MANILA – The tourism industry will recover amid the uncertainty brought by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
This is the consensus of tourism experts tapped by the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) in partnership with the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) in a webinar Tuesday.
In the virtual talk titled “The Future of Travel: A World Travel and Tourism Council Exclusive Panel,” DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat expressed confidence in rebuilding the local tourism industry with the help of WTTC, whose primary initiative is crisis preparedness, management and recovery in the travel and tourism industry.
“The WTTC has worked with the World Economic Forum, the World Health Organization and key stakeholders in coming up with recommendations to minimize the impact of past pandemics in the industry. Acknowledging this fact, we are definitely certain that their insights will be greatly beneficial to our local tourism players,” she said.
WTTC president and chief executive officer Gloria Guevara Manzo focused on discussing a global coordinated approach to re-establish effective operations, remove travel barriers and re-open borders.
Manzo underscored the need to add health components and combine the latest technology, and necessary protections and protocols to enhance a seamless traveler journey experience.
She said global protocols or standards defined by the travel and tourism private sector, health experts, and public sector can help gain back travelers’ confidence.
Craig Smith, president and managing director of Asia Pacific Marriott International, shared optimism the industry will “certainly recover” and that Asia will recover faster than any part of the world, though one can expect that it will happen in different segments and geographies.
Smith has lauded the bullish travel and tourism industry in Philippines for the past five years, citing the construction of at least 21 projects in the country undertaken by Marriott International,
“Travel will change and there will be a new normal, we have to be ready for that,” he said.
Foreseeing major uncertainties in global capital flows, Shirley Tan, chief executive officer of Rajawali Property Group, reminds investors of the importance of securing new investments, while putting in effort in asset management, capital preservation, and liquidity management at the same time.
She also cited increased collaboration among the private sector and government as one of the keys to tourism industry recovery.
Tan also encouraged Philippine tourism industry players to explore and take advantage of the latest technologies in offering novel and more creative on-site experiences that can attract the younger travel demographic.
Gary Chapman, president of the Group Services and DNATA Emirates Group, forecasts a three- to four-year recovery period for the airline industry.
He underscored the necessity of setting “consistent and clear standards,” adding it will be a “different world, a different tourism industry in general”.
Meanwhile, Puyat enjoined the support of all sectors to ensure that health and safety protocols are in place to regain travelers’ confidence.
“There is more to tourism than just counting the numbers of arriving tourists. We are in the business of selling destinations so communities will thrive; we market adventure so our people will be employed; we promote culture as a way of preserving our heritage. The concept of tourism is deeply embedded in our consciousness, and I would like to believe that this is what makes our industry resilient from all the challenges, even the toughest one that we are about to overcome,” she said.
Since April, the DOT has successfully organized a handful of online learning courses that aim to help local tourism players become more competitive, with new knowledge, technological advances, and ways to innovate and to be able to cater to a new breed of travelers.
“The challenges brought about by the current health crisis that we are experiencing should not deter us from fulfilling our mission to ensure that the industry is seamless, secure, safe, inclusive and sustainable,” Puyat added.
Travel Blog Exchange (TBEX) Asia Pacific 2016 participants from across the world had the opportunity to experience the many wonders of the Philippines as part of the full-packed itinerary prepared for the world’s largest annual gathering of travel bloggers, writers, content media creators and industry professionals.
Presented by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), the tours provided not only an exciting visit to the world-famous white-sand beaches of Boracay and Palawan, but also a unique experience of Filipino culture, people, food and nightlife through equally tantalizing destinations from north to the south of the country.
They got to visit UNESCO World Heritage sites including the historic town of Vigan, Ilocos Sur and the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras in Ifugao. Their itinerary also included Pampanga, Batanes and Tagaytay.
The participants had a glimpse of the country’s rich history with a tour of Intramuros and Corregidor Island. A pubcrawl was also prepared for them to promote Manila’s nightlife, which is considered one of the best in Asia.
They also visited the historical Magellan’s Cross and Basilica de Santo NiƱo in Cebu and travelled to Siquijor – a province that is famous for its folk healing, myths of sorcery, and the supernatural.
The participants sampled adventure while traversing the rural land trail towards Mayon Volcano in Legazpi on ATVs, Kayak along the Bulusan Lake in Sorsogon, and white-water rafting and river trekking in the rapids of Cagayan de Oro. Taking a leisurely getaway, they were also given an A-list treatment in the picturesque towns of Siargao and Davao.
TBEX 2016 was made possible with the support of Philippine Airlines, Globe Telecom, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), and Duty Free Philippines. Other sponsors included Amorita Resort, The Lind Boracay, Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel, Limketkai Luxe Hotel, Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa, Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa, Pearl Farm Beach Resort, Primer Group of Companies, The Funny Lion Palawan, Merrell Philippines, Lakan, Banana Peel, Le Spa at Sofitel, Park Inn by Radisson, Hotel Luna, Bluewater Maribago Resort and Spa, Sonya’s Garden, Museo Orlina, and Grab Philippines.
The event was also made possible through the participation of volunteers from the University of the Philippines, Centro Escolar University, University of Santo Tomas, and Philippine Women’s University.
By hosting international events such as TBEX in the country, the Philippines is eventually becoming one of the most sought-after destinations among travel experts and industry professionals.
The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) recently visited Leyte, as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) program to help the province recover from the aftermath of the disastrous typhoon Yolanda that hit the country in 2013.
Leyte was one of the hard-hit areas in Visayas. It was engulfed by a deadly storm surge and hundreds of families were badly affected, especially those living along the coastlines. Even after three years, the province is still recovering from the disaster as thousands lost everything – their shelter, livelihood and families.
TPB started their outreach program by bringing cheer to the orphaned and underprivileged children from the Social City Welfare, as well as the elderly from the Pope Francis Complex Center for the Poor. TPB employees donated school supplies, toys, books, canned goods, toiletries and clothes to children and elderly.
To help in protecting the coasts of Leyte from another fortuitous event, TPB employees also planted mangroves along the shores.
To cap off their charitable mission, the employees visited some of Leyte’s tourist attractions, such as the Sto. NiƱo Church, Palo Church, Sto. NiƱo Shrine and Museum, San Juanico Bridge, MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park and the Leyte Provincial Capitol. They also visited M/V Eva Jocelyn, one of 17 cargo ships that was washed ashore by the storm surge during typhoon Yolanda from the waters of the Port of Tacloban City to a side of a hill in Barangay 37 which was turned into a monument and a mini-park; and the Tzu Chi Great Love Village in Palo, a Taiwanese Buddhist foundation which provides livelihood and shelter for the victims of the typhoon.
“Apart from promoting the country’s wonderful tourist spots, we, at TPB, are also committed to help communities and preserve the environment. We hope that in our humble efforts, we not only protect our natural wonders, but more importantly, uplift the spirits of our fellow Filipinos,” says TPB Chief Operating Officer (COO) Domingo Ramon Enerio III.
TPB’s visit to Leyte is the 2nd leg of its CSR program this year, which started in Occidental Mindoro and will conclude in Palawan. They also had similar activities in Boracay, Bohol and Camiguin last year. By setting an example, TPB’s charitable works hope to inspire not just its employees, but also other agencies and the general public to help the country in restoring its beauty and making the Philippines more fun.
ICONIC HITMAKER ONEREPUBLIC TO PERFORM ON 24 JUNE 2016
MTV Music Evolution Manila is back for more fun again in the Philippines!
Tourism Promotions Board Philippines (TPB) reprises its collaboration with MTV, a unit of Viacom Inc. MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016 on Friday, 24 June 2016.
This will be the second year, the award-winning* show will be held in the Philippines this year 2016 on a the one-night only live music event and will celebrate pop music like never before – enabling fans to experience and discover the evolution of pop music and its dance influence that keeps fans moving. MTV Asia reveals its first act, the iconic international pop band and prolific hitmaker, OneRepublic, who returns to the Philippines for its second performance since 2013.
MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016 will showcase iconic and contemporary international music artists and the hottest new acts in both the regional and local music scenes on a single stage, while featuring the best of Philippine music and culture to international youth audiences. Further details of MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016, including venue and additions to the artist line-up, will be announced in the run up to the event. The free-entry** event is recorded live for global telecast under the MTV World Stage global series, to an international audience of more than three-quarters of a billion households in over 160 countries.
“We’re thrilled to return with MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016. Manila is an iconic city renowned for its rich music and dance culture. With robust music fans, Manila is naturally one of the top cities for us to return with our music events in Asia,” said Mark Whitehead, Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Viacom International Media Networks Asia. “The 2015 history-making show was a huge success. And, it could not have been possible without the strong collaboration with Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines. We’re looking forward to delivering an even bigger and better experience with a celebration of pop and its dance influence at MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016, bringing thousands of people from around the Philippines and across Asia.”
“The Philippines is delighted to host MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016 and to make it a mainstay event on Visit the Philippines calendar. Last year’s inaugural MTV Music Evolution Manila helped put the Philippines on the map of international music and served as a global stage for the world to be introduced to Filipino acts too. We look forward to welcoming international and regional fans and artists to Manila. And we invite young people to come experience our music culture in the Philippines,” said Domingo Ramon ‘Chicoy’ Enerio III, Chief Operating Officer, Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines.
The integrated collaboration will see Visit the Philippines Again 2016 branding appear across MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016 content in the run-up to, during and after the event. MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016 will be supported by a wide range of integrated marketing initiatives driving awareness and engagement for the event. Marketing activities with media campaigns across key targeted markets will include consumer promotions, a dedicated microsite and supporting social media and press campaigns.
MTV Music Evolution Manila is a live music event that brings to life the evolution of a music genre and enables young people to experience and discover how music styles and sounds have evolved over the years. MTV Music Evolution Manila marked its inauguration 2015 edition with a feature on hip hop, which showcased a stellar line-up of international and local acts who took to the stage in celebration of iconic and contemporary hip-hop music. Through explosive performances by HYPERLINK "http://naughtybynature.com/" Naughty by Nature, YG, Apl.de.ap, DJ Cash Money, and the Philippines’, Gloc-9 and Abra, MTV Music Evolution 2015 showcased the way that hip hop has shaken up the music scene throughout the years – taking the music genre to whole new levels for a live audience of more than 22,000 fans who gathered at the historic Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park in Manila.
The concert was one of the many exciting events under the Visit the Philippines Year (VPY) 2015 campaign by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) and the Philippine Department of Tourism. Globally, MTV has a successful history of partnering with Tourism Boards to create compelling and engaging youth experiences.
MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016 passes are not for sale and may be won by fans through game contests that will open on 26 April 2016. Details will be announced in the coming weeks. Sponsors and partners will be giving out passes through their own promotions.
NEWS UPDATES ON SOCIAL MEDIA
In the weeks ahead, fans can get direct information by following MTV Asia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and from "http://www.mtvmusicevo.com/" MTV Music Evolution Manila for news updates on MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016.
The best funk, hip-hop, house, and electronic music acts coupled with energetic dance crews and an amazing lights show meld together in a three-night spectacle guaranteed to get you grooving under the moon and the stars.
The first of its kind in Asia, Malasimbo Festival boasts of an entire experience unlike any other. Malasimbo blends traditional and contemporary arts and culture while working towards protection and sustainability of the environment.
The festival is held outdoors in a grass-terraced amphitheater at the foot of Mt. Malasimbo overlooking Puerto Galera Bay, deemed one of the "The Most Beautiful Bays in the World." Step onto Mount Malasimbo and find out why people have been so entraced by the contagious Malasimbo Magic!
PH to host major travel trade shows and conferences in September
The Philippines is set to host the country’s biggest and most important travel trade event next month – the Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX). Organized by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) in line with its Visit the Philippines Year (VPY) 2015 campaign, this year’s PHITEX will include a 2-day, power-packed conference on general tourism and MICE marketing. It is expected to bring together the different stakeholders in the tourism industry and endorse the country as an ideal destination for various international and high-level business and economic meetings.
“The tourism industry has made so much growth this year with the number of international tourist arrivals increasing by 8.15% since the start of the VPY20125 campaign last January. This is also complimented by the boost in the local tourism scene. With this, it only proves that with enough support from the government and cooperation from the different stakeholders, the tourism industry can grow and compete in the international travel market,” shares TPB Chief Operating Officer Domingo Ramon Enerio III.
TPB Chief Operating Officer Domingo Ramon Enerio III
Kick-starting the events is MICECON, the country’s largest assembly of local stakeholders in Meetings, Incentive travel, Conventions, and Events/Exhibitions (MICE) industry, including hotel and resort owners, tour operators and decision-makers in the hospitality sector. Taking place on September 1-2 at the Manila Marriott Hotel, the two-day conference will showcase new developments, establishments and products in the country as well as advance its capabilities in targeting and handling the MICE market.
MICECON will be followed by the 14th PHITEX, which will be held on September 3 at the same venue. An annual leading marketing congress in the country, the PHITEX aims to strengthen the country’s brand image and encourage the participants to promote affordable and competitive tourism packages. International buyers from Asia, the US, Europe, and other parts of the world will be attending to meet and network with local sellers. Delegates will likewise be composed of MICE industry leaders will discuss global trends in travel, tourism and marketing innovations.
Highlighting PHITEX 2015 are the TRAVEX sessions, which are exclusive business-to-business appointment meetings between Philippine sellers and foreign buyers. These sessions will not only showcase the country’s most competitive MICE and leisure products and services but will also provide foreign buyers the opportunity to experience the fun and exciting post tours to main Philippine attractions and destinations.
Culminating this week-long event is the 26th Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) on September 4-6 to be held at SMX Convention Center. Organized by the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA), PTM is considered to be one of the major travel trade exhibitions in the promotion and marketing of domestic and inbound tourism. The event will attract buyers from all over the world as it presents the best and most affordable tour packages in the country.
“With the upcoming PHITEX, MICECON and PTM, we will once again prove that the Philippines is truly an important destination for international tourists, as well as sustain the success and growth of the tourism industry beyond VPY 2015,” adds Enerio.
The Philippines has become a destination for international wakeboarding events
June was an exciting month for both local and international athletes and sports enthusiasts as Visit the Philippines Year 2015 campaign of the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) featured some of the biggest sporting events across the country.
The CamSur Watersports Complex held the adrenaline-pumping triathlon adventure, the Challenge CamSur 2015, where international triathletes joined in the thrill and competed with local triathlon champions. The event was a spin-off of Challenge Philippines Triathlon, one of the country’s biggest endurance events.
Football fans headed to the Nuvali Football Field in Laguna for the 10th European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) Football Cup. Participated by employees from different companies, organizations and NGOs, the fun cup aimed to build strong bonds with colleagues and to appreciate the game of football.
Monster trucks roared into the SM Mall of Asia Arena for the country’s first Monster Jam. Fans from around the globe came to see the world famous monster trucks and their drivers as they competed in racing and freestyle events. Aside from enjoying the roaring engines and crushing actions, spectators took turns taking selfies with El Toro Loco, Grave Digger and other famous monster trucks.
Sailing enthusiasts were treated to a fun sailing and navigation challenge for catamarans, yachts, jet skis, and kayaks at the Romblon 3 Islands Challenge in Romblon City. Windsurfers, meanwhile, traveled to Anilao, Batangas for the Philippine Windsurfing Camp.
Cooling down the adrenaline were running events that promoted fitness and socialization for everyone. Pro and amateur runners celebrated Father’s Day with their families at the Run with Dad 2015 marathon in Camp Aguinaldo Grandstand. Marathoners were also in full force at Bonifacio Global City for the Fortune Care Run for a Healthier You, a fun run for the Philippine Children’s Medical Center.
With all these fun and energetic sporting events for local and foreign tourists to enjoy, this is indeed a dynamic time to visit the Philippines.
Check out more exciting events and festivals that bring out the fun in you at www.visitph2015.com.
The first batch of Tourism Promotions Board employees getting ready for the mangrove-planting activity
The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), led by TPB Chief Operating Officer (COO) Domingo Ramon Enerio III, encouraged its employees to participate in a series of corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects lined up to help preserve the country’s environment and cultural heritage.
Mobilizing hundreds of TPB employees, the campaign kicked off in Boracay this summer, in time for the country’s busiest tourist season. TPB employees, in cooperation with the Boracay Foundation Inc., conducted a series of beach clean-ups. As one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, Boracay plays host to concerts, sports events, and other major summer activities which leave its shores heavily littered.
TPB OIC for Marketing and Communications, Brand Management and Advertising Ma. Nedalin Miranda (left) with Boracay Foundation Inc. Marine Biologist Trixie Asis
They also planted acropora coral fragments in response to the destruction of coral reefs in the island due to pollution and the influx of tourist vessels, as well as natural stresses like strong current and waves. Through this restoration project, Boracay’s corals can continue to be one of the island’s attractions and home of marine creatures.
The team from Boracay Foundation Inc. explains the importance and process of replanting coral fragments
In addition, they helped plant mangroves along Lugutan Beach on the other side of the island. Mangroves play an important role in protecting the coastlines from erosion, while also serving as nursery area for fish and other sea organisms.
Planting mangrove at Boracay’s Lugutan Beach
Also lined up for TPB employees are visits to Camiguin and Bohol – areas which were devastated by natural calamities. In 2013, Camiguin and Tacloban were both hit by Typhoon Yolanda while Bohol met a 7.2-magnitude earthquake.
Aside from destroying lives and properties of thousands of Filipinos, these disasters also led to the destruction of many cherished historical and cultural sites in the Philippines, including the Church of Our Lady of Light in Loon, Bohol, and the Children’s Park and Sto. NiƱo Church in Tacloban.
Cleaning up right after a major event
From left: Nerissa Jean Cruz, Romina Patricia Blacer, Alvin Jeffry Barcelona, Rona Jean Olaivar, Pamela Denise Cababasay, and Mikhail Camacho
“These activities show TPB’s commitment not only to promoting our many tourist destinations, but also helping preserve our country’s cultural heritage and rebuilding communities whose residents depend on tourism,” explained Enerio.
The Philippines International Furniture Show is expected to draw buyers from around the world.
The Philippines International Furniture Show (PIFS) is all set to assemble the best names in Filipino design and manufacturing to showcase their latest offerings to the local audience and foreign buyers. As part of the Visit the Philippines Year (VPY) 2015, Tourism Promotions Board (TPB)’s year-long campaign to raise the country’s international profile, PIFS is working together with manufacturers to respond to international trends in terms of color and style.
From March 13-16, local and international exhibitors will showcase their latest furniture, lighting systems and other products related to interior design and decoration at SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
“Another highlight of Visit the Philippines Year 2015, the Philippines International Furniture Show is a boon to tourism for it unites all regions to capture the eyes of international design enthusiasts. The craftsmanship of our local designers also tell the stories of their hometowns, which could entice everyone to travel and discover the ingenuity of the Philippines,” said TPB Chief Operating Officer Domingo Ramon Enerio III.
PIFS is one of the largest furniture exhibitions in the Philippines. For exhibitors, the fair is an excellent marketing tool to introduce new products, to establish business contacts, to strengthen their own brand and to maintain existing relationships. PIFS is also showing its support to the VPY 2015 initiative by creating their own photo and video series, “It’s More Fun in the Philippines - Furniture Campaign.”
For more design and trade events happening this Visit the Philippines Year (VPY) 2015, check out the VPY 2015 microsite (www.visitph2015.com).
“PHITEX strengthens our tourism industry by nurturing relationships between our very own players and the range of businesses found throughout the world,” TPB Chief Operating Officer Domingo Ramon Enerio said.
The Tourism Promotion Board (TPB), the marketing arm of the Department of Tourism, plans to push the 'It's More Fun in the Philippines' campaign even further as part of its five-point communication strategy for the coming year. Enerio described 'It's More Fun' as "a very strategic part" of their campaign to boost tourism in the country.
The Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX) provides a venue for sellers of Philippine tourism products to engage top international buyers in business negotiations.
It also continues to be the Department of Tourism’s and the Tourism Promotions Board’s aggressive effort to boost the country’s position in the global market as a top tourist destination.
In support of these objectives this year, PHITEX buyers will not only have pre and post event tours to key Philippine Destinations but even more so, implement tour programs with socio-ecological thrusts.
Enerio encouraged the participants to take advantage of the opportunity to build lasting relationships among each other for the continued attainment of Philippine travel and tourism. The Philippine tourism sector is poised to ride even bigger waves next year as the Asean integration is set to roll out.
This year’s theme, “Innovate and Integrate, Empower and Engage” highlights not only the distinctively fun nature of the archipelago and the Filipino people, but also leverages on sustainable travel through the incorporation of responsible social tourism activities in post-confab tours.
(L-R) From First Distric of Bohol Cong. Rene Lopez Relampagos, Tourism Assistant Secretary Benito C. Bengzon Jr. and Tourism Promotions Board Chief Operationg Officer Domingo Ramon C. Enero III
As it emphasizes "travel with a purpose" PHITEX 2014 reinforces DOT’s targeted 6.8 million foreign visitors in 2014 by expanding their existing transactions in the country, enticing foreign buyers during one-on-one scheduled appointments in the Philippine Travel Exchange.
“Unlike in the past where the post-event tours were primarily for leisure, the 2014 tours are designed with activities that promote sustainability and preservation of environment,” said Tess H. Mauricio, TPB OIC for Marketing and Promotions and PHITEX project director.
Local tour groups with a purpose
There will be nine tour groups, which include trips to – Manila, Makati and BGC, GK Enchanted Farm (Bulacan), Laoag and Vigan, Tagaytay and Puerta Galera, Puerta Princesa, El Nido, Legazpi and Sorsogon, Boracay, and Cebu and Bohol.
First Distric of Bohol Cong. Rene Lopez Relampagos and Tourism Assistant Secretary Benito C. Bengzon Jr.
The Manila, Makati and BGC tour explores the modern global city and the Makati Central Business District. Guests will also be taken back in time by visiting Fort Santiago, Casa Manila, San Agustin Church and museum in the Walled City of Intramuros.
GK Enchanted Farm in Bulacan is the highlight of the second tour group. This is Gawad Kalinga’s platform in promoting social entrepreneurs, helping local farmers and creating alternative employment in the countryside. Guests will survey the various facilities of the farm’s campus, while supporting the different income-generating activities of the area.
Northern Luzon will take on the spotlight with a cultural and historical tour of Laoag and Vigan. Guests will explore Ilocos Norte and stay at Sitio Remedios, a heritage village resort situated in an 18,000 square meter of land re-creating an Ilocano neighborhood typical of the mid-fifties. The group will also visit Ilocos Sur and will be accommodated in Hotel Luna, located at the heart of the Heritage Village in Vigan City, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Aside from the walking and calesa tour of Vigan, participants will also be treated to a gastronomic culinary journey, after which a tree-planting activity awaits participants at Paoay Lake. For the adventure-seekers, the La Paz Sand Dunes is an added delight.
The Tagaytay and Puerto Galera tour group will relax in the oasis of Hamilo Coast in Nasugbu, Batangas, then experience the cold breeze of Tagaytay with a breathtaking aerial view of Taal Volcano. Tai-chi, yoga and the traditional “hilot” massage will also pamper guests at the Nurture Spa Village. One of the highlights of the tour is visiting the Silonay Mangrove Conservation and Eco-tourism Park where guests can explore and understand the vital role of mangrove forests in our country. A visit of the Tamaraw Falls and the Municipal Hall of Puerto Galera follows.
The clean and green city of Puerto Princesa in Palawan is the destination of the fifth group where they will be welcomed at Hotel Centro, with firefly watching in the evening. Guests will also be amazed with the world-renowned Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature in 2012. Mangrove paddling is another experience for the group as part of the community-based social tourism effort.
The El Nido tour presents another priceless gem from Palawan. Nestled between a lush four-hectare forest and a calm, shallow lagoon, Lagen Island in El Nido is an ideal destination for those seeking a relaxing holiday in a private and tranquil island. The surrounding forest and the breathtaking limestone cliffs are natural attractions that serve as sanctuary for a diverse variety of birds and mammals. Here, guests can observe and delight in wildlife flourishing in their natural habitat. Participants will also be treated to a sunset cruise, kayaking and island hopping.
The seventh group exhibits the unique offerings of Legazpi and Sorsogon. Accommodation for the delegates is Misibis Bay Resort where they get to choose to ride ATV’s, mountain bikes, dune buggies, segways or a heart-pounding zipline. In Legazpi, the incredible Mayon Skyline and Daraga Church will welcome guests while in Pilar, Sorsogon, they can snorkel at Bantigui Pt. Marine Sanctuary, or engage in harvesting sea grapes and gathering sea urchins in Panalatuan Cove. Swimming at the Panumbagan Sand Bar is also an option.
The white powdery sand and clear blue waters of Asia’s 24/7 island of Boracay mark the eight tour group as delegates will be welcomed at the luxurious Shangri-La Boracay Resort & Spa. Island hopping and other water sports activities will make it a busy morning for them but the Boracay Foundation coral transplantation efforts, which continuously give shelter and protection to a diverse range of underwater species is a more purposeful activity.
Delegates will appreciate Cebu and Bohol all the more in the ninth leg of tour groups as they explore the historic and natural beauty of Bohol’s countryside. Guests will have an exciting and diverse experience touring the Blood Compact Shrine, Baclayon Church, Chocolate Hills, Loboc River cruise and the Tarsier Sanctuary. Afterwards, Habitat for Humanity will host a social tourism activity geared towards providing shelter to the needy. A short ferry ride brings delegates to Cebu, the Queen City of the South where they will enjoy staying at the Shangri-La Mactan and a heritage tour of the celebrated city follows.
“We are ecstatic to introduce these new itineraries that uplift Philippine tourism efforts with the incorporation of a holistic outlook. The suitable balance between our environment, the economy and our people’s culture are encouraged in PHITEX pre and post-tours to guarantee long-term sustainability of our industry and ultimately, the nation’s growth,” adds Mauricio.
PHITEX 2014 is supported by the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA), Philippine Travel Agencies (PTAA), Hotels Sales and Marketing Association (HSMA) and Board of Airlines Representative (BAR) with Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and Resorts World Manila.
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