Philippines hosts Asean Tourism Forum (ATF) 2016

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DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez joins other ASEAN Tourism Ministers in a ceremonial launch of Cruise Southeast Asia 

The Asean Tourism Forum (ATF) 2016 which gathered all the member countries’ tourism sector representatives, showcased the ASEAN region as a prime tourist destination. 

The Philippines played host to 10 ASEAN member nations for the biggest regional event in the travel industry this year with the theme ‘One Community for Sustainability.’

ATF 2016 aimed to project ASEAN as a beautiful and versatile single destination that will attract more tourists and strengthen ties among the various sectors of the ASEAN tourism industry. 

Joining the annual event were the tourism representatives of the 10 member nations including Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. 

Organized by the Department of Tourism (DOT), TTG Asia, the Asean Tourism Association (ASEANTA) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), the forum also gave the Philippines the opportunity to highlight the Visit the Philippines Again (VPA) 2016 campaign which aims to entice local and international travelers to visit and experience the country all over again.

DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. 

Welcoming guests were DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. together with TPB COO Domingo Ramon Enerio III. Also joining the event were 35 VIPs from the member nations.

(L-R) TPB COO Domingo Ramon Enerio III, Congressman Rene Relampagos and Congressman Dakila Carlo Cua 

(L-R) Warren Palacios, Soleil Tropicales, DOT Undersecretary Benito Bengzon, Jr. and Erwin Balane 

 

(L-R) Butch Garcia (PICC), Darren Ng (TTG) and Joselito Gregorio (TPB) 

Peng Ee Ooi (TTG), TPB’s Susan Del Mundo and Arnold Gonzales 

 

(L-R) TPB Board members Margarita Villarica and Edwin Vincent Ortiz, Pamela Pascual (WTC) and Margarita Munsayac 

(L-R) Elton See Tan (Intl SKAL Manila), PATA CEO Mario Hardy, Helen Marano (WTTC), Anita Mendiratta (CNN) and Jae Pil Sho
“Hosting the ATF 2016 was such a proud moment for all of us. Beyond the conference walls of the meeting, the delegates experienced our country in different ways—from our diverse natural wonders to our rich cultural heritage and the warmth of the Filipino people. The forum allowed the exchange of ideas for the progress of the ASEAN economies, and built stronger friendships between the nations,” shares Jimenez.
 “We were honored to have hosted one of the biggest travel events in the ASEAN region, the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2016. We gave our best to ensure the success of this event, but most importantly, we made sure that our delegates had a great and memorable experience in the country,” Enerio said.

Department of Tourism declared 2015 will be "Visit the Philippines" year

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Department of Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr.

The Department of Tourism has launched a campaign dubbbed as "Visit the Philippines Year (VPY) 2015" an invitation for all to experience the enduring promise of “It’s More Fun in the Philippines.” 

The Philippines is all set to become the ultimate destination next year. Encouraging nationwide participation, DOT hopes to inspire 10 million foreign tourists to discover, explore and fall in love with the Philippines.

Visitors to the country will not run out of reasons to visit the Philippines as 2015 proves to be an exciting year for the country.

Tourism Promotions Board Chief Operation Officer Domingo Ramon C. Enero III

During the event, Domingo Ramon C. Enero III, Tourism Promotions Board Chief Operation Officer announced the VPY 2015 features on an exciting mix of events and activities, as well as the unveiling of more historic treasures, natural wonders, and unforgettable adventures; from the Papal Visit in January to the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministerial Meetings and Leaders’ Summit.

And of course, its people’s hospitality and optimism make the Philippines the best place to be on the planet next year.

Arts and Culture

The Sinulog, Dinagyang and Ati-atihan are just some of the many colorful and festive events that celebrate and showcase the beautiful people and culture of the Philippines. These world-famous festivals open the door for visitors to discover its rich heritage of centuries-old baroque churches, historical museums and local arts and Filipino craftsmanship.

Lifestyle and Entertainment

The Philippines has a lot to offer in terms of lifestyle and entertainment. Shopping destinations and nightlife are the selling points for Manila. Some international performers will also hold concerts in the country next year, including the pop sensation One Direction.

There are also unique international events held in the country like the Philippine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta and the Philippine International Pyromusical Competition. Never amiss in what’s in, the country comes on top in providing recreation and entertainment hard to match.

Travel and Adventure

The Philippines is rich in natural wonders and biodiversity that tourists wanting to commune with nature will love. It is famous for its hiking, diving and adventure hubs like Siargao Island, a favorite surfing site, Boracay, known for its white beach sand, Bohol for cruise tourism, and Cebu for its breathtaking diving sites.

World Heritage Sites—the Banaue Rice Terraces, Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife and Sanctuary, the Palawan Underground River which is also one of the world’s New7Wonders of Nature, continue to inspire awe even among jaded travelers.

Year-round Sporting Events

The country, known for its people’s competitive spirit, plays host to international sporting events, some of which have made the Philippines a part of their circuit are Iron Man and Xterra Triathlons, and CWC International Wakeboarding Competition. Local sporting events like the International Dragon Boat Race in Boracay and the myriad of marathons and triathlons, including fun races like color blasts and zombie runs have attracted international attention and participation.

Business

The Philippines also boasts of modern facilities for conventions and business conferences. Next year, the country will host the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministerial Meetings and Leaders’ Summit. Guests will include 21 heads of state and 46 ministers, with about 10,000 economic leaders, support staff and international journalists. 

VPY 2015 also comes at the time DOT makes progress on measures to realize the planned regional economic integration of Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which includes the readiness of the Bureau of Immigration to honor the common visas extended by all member countries to those traveling to the Philippines. Doing business in the country is reinforced by its back-to-back investment upgrades and high economic growth performance.

It’s More Fun in the Philippines website

To drum up more interest for VPY 2015, the DOT has given its website a makeover, redirecting its home page to the revitalized “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” website (www.itsmorefuninthephilippines.com) with more features to assist potential tourists, travel agencies andAA event organizers.

The website aims to be the one-stop portal for all queries about traveling to the Philippines, its must-visit destinations and events in 2015.

In support, the DOT has developed a microsite inside the “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” website to serve as directory to everything the Philippines has to offer. 

All stakeholders, from event organizers to tour agencies, are encouraged to go to www.phl2015.itsmorefuninthephilippines.com and register and promote their activities to an international audience.

“What will truly sustain Visit the Philippines Year 2015 campaign are the people themselves. I enjoin the businesses, communities and locals, to play an active part in spreading and amplifying our messages, enticing would-be visitors to come visit our shores,” said Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr.

(From L-R) Tourism Assistant Secretary Benito C. Bengzon Jr., Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. and Tourism Promotions Board Chief Operation Officer Domingo Ramon C. Enero III during the "Visit the Philippines 2015" launch in the same ocassion of the 13th Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX2014), held at the SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City last Thursday, September 5, 2014.

Thanks to the unprecedented support from the national government, local governments and the private sector, tourism remains as one of the pillars of growth and inclusiveness. With VPY 2015, DOT aims to have every quarter one major occasion that would attract not only domestic but also international tourists to visit the country.

Indeed, Visit the Philippines Year 2015 is a great opportunity to finally share with the world the unique experiences and adventures this country can offer.

Here are some photos during the "Visit the Philippines Year 2015" campaign launch.