Double Sticky Awards for TPB

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The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) received two Sticky Awards from Travel Trade Gazette (TTG) Asia Media at the recently concluded Incentives Travel & Conventions, Meetings Asia (IT&CMA) and Corporate Travel World (CTW) Asia-Pacific 2015 held in Bangkok, Thailand. 

TPB won the Stickiest National Pavilion Bronze Award for its impressive pavilion during the three-day event and the Stickiest Function Award for hosting the grandest dinner for the delegates. 

The Sticky Awards recognizes the most exciting, creative, innovative, and effective products, promotions and personalities at the IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific. The winners were chosen by the delegates using the official voting forms.

The IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific is the world’s only double-bill event in meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) and corporate travel. IT&CMA aims to foster MICE growth opportunities for the Asia-Pacific and beyond while CTW Asia-Pacific is dedicated to cultivating Travel & Entertainment (T&E) best practices among Asia-Pacific’s corporate travel professionals. IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific is held in Bangkok, Thailand every year to provide delegates an unparalleled platform to network, do business and discuss travel and tourism issues.

To learn more exciting and award-winning events happening this year, check out www.visitph2015.com. 

Experience Iloilo: PNoy to lead inauguration of Iloilo Convention Center

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President Benigno Aquino III is scheduled to lead the inaugural rites of the Iloilo Convention Center (ICC) on September 14 in Iloilo City.

Iloilo Convention Center  is part of the effort to develop and promote tourism in the province of Iloilo particularly Region 6 and other Visayas provinces.

The P700-million, two-storey ICC will be the main venue of the three important meetings of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) here in Iloilo City slated to start September 21 until October 6, 2015.

Department of Public Works and Highways Regional Director Edilberto Tayao confirmed Aquino’s attendance after receiving a word from Senate President Franklin Drilon.

Aside from ICC, Tayao said Aquino will also inaugurate the new bridge linking Lapuz district and the new ferry and fast craft terminal to the city proper.

Tayao said that the ICC was completed last August 31 and its second phase is soon to be completed with furniture and furnishing.

Expereince  and enjoy Iloilo City. It's more fun in the Philippines!

*ExperienceTravel.Ph 

VPY2015: Sports Tourism Heats Up

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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.

Antipolo Home in the Heart of the City

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Antipolo, traditionally known as the Pilgrimage City of the Philippines, popular among contemplatives wishing to retreat from the hustle and bustle of downtown Manila.

Its locally grown mangoes and cashews are popular among tourists, as well as suman – a local delicacy made out of glutinous rice. The Hinulugang Taktak National Park, which was once a popular summer get-away is being restored to become again one of the city's primary attractions.

I joined last weekend the Vista Land Site Appreciation Tour in Antipolo, Rizal. 

Antipolo lies on part of the Sierra Madre mountain range, putting it at a significantly higher altitude than Manila.

This makes Antipolo a good place from which to view the metropolis. Its higher elevation than that of Metro Manila affords it a scenic view of the metropolis, especially at night. 

Antipolo City has become quite famous among tourists and expatriates, and has also become a preferred residential choice among artist types.

VISTA LAND, is dedicated to uplift the quality of living in the Philippines through its mid-market and high-end brands. Backed by its 30 year track record in housing, Vista Land delivers themed communities with the world-class Filipino in mind. CROWN ASIA is the largest and most successful real estate developer in the upper middle income segment.

Designing quality homes that make the perfect nesting place for the well-traveled.

Crown Asia boasts of Flagship Projects in Key Progressive Areas - Marina Heights in Sucat Ponticelli in Daang Hari Cita Italia in Bacoor, Cavite Caribe and Amalfi at The Islands, Cavite Augustine Grove at Dasmarinas, Cavite La Marea at San Pedro Valenza at Sta. Rosa Fortezza at Cabuyao, Laguna Maia Alta, Antipolo Mille Luce, Antipolo Cottonwoods, Antipolo.

All of these Themed Communities are already self-sustaining and is part of a bigger Masterplan that gives it a premium. Boasts of a total land area covering over 580 hectares.

Mille Luce – Follow your Heart into a New Home

Meaning “A Thousand Lights” in Italian, Mille Luce is located atop the verdant hills of Antipolo, where one can have a breathtaking view of the city lights once the sun sleeps.In Mille Luce, the stark night sky is a vibrant canopy of stars that form a beautiful foil for the Italian homes of this community. Verdant foliage beautiful frame each home, giving it a soothing contrast.

Mille Luce offers the privilege of luxurious living that’s right within your means. Choose among its exquisite model homes – the Portia, Sophia, Dione, Umbriel, and Europa, all Italian-inspired to add to the romantic feel of living atop the hills, and at night, amidst the gorgeous city lights.

Maia Alta – Life is Best Lived in the Safety of Your Family’s Embrace

Living in Maia Alta would still make one feel far away from all the hustle and bustle in the metro. Being located on the breathtaking hills of Antipolo, the homes in Maia Alta complement the peace and quiet one gets from being surrounded by nature, exuding charm and elegance in their exquisite Italian design. Maia Alta, located in the picturesque Antipolo City, is only 45 minutes or an hour away from the business and commercial districts of Ortigas and Makati.

As opposed to the frenzied and fast-paced living in the metro, experience the relaxed and laid-back kind of life in your very own abode inside the peaceful community of Maia Alta, where the air is clean and fresh, the wind cool and invigorating, and the atmosphere tranquil and inspiring.

Your Home in the Heart of the City.

The name “Cottonwoods” inspires imaginings of vast fields covered in cotton shrubs swaying gently in the breeze amid a crystal blue sky.

Come home to your American-inspired suburban sanctuary in Antipolo City, a remarkable place so close to Metro Manila but where you can enjoy the peacefulness and serenity of nature.

The homes at Cottonwoods have a gentle quality to them, an attractiveness that never goes out of style.

Serenely beautiful homes that embody the Good Life. The clutter and noise of life in the metropolis can sometimes overcome you but come home to your abode at Cottonwoods and feel instantly refreshed and centered.

Here are significant details of Mille Luce, Cottonwoods and Maia. 

• Mille Luce, Cottonwoods and Maia, are only 45 minutes or an hour away from the business and commercial districts of Ortigas and Makati.

• It is easily accessible with the help of access roads and continuously available transportation.

• Top educational institutions like UP, Ateneo, Assumption Antipolo and Miriam College are just nearby

• Popular malls such as Robinson’s Metro East, Sta. Lucia Mall and SM Masinag are just short rides away.

• The projects are also surrounded by top golf courses like the Valley Golf and Country Club, East Ridge and Forest Hills, making it a haven for golf lovers.

• ACCESSIBILITY - 24-hr. availability of public transportation; near the metro, NO toll fees and NO long distance calls

• SECURITY & SAFETY - each phase has their own guard post and roving security -FLOOD FREE as it is approx. 200 meters above sea level

• CONVENIENCE/ PROXIMITY -proximity to basic necessities like malls, market, churches, hospitals and schools. Less than an hour away from CBDs in Q.C., Pasig (via Ortigas Ext.) and Taguig (via C-6)

• FLEXIBILITY OF DESIGN -a wide variety of Italian and American themed houses are available for buyers to choose from

• PICTURESQUE VIEW, CLEANER AIR & COOLER TEMPERATURE -

Antipolo boast of its overlooking view of the city, cooler temperature and cleaner air because of the presence of trees and a lot of nature inspired parks

For more information and updates email me at enjoyingwonderfulworld@gmail.com

More About VISTA LAND: THE HOUSING CZAR

Undoubtedly the Philippines’ largest homebuilder. Solid track record for over 30 years with over 250,000 homes built nationwide.

Vista Land caters to all income segments and has a stronghold in the OFW market through its international marketing arm, Vista Land International.

Covers all income segments, with the most complete residential product range.

VISTA LAND: NATIONWIDEST REACH. Present in 21 provinces, 48 cities and municipalities around the country.

Vigan officially inaugurated as a New7Wonders City

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The Historic Vigan in the province of Ilocos Sur was officially inaugurated as The New7Wonders City recently held within the precincts of St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral.

Vigan, established in the 16th century, represents a fusion of cultural elements from the Philippines, China and Europe, creating a city that is without equal in Asia.

The Philippines Vice President Jejomar Binay was the guest speaker at the inauguration. Binay said that the event should serve as an inspiration for how heritage preservation can be best harmonized with urban development.

“In our quest to become strong competitors in the ASEAN and global economies, we cannot be too quick to tear down the old to build the new without serious deliberation and debate,” he said.

“As Vigan has proven, prosperity is not always measured by a city’s skyline. And it is not just malls that can bring in tourists and trade,” Binay add.

Binay urged the people of Vigan to remain committed to promoting their culture and share their best practices to other regions. 

“Billions of dollars have been spent in cultural preservation and restoration. These costs would not have been incurred if peoples — past and present — had been mindful of their actions, if they had had more respect for their own and other peoples’ cultural legacies and for our own earth,” he said.

Jean-Paul de la Fuente, Director of New7Wonders (left), with Bernard Weber, Founder-President of New7Wonders (right), holding the specially-commissioned bronze commemorative plaque for Vigan at the Official New7Wonders Cities Inauguration

Vigan is the first of the New7Wonders Cities been officially inaugurated, the same moment during the unveiling of a specially-commissioned bronze commemorative plaque, which was cast in the Kunstgießerei München, a famous foundry in the heart of Munich, Germany.

One of the 7 that represent the global diversity of urban society, Vigan, is joined in the “canon of 7″ byBeirut (Lebanon), Doha (Qatar), Durban (South Africa), Havana (Cuba), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) and La Paz(Bolivia).

#Palaro2015 : Floating Olympic Swimming Pool at the Sea in Panabo City

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This is my first time traveling in Panabo City, and finding an amazing Floating Olympic Swimming Pool at the Sea! 

For 2015 Palarong Pambansa, many first time to be featured and to be experience by student athletes. One of these is the first ever floating swimming pool by the sea here in Purok Banban, Cagangohan, Panabo City, Davao del Norte.

A brief meeting with Davao del Norte official, and swimming coach Mustari Raji, who conceptionalized a different swimming pool, floating as they call it, even in the sea. He shared to us that he wanted that all the children of the Davao del Norte to be trained in an olympic size swimming pool for free. He said that not all students can afford for a club membership, swimming pool and even coaches fee.

"My advocacy is to make an Olympic-Size swimming pool accessible to all DavNor children, to be trained and to be part of the Palaro." 

"It's now became a reality, with the help of the funding of the Davao del Norte Provincial, with Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario, " Coach Mustari said.

The floating pool is made of PVC drum, anahaw and bamboo wood. We were excitingly go near the floating swimming pool, and of course with the children of Davnor.

The swimming pool at the sea is a 10 lane olympic-size swimming pool with a dimension of 50 meters in length and 25 meters in width.

The total cost of the project was at only 400 thousand pesos, as compaired to a real olympic-size swimming pool in a club that would cost around 3 million pesos.

 

Gladly to see how the children enjoy their experience as they are being trained in the floating olympic-sized swimming pool.

Here's #DavNorPalaro2015 new swimming champions at the Panabo's Floating Olympic Swimming Pool at the Sea! 

Photos: Arts Travel Magazine

Bohol Travel Fair : 'Visit Bohol 2015'

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A taste of bountiful Bohol at the Bohol Travel Fair—The first Bohol Travel Fair at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City amid simple yet meaningful ceremonies. The 3-day event, which runs  January 9 to 11, 2015, serves to kickstart the province’s Visit Bohol 2015 tourism campaign, which hopes to lure local and foreign tourists, including businessmen, back to the province to explore its beauty and natural splendor and be part of its growing economy. 

The initiative is also aligned with the Philippine government’s own “Visit The Philippines 2015” tourism campaign, a follow up to its successful “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” effort last year. 

Shown in photo during the opening ceremonies are (from left to right) L-R: Mr. Reed Aeschliman (Deputy Mission Director, USAID Philippines); Hon. Rene L. Relampagos (Congressman 1st district. Chairman of the Committee on Tourism of the House of Representatives); Hon. Ramon R. Jimenez Jr. (DOT Secretary); Hon. Benjie Arcamo (Board Member of Provincial Govt of Bohol); Hon. Edgar M. Chatto (Governor of Bohol); Atty. Lucas M. Nunag (Bohol Provincial Tourism Council Chairman); Hon. Arthur Yap (Congressman 3rd District) ; Hon. John Geesnell Yap II (City Mayor of Tagbilaran).

The Bohol Travel Fair, which is organized by the Bohol provincial government in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines (TPBPHL), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), was attended by numerous VIPs, dignitaries and special guests from the province, the national government, the diplomatic corps, and other important stakeholders in the Philippine tourism scene. The event also provided participants, mainly private resort owners, the opportunity to showcase the best of what they can offer to event guests and the general public when it comes to tourist attractions.

Visit Bohol 2015 : Visit Bohol Tourism Campaign for 2015 Launched

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Bohol, the friendly heart of the Visayas and one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the Philippines.

Bohol is known for its awe-inspiring “Chocolate Hills,” rustic and centuries-old churches in Baclayon and Loboc, the ever-lovable “tarsier,” and of course, the never-ending smiles and hospitable culture of its people. Aside from that, Bohol boasts of having some of the best white-sand beaches in the world like those in Panglao and Anda, and is fast gaining ground as a top eco-cultural tourism spot because of its numerous mystical cave sites, serene rivers, enchanting waterfalls and mangroves, spellbinding marine sanctuaries and diving sites, and adventure-oriented attractions.

The province of Bohol shows how it defiantly rose from the rubble as it introduces “Visit Bohol 2015,” a year-round tourism campaign that aims to revitalize its image and entice more visitors to come to Bohol. 

“Visit Bohol 2015”, launched under the leadership of Gov. Edgar Chatto, seeks to position the province as a top-notch tourist destination with its amazing natural attractions and its friendly and honest people.

The tourism campaign kicked off via a three-day Bohol Travel Fair at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City, starting today until January 11, 2015. Organized by the Bohol Provincial Tourism Council Inc. under Atty. Lucas Nunag, the travel fair gathered together all major players in the Bohol tourism sector with a single-minded objective of providing a strong boost to Bohol’s tourism industry.

“For years, Bohol has always been in the hearts of every Filipino, not only as an eco-cultural tourism landmark but as a home to a number of our country’s pride. As we felt how our kababayans share our grief during the devastating catastrophe that hit our province, we now feel the surge of support as we pave the road to recovery and come back in the tourism map.

With Visit Bohol 2015, expect a much better and bolder Bohol – ready to welcome all of you to our beautiful province. We invite you to visit and be awed not just by the wonderful sites Bohol has to offer, but also by the endearing graciousness, hospitality and trustworthiness of Boholanos,” says Governor Chatto during the opening ceremonies of the Bohol Travel Fair.

DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr.

The launch event, which was supposed to be held on December 8 to 10, 2014, was rescheduled due to super typhoon Ruby that slammed parts of the country. Now the campaign is going full blast and ready to entice residents and tourists to visit Bohol.

“Our dream is to make Bohol a tourism superpower and top holiday destination. With the help of our partners and other significant stakeholders from the public and private sectors, we believe this is

achievable,” adds Governor Chatto. 

Other partners for “Visit Bohol 2015” include the United States Agency for International Development through its Advancing Philippine Competitiveness Project (USAID-COMPETE), the Department of Tourism (DOT), the United Nations-World Tourism Organization (UN-WTO) and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), plus local tourism businesses, Ms. Gloria Steele, USAID Mission Director for the Philippines, and DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr., who is also one of the keynote speakers, are among the many dignitaries at the event.

For the Bohol Travel Fair, Bohol also partnered with AirAsia, the leading budget airline in the region, as its exclusive airline partner. AirAsia, awarded by Skytrax, the world’s most prestigious airline and airport review and ranking site, as the world’s Best Low-Cost Carrier for six consecutive years, offers unbelievable, year-round low fares for its Manila-Tagbilaran and Manila-Cebu flights

to attract more visitors to the province.

Aside from the low seat prices, also up for grabs at the “Visit Bohol 2015” travel fair are at least 60 percent discount in accommodations, tour packages and other travel essentials, plus various indigenous Boholano products. 

To provide entertainment, travel fair visitors will be serenaded by the heavenly voices of the world-famous Loboc Children’s Choir, who will sing popular and classic music via a mini concert every night for the duration of the three-day event.

More photos here.

Panagbenga Festival 2015 - "Across 20 Years of Blossoming Together"

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Panagbenga Festival 2015 with the theme "Across 20 Years of Blossoming Together" will be celebrated on February 1 – March 8, 2015. Panagbenga is an annual flower festival celebrated every February which takes place in Baguio City, Philippines.

Through the years, the Panagbenga festival has steadily become the best avenue where Baguio people can shine and innovate what best depicts their community – with everyone co-owning the festival. The term “Panagbenga” comes from a Kankanaey term meaning “season of blooming,” “a time for blooming.” This festival reflects the history, traditions and values of Baguio and the Cordilleras.

The Panagbenga Festival 2015, also known as the Baguio Flower Festival (BFF) will  surely attracts the most number of tourists both local and foreign. During the five week celebration, different activities are scheduled primarily for the amusement of the visiting public.

On its 20th year, the Panagbenga Festival has flourished to be a huge annual event in Baguio City. Panagbenga Festival 2015 will not only be Baguio's but the flower festival of BLISTT. The 20th celebration of the Panagbenga festival promises not only the Summer Capital's best but also the best of the neighboring municipalities especially La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba and Tublay.

February 1, 2015 marks the commencement of the Panagbenga Festival filled with dancing and competition.

The highlight of the Panagbenga Festival, the Grand Street Dancing Parade, to be held on February 28, 2015. 

The parade will start at the Panagbenga Park going down Session Road and will take a left turn to Harrison Road until eventually it reaches Athletic Bowl. During the street dancing, the rich and colorful cultures and traditions of the Cordillera will take center stage.

The closing ceremony of the Panagbenga Festival will be held on March 8, 2015, to be concluded by an extravagant firework display that is anticipated to be grander from last year’s. The venue for the closing ceremony is at the Athletic Bowl but smaller versions will be done simultaneously in various areas of Baguio’s Business Central District.

Here's the program schedule of the Panagbenga Festival 2015:

February 1, 2015

• Opening Ceremonies and Street Dancing Parade Competition
  (Drum and Lyre Dance Competition – Elementary Division)
  Locations: Panagbenga Park, Session Road, Harrison Road, Melvin Jones
• Opening Concert
  Location: To Be Announced
• Baguio Blooms Exhibition and Exposition
  Location: Lake Drive, Burnham Park

February 2 – 14, 2015

• Baguio Blooms Exhibition and Exposition
  Location: Lake Drive, Burnham Park

February 15, 2015

• Baguio Blooms Exhibition and Exposition
  Location: Lake Drive, Burnham Park
• Handong ng Panagbenga sa Pamilya Baguio
  Location: Melvin Jones
• Let a Thousand Flowers Bloom
  Location: Melvin Jones
• Panagbenga 2015 Kite-Flying Challenge
  Location: Melvin Jones
• Panagbenga Variety Show
  Location: Melvin Jones
• Fireworks Display
  Location: Melvin Jones

February 16 – 18, 2015

• Baguio Blooms Exhibition and Exposition
  Location: Lake Drive, Burnham Park

February 19, 2015

• Baguio Blooms Exhibition and Exposition
  Location: Lake Drive, Burnham Park
• Chinese Spring Festival
  Location: City-wide

February 19 – 22, 2015

• Baguio Blooms Exhibition and Exposition
  Location: Lake Drive, Burnham Park
• PMA Grand Alumni Home Coming
  Location: Philippine Military Academy, Loakan Road

February 23 – 27, 2015

• Baguio Blooms Exhibition and Exposition
  Location: Lake Drive, Burnham Park
• Floral Arrangement Competition and School-based Landscaping Competitiong (Judging)
  Location: Elementary and Highschools in Baguio City

February 28, 2015

• Baguio Blooms Exhibition and Exposition
  Location: Lake Drive, Burnham Park
• Grand Street Dancing Parade
  Locations: Panagbenga Park, Session Road, Harrison Road, Athletic Bowl
• Sponsors’and Exhibitors’ Day
  Location: Athletic Bowl

March 1 – 6, 2015

• Baguio Blooms Exhibition and Exposition
  Location: Lake Drive, Burnham Park
• Grand Float Parade
  Locations: DILG, Session Road, Harrison Road, Athletic Bowl
• Sponsors’and Exhibitors’ Day
  Location: Athletic Bowl
• Session Road in Bloom
  Location: Session Road

March 7, 2015

• Baguio Blooms Exhibition and Exposition
  Location: Lake Drive, Burnham Park
• Session Road in Bloom
  Location: Session Road
• Pony Boys’ Day
  Location: Athletic Bowl

March 8, 2015

• Baguio Blooms Exhibition and Exposition
  Location: Lake Drive, Burnham Park
• Session Road in Bloom
  Location: Session Road
• Panagbenga Closing Ceremonies and Grand Fireworks Display
  Locations: Athletic Bowl and various areas in Baguio’s (Central Business District) CBD
• Mar 01-08 Session Road In Bloom
  The most popular street in Baguio will be closed to traffic to allow pedestrians to walk freely and enjoy the various food and non-food
  products and entertainment on offer.

Visit the Philippines Year (VPY) 2015. See you there and enjoy the wonderful world of Panagbenga 2015! 

Behold...BOHOL travel fair in Glorietta Mall Dec. 8-10

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Visit the Philippines Year (VPY) 2015. AirAsia’s super low fares to Bohol and bargain hotel and tour deals are up for grabs!

One of the top holiday destination in the Philippines - Bohol, as it launches new and exciting tourist destinations with rock bottom prices for airfares, hotels and resorts during a travel fair to be held in Glorietta Mall on Dec. 8-10.

Bohol provincial governor Edgar Chatto said the province will also formally launch its new branding “Behold...BOHOL,” which positions the province as a destination that exudes a sense of awe in every visitor.

Tarsier

The three-day event is the first time ever that tourism sector in Bohol comes together in a massive campaign to entice tourists to visit. It is part of the Bohol Tourism Action Plan developed through the collaboration of the United States Agency for International Development through its Advancing Philippine Competitiveness Project (USAID-COMPETE), the Department of Tourism (DOT), the United Nations-World Tourism Organization (UN-WTO), and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) as well as local tourism stakeholders.

The new branding “Behold...BOHOL” was developed with the help of CNN’s branding expert Anita Mendiratta. Bohol is the first province that benefited from an outreach program of CNN. 

AirAsia, the leading budget airline in the Asian region, is the exclusive airline partner for the campaign and will offer seat sale. The airline that has been awarded the Skytrax’s World’s Best Low Cost Carrier for six consecutive years is also committed to offer year-round low fares for flights between Manila - Tagbilaran (Bohol) and Manila – Cebu.

At least 50% discount in accommodation, tours and other travel essentials in Bohol will be offered during the three-day travel fair. Boholano products will likewise be on sale.

Loboc River 

The travel fair will open in a grand program featuring the world-famous Loboc Children’s Choir. The chorale group will have a nightly concert during the three-day event.

Bohol province is dubbed as the eco-cultural tourism capital with its fascinating Chocolate Hills, pristine and white sand beaches in Panglao and Anda. It is also home to the well-loved Tarsier, considered the smallest and oldest primate in the world.

“We want to develop Bohol as the tourism superpower and a top holiday destination in the Philippines,” said Bohol governor Edgar Chatto.

He said the launch of the 'Behold... BOHOL' aims to promote the province as a complete tourist destination because every town has a unique tourist attraction to offer to visitors. 

Aside from the iconic destinations, the province is surrounded by caves, tranquil rivers, fascinating water falls, marine sanctuaries, mangroves and diving sites.

Chatto said Bohol is now promoting the powdery white sand beaches of Anda, as the next tourist destination. Road and infrastructure access to Anda are underway through the convergence program of Department of Tourism and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) that seeks to connect airports to tourist destinations. 

Anda is a must visit in Bohol for its unique and wider coastlines making it a perfect destination both for relaxing walk on the beach or water sports activities.

The town is also home to the Lamanok Mystical Island and is fast becoming a popular destinations. Lamanok can be reached within a two-hour drive from the capital, Tagbilaran. The island has a rich lush mangrove protecting the community from flooding, pollution and water surge. It hosts some mystical caves where ancient Boholanons bury their loved ones in jars.

Governor Chatto said Bohol is also home to Asia's largest mangrove forest called Banacon located north of the municipality of Getafe. It has a total of 425 hectares with only 15 hectares dry land and the rest are extensive mangrove plantation.

In a press statement, the Governor credited the strong support and cooperation of tourism stakeholders in Bohol in promoting the new tourist destinations of the province.

“ The strong partnership between the local government and the private tourism stakeholders, a well equipped manpower with innate hospitality as well as the rich natural, cultural and historical attractions of Bohol are the three main factors why we are confident to become a tourism superpower,” said Chatto.

AirAsia, the Filipino Low Cost Carrier is fully supporting the ‘Behold...BOHOL’ campaign by offering its lowest possible rates for tourists visiting Bohol.

AirAsia, the world’s best low cost airline flies three times daily to Bohol.

Philippines is Destination of the Year 2014

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The Philippines is awarded the Destination of the Year at the 25th Annual TTG Travel Awards 2014, just a few months before the Department of Tourism (DOT) sets on to raise the country’s international profile with its Visit the Philippines Year 2015 campaign.

Secretary of Tourism Ramon R. Jimenez Jr. accepted the award before Asia’s tourism professionals at the Awarding Ceremony and Gala Dinner held on 2 October 2014 at the Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Center in Thailand.

“We would like to thank TTG for the invaluable support extended to our organization in our marketing and information dissemination efforts. As a trusted travel trade publication, it has been a formidable partner throughout these years in bringing the Philippines closer to our markets,” DOT Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez Jr. said.

The Philippines was chosen as the region’s most outstanding destination in 2014 for distinguishing itself with its proactive steps and initiatives towards the development and promotion of the travel industry. The Destination of the Year falls under the Outstanding Achievement Awards. Other categories include Travel Personality of the Year, Best Travel Entrepreneur, Best Marketing and Relationship Effort, and Best Trade Supporter. The winners are determined by TTG’s editorial team.

Organized annually by the giant TTG Asia Media’s Travel Trade Publishing group, the TTG Travel Awards has been recognizing the best of Asia-Pacific’s travel trade since 1989. The prestigious travel industry event marks an important time for the industry to recognize the exemplary organizations that raise the bar of excellence. The exclusive event honors stellar organizations and individuals in 4 categories: Travel Supplier, Travel Agency, Outstanding Achievement, and Travel Hall of Fame.

The TTG Travel Awards is now reputed as the most coveted and influential awards to be garnered in the region’s travel industry. The signature trophy, a statuette of Hermes (the god of travel and protector of travellers in ancient Greek mythology), is cast in solid pewter and plated in 24K gold. Weighing two kilograms, the Hermes trophy has since then been the icon of the annual awards.

“This award belongs to all Filipinos. It is the Filipino people that have ensured the acceptance of It’s More Fun in the Philippines as a true and accurate description of the participative and active role every Filipino plays in ensuring a successful and enjoyable visit to the Philippines. Again, the determination of the Filipino people, coupled with the support of our President, Benigno S. Aquino III, is our inspiration to build a brighter tourism future for the Philippines—an industry that is more profitable and more inclusive,” Secretary Jimenez concluded.

The DOT is gearing up its efforts to promote Visit the Philippines Year (VPY) 2015 – an invitation for all to experience the enduring promise of more fun in the Philippines. Encouraging nationwide participation, DOT aims to stamp passports of 10 million visitors to the Philippines as the country hosts major events such as the Papal Visit in January and the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministerial Meetings and Leaders’ Summit.

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