the Philippines. As we strengthened the country's positioning as a relaxing tropical getaway, we also featured destinations for travelers that are out for an adrenaline rush. At the end of the day, it's all about the Philippines offering more than the usual experiences and giving more reasons for visitors to come back," Durano elaborated. The 42nd ITB Berlin was held at the sprawling 160,000 square meter fairground of the Center ICC in Berlin, Germany. Reputed to be the leading event for the international travel industry, over 11,000 travel wholesalers, resorts, hotels, airlines, cruises, tourism associations, national tourism offices and other tourism-related enterprises from 180 countries and territories were on exhibit for business-to-business transactions and meetings with potential tourists. This year's expo drew in over 180,000 guests comprised of business decision makers and individuals planning their next holiday. The 200 square-meter Philippine pavilion featured the breathtaking landscapes, exhilarating extreme sports activities and awe-inspiring dive sites around the islands. Tour operators Annset Holidays, Art of Travel, Baron Travel, Blue Horizon and Intas Destination Management met up with their counterparts for joint marketing promotions, as well as accommodated inquiries from interested thrill-seekers and vacationers. Likewise, Pinjalo Resort/Calypso Divers featured the country's world-renowned diving attractions to the watersports sector. Fla | ||