TPB Launches Enhanced Membership Program

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Looking to expand and bring more opportunities to its membership program, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) launched its enhanced TPB Membership Program at Luxent Hotel last March 12, 2024.

Under Republic Act No. 9593, otherwise known as the Tourism Act of 2009, the Tourism Promotions Board shall be open for membership to entities, groups and individuals with economic, social or cultural interest in travel trade, congresses and conventions. Year 2023 ended with TPB having a total of 859 members from all over the country.

TPB COO Marga Nograles showed her solidarity with the TPB members during the event

“In my short time with TPB, I've seen that you are truly the core of our tourism industry. There’s so much potential for us to transform the Philippines into a global tourism leader, and this vision is only achievable through our collective effort,” said TPB COO Nograles addressing the stakeholders at the event.

To strengthen the partnership between the agency and its members, TPB’s work plan for the year is to enhance its membership program. This will enable the members to prosper in the digital age, as they can learn how to leverage market intelligence through a series of modules.

Another benefit of the enhanced program is the inclusion of members in the Travel Philippines app. Members will be featured in the app’s directory and the destinations tab, making it easier for aspiring travelers to reach them for their dream vacation in the country. The app also allows members to advertise their promos to tap into a wider audience now that the number of users of the Travel Philippines app is steadily increasing.

DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco expressed her support for the program

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco gave a keynote at the event to show her support for TPB’s Enhanced Membership Program. She emphasized that the enhanced program and the inclusion of TPB members in the Travel Philippines app is a significant milestone for the tourism industry, as it increases the connection between tourists and local tourism enterprises.

“The app gives new markets and existing markets access to information about TPB members. In other words, wherever you may be in the world, you can simply open your phone and access information that directly links tourists to your companies,” stated DOT Secretary Frasco.

Also in attendance were Undersecretary Shahlimar Hofer Tamano, Undersecretary Ferdinand Jumapao, Assistant Secretary Rica Bueno, and Assistant Secretary Verna Buensuceso. Civil Service Commission (CSC) Chairperson Karlo Nograles, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Cristina Roque, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Undersecretary Roberto Lim, and Director Eduardo Pelaez also graced the event to show their support. Meanwhile, around 350 representatives from various tourism enterprises attended the launch.

The members’ inclusion in the Travel Philippines app and the special access to market intelligence are just two of the many benefits that enterprises can enjoy from TPB’s Enhanced Membership Program. TPB also offers networking and capacity-building, access to information and promotional materials, assistance for brand enhancement, and business opportunities for its program members.

Philippines gears up to participate at ASEAN Tourism Forum 2024 in Lao PDR

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The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines and the Department of Tourism (DOT) are gearing up to present the Philippines’ rich and diverse tourism offerings at the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2024 on January 22 to 27 in Vientiane, Laos.

The ATF is a cooperative regional effort to promote the Association of Southeast Asian Nations as one tourist destination. With the theme "Quality and Responsible Tourism - Sustaining ASEAN Future," the Philippines is poised to showcase its tourism offerings and highlight its resolute commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism practices.

"The ASEAN Tourism Forum is an excellent opportunity for the Philippines to present our distinct tourism offerings to a global audience while also highlighting our efforts to promote sustainable tourism,” said TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles. “We are optimistic that ATF 2024 will be a springboard to significantly drive tourism growth and collaboration within the ASEAN region.”

ATF 2024 will serve as a platform to drive discussions among government bodies and private sector organizations on advancing sustainable tourism and eco-friendly practices in the ASEAN region. Alongside these discussions, the forum will also host a three-day Travel Exchange (TRAVEX) from January 24 to 26 to facilitate business-to-business meetings and trade and promotion of ASEAN destination products and services.

At TRAVEX, the Philippine delegation will be represented by 15 local exhibitors from the airline industry, hotels and resorts, tour operators/destination management companies, and convention center. Notable exhibitors in the accommodation sector include the Lihim Resorts, El Nido by Araw Hospitality Inc., Best Western Plus Metro Clark, Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort, Jpark Island Resort & Waterpark Mactan Cebu, Tambuli Seaside Resort and Spa, Araneta Hotels Inc. (Novotel Manila Araneta City), AJ Coffee and Bed (Kaulayaw Coffee), and ALI Makati Hotel Property Inc - Raffles and Fairmont Hotel Makati.

Tour operators and destination management companies include Quasar Travel and Tours, Uni Orient Travel Inc., Marsman Drysdale Travel, Inc., Annset Holidays Inc., and CTPH Tour. SMX Convention Center, one of the country’s MICE suppliers, will also join the exhibitors’ lineup, while the airline industry will be represented by the Philippine Airlines.

Moreover, the Philippines will present comprehensive updates on the country's tourism industry during a media briefing session slated on January 24.

In a bid to amplify the Philippines’ presence on the global stage, the TPB and DOT will host a late-night function for international buyers, Philippine private sector sellers, and international media attendees on January 26 where guests will savor a blend of traditional Philippine and Laos cuisine while enjoying spectacular cultural performances.

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About TPB Philippines

An attached agency of the Department of Tourism, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) is dedicated to promoting the Philippines both domestically and internationally as a world-class tourism and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) destination. TPB collaborates closely with private and public stakeholders to provide an exceptional, high-value experience for visitors, contributing significantly to increased tourist arrivals, receipts, and investments in the country. For more information, please visit www.tpb.gov.ph.

Philippines achieves double triumph at the 9th Annual TripZilla Excellence Awards 2023

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For the second consecutive year, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines has clinched the coveted Sustainability Leader of the Year (Asia) award at the prestigious TripZilla Excellence Awards 2023. The Philippines has also been named the Destination of the Year, marking a significant milestone in its journey to tourism excellence.

Hosted by TripZilla, Southeast Asia’s leading digital travel media company, the 9th TripZilla Excellence Awards recognizes travel organizations that redefine industry standards, delivering exceptional experiences and driving positive change within the tourism industry.

As the marketing and promotions arm of the Philippine Department of Tourism, TPB's consecutive win of the Sustainability Leader of the Year (Asia) award underscores its steadfast initiatives in responsible tourism. This recognition follows an extensive round of voting by travel enthusiasts from 16 to 30 October 2023.

"We are proud to receive the Sustainability Leader of the Year (Asia) award for the second time in a row and be named the Destination of the Year by TripZilla. These accolades are a testament to our passion for showcasing the beauty of the Philippines and our ongoing efforts in championing sustainability and providing genuine local experiences. Together, we are crafting a sustainable legacy so that future generations of travelers may also enjoy it in the years to come,” said TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles.

TripZilla's Sustainability Leader of the Year award aims to honor companies and organizations taking strides in responsible tourism with initiatives that minimize tourism’s negative impact on key destinations' social, economic, and environmental landscapes.

Moreover, the Philippines’ being recognized as the Destination of the Year reflects its capacity to provide unparalleled travel experiences. This prestigious accolade showcases the country as a top travel destination, celebrating the nation's diverse attractions, rich heritage, and warm hospitality.

“Travel is a positive and transformative experience. As a leading travel inspiration platform in Southeast Asia, we are proud to recognize these travel brands that share our vision of creating exceptional journeys and making travel a force for good,” said Winnie Tan, CEO of TripZilla.com.

TPB’s PHITEX program wins National Tourism Initiative of the Year

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The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), the marketing and promotions arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT), was recently honored with the National Tourism Initiative of the Year-Philippines award in recognition of its conduct of the 2022 Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX), the country's largest government-organized travel trade event. The Gov Media Awards, presented by Gov Media Magazine and held in Singapore, recognizes the most outstanding government projects and initiatives in the Asia Pacific region. This year’s entries were evaluated by an elite panel of experts, including leaders from World Bank and ADB.

Philippine Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and Tourism Promotions Board COO Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles during the Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX) 2022

"We are one with the TPB in appreciation of this international recognition for PHITEX, which reflects the successful collaboration of government and the private sector under the shared tourism governance envisioned by the Marcos Administration," Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, who is also Chairman of the TPB Board said on the award received by the DOT's marketing arm.

“This recognition is an honor for us at the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines and is a triumph that we dedicate to all tourism stakeholders who continually work hard to contribute to the growth of the tourism industry and economy. This will only spur us in our commitment to making the Philippines a tourism powerhouse in Asia,” said TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles.

Gov Media stated that TPB’s remarkable organization of PHITEX was lauded for its role in promoting responsible tourism and driving growth in the Philippine tourism industry. The projects awarded serve as catalysts for transformative change and have significant implications for the well-being of billions of people living in Asia and beyond.

Since its establishment in 1996, PHITEX has played a vital role in fostering business partnerships and showcasing the diverse array of Philippine tourism destinations. In 2022, PHITEX adopted the theme "Embracing Responsible Tourism" to emphasize the significance of safe, smart, and sustainable travel practices. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, PHITEX successfully hosted over 116 foreign buyers, comprised of 53 physical attendees and 63 virtual participants from 32 countries that actively participated with 206 Philippine sellers composed of 96 physical attendees and 110 virtual participants during the Travel Exchange (TRAVEX).

Said participants represented travel agencies, tour operators, hotels and resorts, MICE operators, and airlines. Key markets such as Korea, Malaysia, and China were well-represented, with 77% of buyers coming from source markets and 39% from opportunity markets.

The fruitful discussions in TRAVEX generated an estimated revenue of Php 190,143,651.00 (US$3.496m) based on the sales lead forms submitted by the Philippine sellers.

TPB has announced that the next PHITEX will be held in September this year in Cebu. This year's event will feature a two-day Face-to-Face Travel Exchange (TRAVEX), PHITEX Educational Program (PEP), and Pre and Post-Event Tours for Buyers, targeting quality buyers and sellers.

11th Regional Travel Fair surpasses pre-pandemic performance, hits over PHP 110M in sales

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The 11th Regional Travel Fair, organized by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, made a triumphant return to full onsite event since the COVID-19 pandemic, generating over PHP 110 million in actual and negotiated sales during its three-day event at the SM Seaside City Cebu from 21-23 July 2023. This surpassed the previous RTF sales figure by 32.97%.

Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines’ 11th Regional Travel Fair hits over P110 million actual and negotiated sales. Photo by Marky Ramone Go.

TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles expressed her elation over the resounding success of this year’s RTF, “We are thrilled to witness the overwhelming response and enthusiasm from exhibitors and visitors during the Regional Travel Fair. The outstanding sales leads signal a bright future for the tourism industry in the post-pandemic era and reaffirm travelers’ confidence in the safety of their travels.”

Present during the event were TPB COO Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles, Tourism Undersecretary for Tourism Regulation, Coordination, and Resource Generation (TRCRG) Shahlimar Hofer Tamano, Intramuros Administrator Atty. Joan Padilla, Assistant Secretary Rica Bueno, DOT Calabarzon Regional Director Marites Castro, Director Judilyn Quiachon of the Tourism Coordination and Regional Operations, Cebu City Mayor Michael Lopez Rama, TPB Deputy Chief Operations Officer for Marketing and Promotions Atty. Charles Aames Bautista, and TPB Domestic Promotions Department Manager Teresita Landan.

The event was also attended by social media personalities Chuck Aquino and Joe Abad, popularly known as Chuck and Joe, and Marie Field Faith.

Lumad Basakanon's vibrant cultural performance wowed the crowd at the 11th Regional Travel Fair at SM Seaside City Cebu. Photo by Marky Ramone Go.

Aerial view of St. Michael the Archangel Parish Church, popularly known as Argao Church in Cebu. Photo by Marky Ramone Go.

TPB's Regional Travel Fair in Cebu offers participants an immersive experience of Southern Cebu's culture and culinary offerings. Photo by Marky Ramone Go.

With the theme #VisitCentralVisayas, the annual trade fair provided a platform for over 70 exhibitors nationwide to participate in the event. Industry professionals took the opportunity to share emerging trends and best practices, innovate travel-related business operations, and expand networks through its engaging Business-to-Business (B2B) sessions. Tourism offices from Central Visayas, including the Province of Cebu, Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Siquijor, Boho, and Negros Oriental presented their tourism product updates during the B2B session.

The fair also opened its doors to enthusiastic travelers during its two-day Business-to-Consumer (B2C) session held on July 22-23. Among the offerings were discounted tour packages to famous and emerging local destinations, airline tickets, accommodation, delicacies, and pasalubong items.

“We desire and aim to play a major role in shaping the future of tourism by creating a one-stop shop venue for industry collaboration and partnerships,” said Tourism Undersecretary for Tourism Regulation, Coordination, and Resource Generation (TRCRG) Shahlimar Hofer Tamano who delivered a keynote speech at the event on behalf of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.

Meanwhile, TPB members, industry stakeholders, influencers, and media partners were also treated to a post-tour trip to the heritage towns of Argao and Carcar for an immersive experience of southern Cebu’s culture and culinary offerings.

The RTF was made possible with the support of the Department of Tourism Region VII, Provincial Government of Cebu, and City Government of Cebu. The event was also sponsored by partners from the private sector – SM Seaside City, 2GO, Jpark Island, Cebu Pacific, Air Asia, Philippine Airlines, NUSTAR, Fili Hotel, CAVA, Bluewater Maribago Mactan, and Marco Polo Cebu.

TPB anticipates an even bigger and better Regional Travel Fair slated in October this year in Ilocos Region.

Philippines hits 260M negotiated sales, bags recognition at the ITB Berlin 2023

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Buoyed by the country’s participation in the recently concluded Internationale Tourismus-Börse (ITB) in Berlin, the Department of Tourism (DOT) and its attached agency, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, as of this writing, recorded an impressive estimate of Php 260 million worth of negotiated sales from more than 300 business meetings during the 3-day networking event.

The aforementioned figures show the Philippines’ strong demand in the world’s largest travel and tourism trade fair, further brightening the prospects for the local tourism industry’s recovery and for the country’s positioning as a tourism powerhouse in Asia.

“We brought the biggest Philippine delegation to the ITB Berlin 2023 with the intention of showcasing the best of the best of our country and our culture, and to reintroduce to the world our greatest asset: the warmth and hospitality of the Filipino people. The optimism and excitement with which all of this was received shows the world that the possibilities are endless for the potential of Philippine tourism to transform under the Marcos administration,” said Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.

The Philippine delegation included tour operators, online travel agencies, travel websites and communities with 26 co-exhibitors, showcasing the country’s natural beauty and rich culture to over 160,000 guests.

TPB COO Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles cited that the positive outcome of the Philippines’ participation in ITB Berlin strengthened the country’ position to be a world-class tourist destination. “We are proud to bear witness once again at how ITB continues to live up to its reputation for being the largest travel trade show in the world. I am so happy to share that the Philippines truly championed in giving the world a view into our distinct and diverse destinations, culture and heritage in this momentous event,” TPB COO Nograles added.

Further bringing home accolades, the two cities in Negros Occidental, Sagay and Bago won in the Green Destination Story Awards for its inspirational initiatives for sustainable tourism. With its entry, “Mangrove Forest Protection through Community-based EcoTourism Project”, Sagay placed second in the Nature and Scenery Category and won the People’s Choice Award while Bago City’s entry, “Reviving the Majestic Diversity of Bago Watershed” took the third spot in the Environment and Climate Category.

The event highlighted the Philippines rich culture and sustainable tourism with its weavers’ hand-loom products which are passed down from generations to generations to preserve its tradition and heritage including the Tinalak of South Cotabato and Yakan of Zamboanga. Aside from that, Kape de Filipina’s coffee and chocolates and Ayan’s delicious Filipino cuisine were also served to delight the guests.

ITB Berlin News, the show’s official daily, has partnered with Click A Tree for its sustainability partner. Chris Kaiser, award-winning speaker, entrepreneur and founder of Click A Tree, has selected the Philippines to be the site of its tree planting project for this year’s cause. The site will be in Davao Oriental, Mindanao. Kaiser will be visiting the Philippines in September for the tree planting initiative.

With the long-term goal of securing increased arrivals, receipts, and investments for the country, TPB annually participates in ITB Berlin, which provides the Philippine travel trade an opportunity to network with relevant decision-makers from new and existing tourism markets across Europe, America, and Asia.

TPB and DOT wrap up ASEAN Tourism Forum 2023 with over 100M sales leads

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The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines and the Department of Tourism (DOT) expect to welcome more foreign visitors to the Philippines after successfully generating over 100M Philippine pesos in sales leads and showcasing the country’s best offerings at the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) held from 02 to 05 February 2023 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

The ATF is the biggest annual tourism event in the ASEAN region, attracting key tourism stakeholders including policy makers, industry leaders, and tourism-related service providers. This year, the Philippine delegation was represented by 16 local exhibitors from the airline industry, tour operators, and accommodations to network and engage with 115 international buyers at the ATF Travel Exchange (TRAVEX).

“Over and above our impressive turnout in the number of sales leads, I am in much awe of how the participation and performance of the Philippines depicted the excellence and heart of the Filipino brand which truly brought the best of the country to the ASEAN region,” said TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles.

The Philippine pavilion showcased the country’s rich cultural heritage and award-winning destinations such as Boracay, Cebu, and Palawan, as well as Kaulayaw Coffee sampling and a dynamic cultural martial arts performance from the Lapu-Lapu Arnis de Abanico who displayed the vigor and energy so symbolic of the resurgence of the Philippine Tourism Industry.

Philippine sellers and foreign delegates also had a taste of Philippine cuisine and culture through a hosted luncheon prepared by the Grand Rohan Jogja hotel which also featured a Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) cultural performance along with a musical medley by Filipino world-class talents.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco welcomed the guests to the event with an invitation to explore the country’s various tourism products, “We aim to give you the best of the Filipino to remind you that while the Philippines continues to be a top-of-mind destination all over the world, there is also so much more to our beaches, our dive sites, our mountain ranges, and our underground rivers. There's our food, our living cultural traditions, and many many components that give you a window into the soul of the Filipino,” said Tourism Secretary Frasco.

Meanwhile, the Philippines garnered prestige during the ASEAN Tourism Standards Awards, which recognized outstanding tourism businesses and destinations in the region that have complied with the international association’s tourism standards.

The recipients were Inandako's Bed and Breakfast, Gina’s Homes, Sid Homestay, Hide Away House, and Maryhilz Homestay for ASEAN Homestay Awardees; Cordillera Convention Hall, William Tan Enterprises Inc. (Caltex Irawan), DEU 818 Corporation (High Ridge Restaurant), and Shell OGI at Northwalk 2, City Environment and Management Office (Botanical Garden and Wright Public Toilets) bagged the ASEAN Public Toilet Award; Palaui Environmental Protectors Association (PEPA) received the ASEAN community-based tourism citation; while the Clinic at the Hilton Clark and Quan Spa at the Clark Marriott Hilton were recognized as winners of the ASEAN Spa Services.

TPB is keen to participate in the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2024 to be hosted by Laos.