OCTOBER 30, 2023 / 69TH ISSUE
2 ITE HCMC 2023 reconnects tourism businesses
5 Sabre introduces technology advances
14 Twin Lakes Hotel Where happiness awaits
State of Philippine Tourism
According to DOT Sec. Christina Frasco
TRAVEL TRADE
ITE HCMC 2023 reconnects tourism businesses
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he International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City or ITE HCMC 2023, held last September, commenced with the customary pomp and vibrancy that characterize most travel trade events, drawing an impressive gathering of VIPs. Over the course of its three-day duration, the event welcomed more than 25,000 visitors and facilitated a remarkable 9,025 B2B trade appointments. The presence of 199 international buyers from 42 different countries highlighted the event's significance, underlining its status as the sole B2B event in Vietnam with an international buyers program. The Saigon Exhibition and Conference Center served as the backdrop for this grand exhibition, with over 400 brands, including more than 100 international establishments, setting up their pavilions alongside Vietnamese sellers to showcase their tourism products. This year's theme, "Connectivity, Growth, Sustainability," underscored the industry's commitment to accommodating tourists and building on its already impressive record of 8.9 million visitors in the first nine months of 2023. The event offered international tourism businesses a unique platform to reconnect with familiar faces, establish new partnerships, and expand their markets. For the media hosts, the experience spanned a delightful 5-day journey filled with exploration of diverse tourist attractions that contribute to the city's allure. Rediscovery tours The adventure began with a walking tour at the city’s Chinatown visiting one of the oldest temples. This brought the group to an interactive lunch at the Propaganda Vietnamese Bistro that serves local favorites with artful interiors.
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Invited international media at the ITE HCMC
Presenting Vietnam’s coffee culture at Lacaph
Participants were immersed in the process of wrapping vegetables and noodles with rice paper to create the famous spring roll and the DIY Banh Mi sandwich, a staple Vietnamese snack, both of which proved to be delicious. Following lunch, a coffee break was enjoyed at Lacaph Space Saigon, a coffee trader's store that showcases Vietnamese coffee. Vietnam, being the second-largest coffee producer globally after Brazil,. Lacaph's owners presented the rich coffee culture in Vietnam's provinces and the social responsibility associated with every cup, offering an enlightening insight into the country's coffee heritage. The day's highlight, undoubtedly, was the Vespa scooter tour around the city. Each participant was provided with a vibrant Vespa, piloted by skilled and courteous Vietnamese drivers. The unscripted journey took attendees through bustling streets, alleyways, and bridges that make Ho Chi Minh such a vibrant metropolis. The tour was a genuine and immersive
Cu Chi Tunnels highlights
experience as participants navigated through the bustling traffic, relishing the authenticity of the city. Vespa tour includes pit stops at a street-side restaurant that serves crispy crab legs and local noodles. Another stop was at a lounge bar for some chili time, and continued on to taste the popular Vietnamese “pancakes” completing the 5-hour Vespa adventure. An exhilarating ride, the motorcycle tour provides an enjoyable experience, even for those who had rarely ventured on two wheels. A glimpse of a turbulent past An indispensable facet of Vietnam's history that could not be overlooked was a visit to the Cu Chi tunnels, undertaken in the morning. This remarkable 250-kilometer long underground network, of which only one kilometer is open to tourists, has been preserved and turned into
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a war memorial park. Visitors are invited to crawl around the safer parts (reconstructed) to experience how it was during the Vietnam War. Its historical significance left a lasting impression on visitors, captivating them with the resourcefulness and resilience displayed during challenging times. The grand finale of the exhibition arrived on the last day with a lively "Thank You Night" organized by the event's hosts, expressing gratitude to the buyers, sponsors, and media. This event provided a fitting conclusion to the 3-day B2B exposition, and it was an event to remember. To cap it all off, a post-event package of 11 tours to explore renowned destinations in Ho Chi Minh awaited around 300 delegates who had registered, promising a perfect ending to an eventful and enriching experience at ITE HCMC 2023.
October 30, 2023
NEWS IT&CMA and CTW Asia Pacific 2023 ends on high note
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he 31st IT&CM Asia and 26th CTW Asia-Pacific 2023 marked an unforgettable return of the in-person event, buzzing with activity on the show floor. Aside from business and knowledge segments, this year's program featured a wide array of activities within and outside the booths, including targeted networking and knowledge sessions. The event hosted over 240 new and returning destinations and brands, attracting more than 400 MICE, Association, and Corporate Buyers from 50+ countries/territories, making the most of abundant procurement and networking opportunities. A Fresh Start at IT&CMA and CTW Asia Pacific, the "Say Hi to Everyone" icebreaking session brought delegates together, fostering new connections and deeper relationships. Delegates also explored Bangkok with tours around The Chaopraya Charming and Saneh Bangkok, and pre-registered delegates enjoyed a fun time at Topgolf Megacity. The Opening Keynote by
A toast to better times ahead. TCEB Chairman Dr. Atchaka Sibunruang (center), President Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya (2nd from left), TTG’s Darren Ng celebrate The Opening of IT&CMA and CTW APAC held today, September 26, at the Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld Bangkok.
TPB COO Margarita Nograles speaks during the Philippine country presentation
Mr. Bhummikitti Ruktaengam, President of the Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation and Adviser to the Phuket Tourist Association, shed light on the positive impact of tourism/MICE partnerships in supporting Thai communities, a central focus of this year's event. Day one culminated in the Opening Ceremony and Welcome Reception, co-hosted with the destination partner, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau. The event featured a delightful variety of Thai cuisine and performances by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) traditional dance troupe and
destination showcases, and lucky draws by Macao Trade And Investment Promotion Institute & The Economic Development Bureau of Hengqin, Augmented Reality by Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), and a Lucky Draw by The Mulia Hotel & Resort Bali. Initial feedback from delegates highlighted the value of multiple networking and educational opportunities, as well as scheduled meetings. The expanded appointment sessions provided delegates with greater flexibility and time to explore various conferences, knowledge sessions, brand engagements, showcases, and booths.
The SwingKings. “Pattaya City is a world destination that’s known for its location and pricing, amazing activities from local to luxury, beautiful beaches, and many more. This clearly means that your MICE trips to Pattaya City would not only be a business trip because visitors can enjoy the city anywhere anytime in their own way.” PATTAYA MICE CITY, Thailand. Destinations and organizations infused experiential elements into their booths, offering activities, giveaways, and entertainment. Highlights included food tastings by MEET TAIWAN, a Lion Dance Performance,
TravMedia’s IMM 2023 breaks records as largest networking event for travel PRs and travel media A record-breaking turnout at TravMedia's eighth annual International Media Marketplace (IMM) Asia confirmed the travel industry's resurgence. Over 275 media, PRs, and travel leaders attended, engaging in 2,200 pre-scheduled one-on-one appointments between travel brands and editors, writers, and influencers. This led to numerous feature stories, media familiarization trips, and partnership opportunities for the year ahead. IMM Asia connected 110 travel media from Southeast Asia, Greater China, Australia, South Korea, Japan, and India with 92 international tourism brands, making it the foremost media networking
October 30, 2023
event in Asia. Global delegates shared insights on compelling travel experiences, new hotels, and alluring destinations. In addition to meetings, there were 4.5 hours of open networking events to build lasting relationships. Nick Wayland, TravMedia's CEO & Founder, expressed his optimism about the travel industry's recovery and the unwavering passion for travel, even in the face of rising living costs. Confidence in the future of travel was evident at the event, with participants reconnecting with old friends and making exciting plans for the year ahead. IMM was designed to bring travel brands and media together to foster relationships,
emphasizing the significance of in-person meetings. The event is crucial for storytelling, as it connects those who create travel content and share the travel dream with millions worldwide. Sponsors such as Sentosa Development Corporation, Accor, Tourism New Zealand, and &Beyond contributed to the event's success, showcasing their offerings and enhancing the experience for attendees. Airline Partner AirAsia and Hotel Partners The Robertson House by The Crest Collection, Pullman Singapore Hill Street, COMO Metropolitan Singapore, InterContinental Singapore, PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering, Hotel Faber Park – Handwritten Collection,
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A photo reflecting the success of Travmedia's IMM 2023
Conrad Centennial Singapore, Grand Park City Hall, Pan Pacific Orchard, PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Pullman Singapore Orchard and Voco Orchard Singapore hosted international media.
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EDITORIAL
Yin and Yang of travel
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s we enter the final quarter of the year, the early holiday festivities are starting to make their presence felt, despite the lingering challenges posed by the weakened but persistent Covid-19 virus that has wrecked havoc on the tourism industry for the past two years. While many travelers are making plans to hit the road next year, concerns still loom on the horizon. Travelers must grapple with the potential of being stranded, heightened irregularities, closed borders, or the need to navigate unfamiliar health protocols. In September, the Philippines hosted 87 international buyers during the annual Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX) in Cebu, marking the first 100% face-to-face event. Similarly, the IT&CMA international MICE-focused event took place in Bangkok, featuring 240 new brands and destinations from over 50 countries. On a day where I was collating upbeat tourism material from these recent B2B events that just concluded, the TV screens flashed stories of the Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent retaliatory attacks by Israel on Gaza. Jerusalem, which lies in Israel, is a favorite pilgrimage spot for Filipinos, but the conflict's duration and intensity raise concerns about its impact on tourism. Moreover, airspace in the RussiaUkraine region is already restricted, and now, Israel's airspace is temporarily closed, further tightening the grip on international travel. Threats and tensions between countries aligning with Israel and Muslim nations add to the complexity. The potential for a widespread humanitarian crisis cannot be overlooked, and its consequences, like oil crisis, could reverberate throughout the travel industry. In the Southeast Asian region, Myanmar's hardline military rule has become a significant issue. This prompts questions about whether Myanmar will be able to host the ASEAN Tourism Forum in
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BY E
CORONAVIRUS
MASKS
The world is such a beautiful place and travel has that dopamine effect on us. There are countless sights to see, cuisines to taste, cultures to be discovered, peace to be advocated.
2025. It's a concern that the Department of Tourism (DOT) should seriously consider, given past experiences where last-minute changes were necessary. We covered that event then, and we remember how the Philippines put up a showcase in Davao. That was a tough act to follow and it is still being talked about up to now. So, is travel riskier nowadays? Probably, but our POV is we accept much greater risk in many things we do everyday, so we will still pull out luggage gathering dust and make a stellar comeback to what we really love doing. For this holiday season, domestic travel will be the initial choice, with the hope that conflicts will be resolved, paving the way
for outbound possibilities next spring and summer. On a brighter note, we've discovered Twin Lakes Hotel in Tagaytay, an Instagramworthy gem that often goes unnoticed as it's located below the road. As part of the hotel's development, a vineyard and a restobar are set to open by the end of the year, and that is something we want to experience Looking ahead to international travel, Switzerland is at the top of our bucket list, and it will open doors to exploring various European destinations. Domestic destinations like Siquijor and most of Mindanao destinations are also on the list. The world is such a beautiful place and travel has that dopamine effect on us. There are countless sights to see, cuisines to taste, cultures to be discovered, peace to be advocated. Travel allows us to embrace the beauty of the world and resist living in fear, even in the face of challenging times.
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PHILIPPINES GROUP EDITOR
ART DIRECTOR
Buddy G. Recio
Alden Joshua Cedo
MANAGING EDITOR
CONTRIBUTORS
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GOOD
Pinky Forte Kelly Austria Carlo Suerte
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October 30, 2023
TECHNOLOGY
Sabre Space Manila event introduces technological advances to travel agents
By Buddy D. Recio
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n a strategic move to reconnect with their counterparts in the Philippines and local travel agencies that have recently resumed their travel booking activities post-pandemic, Sabre executives visited Manila. During a conference, Brett Thorstad, VP of Sabre Travel Solutions, Agency Sales, Asia Pacific presented an array of updates to the travel trade updates. He shed light on Sabre’s endeavors, including advancements in artificial intelligence, automation, the preparation s required by agencies for New Distribution Capability, their strategic partnership with Google, growth opportunities for travel agencies, and insights into the evolving landscape of the travel industry in the Philippines. In a media interview, Thorstad stated, “The basic message is that Sabre is back. We are going to be more active in this market. We have a lot to talk about and we are very focused on technology and product development.” When asked about their actions during the trade standstill caused by lockdowns and closed borders, Thorstad emphasized that they did not slow down in Research and Development (R&D) during that time. He explained, "While we slowed down on travel, our investments in R&D continued. In fact, during the pandemic, we embarked on a substantial tech transformation initiative, which represented a significant budget allocation for Sabre. A considerable portion of our resources went into overhauling the archaic language that Sabre was built upon, transitioning to a modern language. This comprehensive system rewrite and platform transition require a significant
Sabre's engagement with the Philippines underscores its commitment not to become complacent and to continually demonstrate its value to customers. The company has maintained partnerships in the Philippines for over 30 years, fostering a dynamic and highly knowledgeable team that has developed complementary products. mindset shift, unwavering commitment, and dedication. Fortunately, our leadership provided unwavering support. By the end of this year, 100% of our GDS business will be conducted via the Google Cloud." Recognizing the growing need among travel agents to enhance their business
efficiency and provide comprehensive access, Sabre took the opportunity to engage in face-to-face communication with Philippine agents through this conference. In an effort to address their concerns, Sabre announced the imminent launch of a new AI product named "Scheduled Change Predictor" by the end of the month. This tool aims to empower agents with insights into the likelihood of flight cancellations or disruptions. It will prove invaluable to customers with existing itineraries who are apprehensive about potential disruptions, offering them the option to choose lower-risk alternatives. Even a 50-cent difference can significantly impact booking decisions. Sabre's engagement with the Philippines underscores its commitment not to become complacent and to continually demonstrate its value to customers. The company has maintained partnerships in the Philippines for over 30 years, fostering a dynamic and highly knowledgeable team that has developed complementary products. These offerings are accessible to all Sabre customers across global markets. Brett Thorstad highlighted the importance of the Philippines as one of the largest markets, about number 5, within the Asia-Pacific region, “it’s growing and we are investing on it,” he revealed. He concluded by saying, “That’s why we haven’t stopped investing. We have been continuing to build products in new generation technologies especially in the countries like the Philippines where we don’t see a lot of adoption to these,” he added.
Sabre's Brett Thorstad with travel trade media
October 30, 2023
TRAVEL UPDATE PHILIPPINES
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TRADE NEWS
Blue Horizons Travel & Tours appointed as Lufthansa City Center in Manila Starting on November 3, 2023, Blue Horizons Travel & Tours, Inc. will operate under the new name Blue Horizons Travel & Tours Lufthansa City Center (LCC). While maintaining the same ownership and legal status, the addition of LCC to the well-established local company name will define the corporate identity and expand service offerings to customers. The new brand, Lufthansa City Center, will take the forefront in communication and represents a leading force in the evolving landscape, driving
innovative trends, showcasing improvements, and offering customized solutions. Since its foundation in Germany in 1991, LCC has grown to become one of the fastest-growing international travel agency cooperatives globally, with more than 550 offices in over 100 countries. It is now one of the largest travel agency chains in Germany. It operates exclusively through franchises, preserving the independence of local travel agencies while benefiting from the strength of a global chain. They specialize in
tailoring services for leisure and corporate clients. LCC offers a professional B2B incoming agency network with over 75 worldwide DMC partners, delivering unique
travel experiences, covering individuals or groups on leisure, luxury, meetings, incentives, congresses, events (MICE), and special niche offerings, all infused with local authenticity.
Cunard cancels 2025/26 Australia season Cunard has just announced that its Queen Elizabeth will not return to Australia for the 2025/26 season. Instead, as part of new deployment plans beginning in 2026, Queen Elizabeth will sail year-round from North America, spending the summer sailing in and around Alaska and in the winter sailing an exciting new Cunard Caribbean programme from Florida. The Carnival Corporation brand will continue its
Australian Cunard season in 2023/24 and 2024/25, but “from 2026, there will be no locally based programme,” according to a company update.
Queen Elizabeth is already on her way to Australia, where she will begin her 2023/2024 homeport season on 27 November.
“Australia and Asia will remain important destinations on our round-the-world voyages, and we look forward to welcoming guests from these regions wherever they choose to sail with us,” said Matt Gleaves, Cunard Commercial VP for North America and Australasia. Cunard, he vowed, will continue to provide interesting programmes across its fourship fleet. Full details of the future programs will be released in 2024.
PAL to introduce new Cebu-Laoag route and expanded Cebu-Mindanao flights in December As part of its ongoing commitment to enhance connectivity between Northern Luzon and the central and southern Philippines, Philippine Airlines (PAL) is set to launch a groundbreaking Cebu-Laoag route in December 2023. Commencing on December 15, 2023, PAL will operate biweekly flights connecting Cebu and Laoag, featuring convenient morning departure times. The outbound flight, PR 2251 from Cebu to Laoag, is scheduled to depart at 07:35 AM, arriving at 10:05 AM,
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while the return flight, PR 2252 from Laoag to Cebu, will depart at 10:05 AM, with an expected arrival in Cebu at 12:35 PM. On the other hand, PAL is set to kickstart the holiday season by resuming more domestic routes from Cebu to Luzon and Mindanao.. Beginning December 15, 2023, PAL will operate daily flights between Cebu and General Santos City, as well as daily flights between Cebu and Legazpi in Daraga, Albay. For the Cebu-General Santos route (PR 2357), daily
departures are scheduled for 02:30 PM, with an arrival time of 03:50 PM. The return f light, General Santos-Cebu (PR 2358), will depart at 04:20 PM and land in Cebu at 05:40 PM. Likewise, daily flights on the Cebu-Legazpi route (PR 2927) are set to take off at 06:00 PM, with an expected arrival at 07:10 PM. The return journey, Legazpi-Cebu (PR 2928), will depart at 07:30 PM, reaching Cebu at 08:40 PM. Starting on December 16, PAL will resume its regular thrice-weekly f lights (on
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Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays) between Cebu and Ozamiz City. Flight PR 2893 is slated for departure from Cebu at 07:35 AM, with an anticipated arrival in Ozamiz at 08:40 AM. The return f light, PR 2894, will depart from Ozamiz at 09:00 AM, touching down in Cebu at 10:00 AM.” All the mentioned routes from Cebu will be operated by PAL's quiet and comfortable De Havilland Dash 8-400 Next Generation aircraft, equipped with 86 seats, including six Comfort Class seats.
October 30, 2023
HERITAGE
Tourism Promotions Board conducts community based tourism workshop for weavers in Ilocos Norte By Marky Ramone Go
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nbeknownst to many, the Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines (TPB), the marketing arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT), has been conducting workshops on marketing enhancement with community-based tourism (CBT) stakeholders from several communities nationwide. The most recent CBT training took place in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte, on October 11–12, just prior to the 12th Annual Regional Travel Fair held at Robinsons Place in the same municipality. The Sola Hotel served as the venue for the two-day workshop that brought together weavers from all across Ilocos Norte. The discussion included a variety of subjects designed to teach stakeholders from local weaving communities how to broaden the reach of their creations in order for active weavers to enhance their revenue while also conserving their tradition. Aside from holding workshops, such as this one for inabel weavers, where valuable information about branding, marketing, product development, social media presence, pricing, and more was shared, the TPB always donates livelihood starter kits to each community so that they can quickly ramp up production and apply their new knowledge gained from the workshop. Apple Allison, a brand builder and idea accelerator who was one of three speakers invited by TPB to lead the workshop, believes the two-day gathering succeeded in providing a good opportunity for the weavers to learn how to price their creations strategically, so that their handcrafted products can be valued more for their skill and creativity than for the traditional labor fee based on yard/per output or the minimum daily wage. Allison also expressed amazement at the Inabel woven creations, that if provided with a sound marketing plan, it will surely attract a wider market not only in the Philippines but those from foreign markets. “They can weave intricate patterns even without seeing the front side of the textile”, she said. “This is the first time I’ve seen that kind of weaving process na nakabaliktad un latag, kung baga un likod na part ang nakikita ng weaver at hindi un front yet they can still weave the pattern on point, hindi nagkakamali. For me, grabe un brain energy,” Allison added. Inabel is derived from the Ilocano word “Abel,” which means “weave”. The Inabel fabric, which is uniquely Ilocano in origin, is made of cotton and can be plain or patterned. The softness, exquisite
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patterning, and strength of abel fabric are well known and much liked. Ilocos weavers use a range of pattern types to weave on hardwood pedal looms. Designs are developed for a variety of purposes, one of the most prominent being Kusikok / Kusikos, which is made up of swirling and whirlwind shapes, is customarily believed to protect the wearer from evil spirits.
runner, tablecloth and curtains. “I love witnessing the spark of joy and excitement in their eyes with renewed fire in their heart for the craft that they do while learning new things — especially after doing the interactive activities as part of the CBT workshop” Allison said. After the two-day workshop, the 12th Regional Travel Fair started in nearby Robinsons Mall where the weavers were given a prime space for them to showcase their creations. According to some of the weavers we talked to, the showcase was a success as countless mall goers were able to buy many of their displayed creations while others ordered customized inabel cloth of several sizes and varying designs.
TPB’s Nationwide CBT Programs This writer has personally witnessed the Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines’ CBT endeavors in several places already. Some examples include the marketing and proper management of five ecotourism sites in Sagay, Negros Occidental, another series of marketing enhancements workshops for different communities in Buhi, Camarines Sur, Iloilo City and Capiz, just to name a few. This latest CBT stop in Ilocos Norte will not only help promote the fine art of inabel weaving, but it will also help weaving communities take more control of their creations by properly marketing, pricing, and developing their products, such as bridging traditional designs to modern uses, such as incorporating inabel cloth into fashion clothes, accessories, shoes, and more, rather than just focusing on common items like table
Meeting a National Living Treasure It is quite rare to be graced by the presence of a National Living Treasure. The following day of the program, this writer accompanied other media writers on a tour of actual weaving centers in several communities in Ilocos Norte. One of them is located in the town of Pinili. We met Lola Magdalena Gamayo, who, at 99 years old, is still carrying on the legacy of inabel weaving while also passing it on to the next generation. Lola Magdalena, a GAMABA (Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan) awardee since 2012, is one of only 16 Filipino artisans to receive this recognition. Lola Magdalena, who is looking to become the first centenarian National Living Treasure next August, is passing on the inabel heritage to younger weavers by participating in a series of workshops here at the Pinili Inabel Center in Nueva Era, Ilocos Norte. As Lola Magdalena approaches her 100th birthday, the craft of inabel weaving looks forward to another century of being a major part of the Ilocos region’s arts and cultural scene — and with the public’s support, it will undoubtedly be.
TRAVEL UPDATE PHILIPPINES
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COVER STORY
DOT Secretary Frasco discusses achievements and plans for Philippine tourism
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n an exclusive interview with Travel Update Philippines, Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco ref lected on her first year in office and shared insights into the current state of Philippine tourism. The discussion covered key findings from her listening tours, solutions to address weaknesses and f laws, efforts to enhance connectivity, and the promotion of domestic and international tourism. During the interview, Frasco emphasized the importance of engaging with the private sector and stakeholders to understand the challenges faced by the tourism industry. Through her listening tours across the Philippines and consultations with various sectors worldwide, valuable insights were gathered. She revealed that listening to the stakeholders allowed DOT to improve a National Tourism Development Plan that focuses on strengthening the industry by improving upon the pillars for development, highlighting key areas for improvement. Infrastructure emerged as a significant concern, with the Philippines ranking low compared to ASEAN neighbors. Secretary Frasco cited the need for improved access roads and f lood management for tourist destinations. Addressing the limitations of focusing solely on promotions, Frasco
emphasized the importance of addressing infrastructure and connectivity issues to unlock the full potential of Philippine tourism. Her goal is to position the country as a competitive destination, highlighting its natural resources, beautiful beaches, and the renowned hospitality of the Filipino people. “We have the best beaches, the world’s leading beach and dive destinations. The world is telling us that we have all these natural resources plus
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the Filipino people whose hospitality is known around the world; but, the problems we are facing have existed unaddressed for quite a while and it’s time it’s given sufficient government support,” she expressed.
Connectivity
Frasco discussed collaborations with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to expand f light routes and improve secondary airports across the
October 30, 2023
COVER STORY
country and efforts are underway to negotiate with international airlines, increase f lights, and enhance internet connectivity to tourist destinations. “There is so much more destinations that we can highlight and as the effort of our President to spread tourism through countrywide development and we are able to do that by increasing connectivity to our secondary airports so that one of the first things we did with the DoTr was to present to them a wishlist of destinations for their airports to be improved, expanded and constructed and we are pleased to note that many of these requests from the DOT have actually been carried by the DOTr. An example is, we can anticipate the improvement of the Panglao International Airport through privatization as well as the improvement of Laguindingan International Airport in Misamis Oriental, the expansion of Tambler Airport in General Santos City, as well as the further opening up of Clark International Airport to more f lights.”
Convergence
Frasco also discussed the concept of convergence, where multiple agencies work together to address tourism-related issues. “The concept of convergence has existed for some time now, however we are very grateful that very early on in this administration, President Marcos articulated that tourism is a priority under his administration and the result of that has been the opportunity to converge in the real sense of the word with our agencies.” Various initiatives were highlighted, such as collaboration with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to ensure the construction of tourism roads. Efforts were also underway to improve airports, seaports, visa policies, and restroom facilities, among others, in collaboration with relevant agencies. Recognizing that China and India are potentially massive source markets for the Philippines, she revealed that the biggest roadblock is the visa issuance. “Last March, we had a visa report convergence meeting with the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs), DICT (Department of Information and Communications Technology), DOJ (Department of Justice) and the BI (Bureau of Immigration) for the purpose of revisiting visa policies to liberalize entry to the country as per directive of the President, of course, with all the security measures still in place.” In August the electronic visa system
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“The concept of convergence has existed for some time now, however we are very grateful that very early on in this administration, President Marcos articulated that tourism is a priority under his administration and the result of that has been the opportunity to converge in the real sense of the word with our agencies.” was launched primarily for the Chinese tourists, with plans for the e-visa system for tourists from India to follow. The resumption of chartered f lights is seen from this development. Efforts are underway to reinstate the visa-on-arrival platform, which is a more convenient option for cruise ship passengers. Frasco added that another aspect of convergence with other agencies is the VAT-refund mechanism. She revealed a presidential directive for 2024, wherein tourists visiting the country will have the opportunity to receive a VAT refund through a collaboration among DOT, DFA, and the Bureau of Internal Revenues (BIR). The current status of the bill indicates that it has passed in Congress and is now awaiting approval in the Senate.
Food tourism
Regarding the national dish debate, Secretary Frasco emphasized the diverse culinary heritage of the Philippines. “Actually, the reality of the Philippines is we are so diverse in terms of the specific inf luences that we each have a dish that we are very proud of, and to my mind, the effort now of the DOT is for the provinces, cities, and municipalities to discover the best of what they have and to lend us assistance towards us marketing , branding, and promoting this product for it to be palatable to local tourists.We don’t wish to impose a singular identity to a country that is so diverse.” Currently, the DOT's focus is on promoting local dishes from various
TRAVEL UPDATE PHILIPPINES
Philippine Joins UNWTO General Assembly, Frasco Seats as VP for East Asia and the Pacific The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) convened its 25th General Assembly in Samarkand, Uzbekistan with 150 tourism ministers and delegates in attendance. The assembly’s theme, ‘Tourism and Green Investment’, centered on discussions related to investment, sustainability, innovation, and competitiveness. The UNWTO, of which the Philippines is a full member, is a specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to promoting responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism. Highlighting the significance of the General Assembly, the tourism chief emphasized that the Philippines’ participation in this global event sets the stage for the country’s tourism resurgence, as the Philippines has been elected Vice President for East Asia and the Pacific of the UNWTO. Frasco also participated as a panelist in the high-level UNWTO Global Education Forum. She underscored the Department's critical role in bridging the gap between academia and the industry, emphasizing its commitment to advancing tourism education in the Philippines beyond its primary mandate of promoting the country as a global destination. “The importance of tourism education in the Philippines cannot be overstated, especially since we recognize that the Filipino tourism workers are the best asset of Philippine tourism,” Frasco expressed. She continued to stress how tourism education plays a pivotal role in providing employment to millions of Filipinos whose livelihoods depend on the industry. Frasco added that tourism in the Philippines employs over 5.35 million Filipinos, accounting for more than 11.4% of the entire national employment. In June 2024, the Philippines is scheduled to host the Joint Regional Meetings of the Committee for East Asia and the Pacific and South Asia in Cebu.
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COVER STORY
provinces, cities, and municipalities, highlighting their unique f lavors and cultural experiences as part of 'The Philippine Experience.' This program offers a wide range of experiences that aim to engage tourists in heritage, culture, arts, and local products, fostering an immersive and authentic travel experience. Not just in churches and beaches, but also in terms of other nuances that make the area unique — the heart and soul of the people. She related that the community is also ref lected in festivals and in food involving local products. All of these will be packaged into tours in collaboration with the regional offices. DOT hopes to have enough culinary products bannering our culture if and when the invitation for the Michelin Guide people is accepted and takes place in June 2024. Frasco encouraged destinations with a heavy reliance on international tourists to also focus on domestic tourism, highlighting its potential to sustain local economies. She
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'The Philippine Experience.' This program offers a wide range of experiences that aim to engage tourists in heritage, culture, arts, and local products, fostering an immersive and authentic travel experience. Not just in churches and beaches, but also in terms of other nuances that make the area unique — the heart and soul of the people.’ noted the strong rebound of domestic tourism during the pandemic and the significant economic contributions it made.
TRAVEL UPDATE PHILIPPINES
October 30, 2023
COVER STORY
Cruise tourism
In terms of cruise tourism, Secretary Frasco highlighted its resurgence and increased numbers of cruise ships visiting the Philippines. as it was found that expedition ships have increased more than expected, the DOT is working on reconfiguring ports to accommodate smaller vessels and cater to various activities beyond leisure. “First of all, cruise tourism has come back in a very big way, in 2019, the Philippines received 102 cruise ships. In 2023, we are receiving no less than 139 so there’s very great interest in cruising. These cruise ships will travel to our 49 island destinations. Our vision for cruise tourism in the Philippines is that that it does not become just a stopover point but a cruise hub where the ships come from here. Pending that , we are designing a very specific cruise calendar that takes a look at further developing the existing cruise destinations and expanding that to other islands as well”.
Luxury tourism
“In Cebu, we have luxurious resorts that
October 30, 2023
In collaboration with the Office of Industry Manpower, DOT is currently in the process of providing language training, revisiting training accreditations, and collaborating with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to grant tour guides an NC-3 grade.
specialize in serving the MICE sector. To exemplify, I recently had the pleasure of hosting a convention for a sizable group of 3,000 Korean delegates. Our vision is to expand our portfolio of luxury destinations to cater to specific source markets. Luxury tourism can unquestionably be an integral part of the Philippine Experience. The beauty of our country lies in its diverse array of experiences, ranging from our delectable food and gastronomy to our rich pilgrimage and heritage sites. Moreover, we offer wellness and cultural experiences that are second to none. The potential for various iterations of the Philippine Experience is vast, promising unforgettable
moments in every niche of travel and exploration,” she divulged.
Training
In the hospitality arena, the DOT has already overhauled its target of training 100,000 frontliner tourism workers on the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence, two months before the year end. As of October 13, 2023, a total of 147, 000 tourism workers across diverse sector such as accommodation, travel and tour, transportation, academe, MICE, farm tourism, tour guiding, and tourism police (TOPCOP) have finished training since it was started in 2013. “Regarding the non-
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accredited guides operating in Intramuros and other tourism sites, we have already engaged with the Intramuros Administration (IA) to establish regulations and have encouraged them to offer alternative activities for these non-accredited guides. Our stance is one of inclusivity rather than exclusivity, as we believe that any Filipino who wishes to embrace the Filipino brand of excellence and learn the seven core values of Filipino hospitality should have the opportunity to do so. While we aim to expand our training, we are equally committed to safeguarding the interests of our accredited guides.” In collaboration with the Office of Industry Manpower, DOT is currently in the process of providing language training, revisiting training accreditations, and collaborating with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to grant tour guides an NC-3 grade. Secretary Frasco concluded by emphasizing the commitment of the Department of Tourism to enhance tourism experiences, improve infrastructure and connectivity, and promote the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines.
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PRODUCTS
Bohol espouses faith tourism By Pinky Forte
B
ohol has rolled out faith-based tourism with a twist, a decade after its vintage churches damaged by the 7.2 magnitude earthquake have all been restored and half a century after Christianity gained foothold in the Philippines. The twist is that for a deeper spiritual element, the Diocese of Tagbilaran is taking part in training local church guides and setting up protocols for pilgrims including suitable attire, deportment inside the churches and respecting Catholic traditions. A priest may accompany tour groups for celebrating the Holy Mass, hearing confession and granting indulgences, a practice Filipinos are accustomed to in joining pilgrimages to the Holy Land, the Vatican, Marian miraculous sites and other hallowed grounds abroad. We previewed Bohol’s faith-based tourism circuits - basically visita iglesia with several cultural, heritage and culinary fares thrown in - in a 4D/3N media fam, courtesy of the Department of Tourism (DOT) Central Visayas. Our visita iglesia
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comprised 9 churches. Of the 25 churches damaged by the 2013 earthquake in varying degrees, 11 of them are curated as
national cultural treasures and national historical landmarks, an impressive collection unsurpassed anywhere else in
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the Philippines. That these heritage churches have been painstakingly restored to their original grandeur is a testament to Boholanos’ faith, resilience and ability to rise again and again from earthquakes, super typhoons, floods, Covid-19 pandemic, and other calamities,
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PRODUCTS
Lourdes Sultan, Bohol Federation of Travel and Tour Operators president, pointed out. Tour highlight was the Pontifical High Mass and the Rite of Canonical Coronation of Our Lady of the Assumption in the parish and diocesan shrine in Dauis that bears Our Lady’s title. The Pope’s personal representative in the Philippines, His Excellency Charles Brown, and Bishop Alberto Uy of the Diocese of Tagbilaran, crowned Our Lady. It was solemn, made more so by the four choirs, including the world-famous Loboc Children’s Choir, whose angelic voices wafted through to the heavens in praise and glory. We marveled at how The Diocesan Shrine of San Vicente Ferrer in Maribojoc was fully restored to its original after having been extensively damaged by the earthquake. It took eight years to restore to its original form the Our Lady of Light Church in Loon, the biggest coral stone church in Bohol flattened by the quake, including the adjoining convent. With undisguised pride in their eyes, the friendly parishioners invited us to the proclamation of the church as a Diocesan Shrine in a High Mass that was concelebrated by the Papal Nuncio and Bishop Alberto Uy on Sept. 10, the birthday of Our Lady. Having church guides trained by the Diocese is a convenience to us pilgrims. A seminarian shared the details behind the architecture, ornate retablo, murals at the dome, and intricate carvings on the wooden entrance of the St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral in Tagbilaran. Trained parishioners showed us around the Baclayon Church compound, the biggest and oldest coral stone church in Bohol founded in 1596, now fully restored. A local historian traced the past of Santissimo Nombre de Jesus Church in Cortes which, like other vintage churches in Bohol, is a monument to the inextricable link between faith and history - the people’s refuge against conquerors, their
October 30, 2023
That these heritage churches have been painstakingly restored to their original grandeur is a testament to Boholanos’ faith, resilience and ability to rise again and again
shelter amid natural calamities, tabernacle of miracle and hope in times of despair, the influencer of their lifestyle and tradition. Tour guide Cecille Remolador was with us throughout the media fam, regaling us with the history,
lores and miracles attached to the churches, many of them stories from mother and lola. The town fiesta is more important than Christmas for Boholanos, Cecille said. While Boholano OFWs don’t return home to celebrate Christmas, they go on leave and holiday
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in time for the May fiesta, a season for reuniting with family and friends, where every home is open even to strangers for sumptuous repast. In keeping with the cultural and heritage theme, DOT Central Visayas have added to our itinerary side trips that bear testament to Bohol’s resiliency and capability to rise from the ashes. The number of boats cruising Loboc River was reduced from 26 to 18 after supertyphoon Odette. The remainers are lovelier and more comfortable, all sporting a comely vernacular architecture and interior and having only one food concessionaire to maintain food quality. Nestor Manungas, 72, the ‘asindero’ who is keeping alive the dying tradition of making salt from coconut husks soaked in seawater, is credited for elevating asin tibuok from being food of the poor to what is now a must-have among the country’s upmarket chefs. Thanks to the encouragement and assistance of his brother, a priest in Australia, Mang Nestor’s asin tibuok is now exported to the United States and soon in Australia, the Middle East and Japan. There are also a few other ‘asinderos’ making asin tibuok as they realise there is a market for it. A must-do: A tour of the Amarela Resort Art Gallery which showcases Old Bohol, followed by a merienda of thick chocolate drink and suman and mangoes is a steal at P300/pax.
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DESTINATIONS
Twin Lakes Hotel - Where happiness awaits By Buddy Recio
Y
ou can't miss Twin Lakes Hotel as you cruise along the Tagaytay-Nasugbu road on your way to visit Caleruega, with the prominent signage and various commercial establishments, including Starbucks, lining the entrance. However, what you may not immediately notice is the grand expanse that lies below street level, along with the stunning accompanying view. Beyond the bustling commercial area, a road leads you to a 1,200-hectare masterplanned tourism estate, one of the most picturesque and Instagram-worthy destinations in Tagaytay. Opened in 2018 with little fanfare due to Covid lockdowns, Twin Lakes Hotel has now emerged with a determination to offer its guests the comforts and ambiance of a luxury hotel through its current and upcoming developments. TLH boasts a panoramic view of Taal Volcano and the surrounding lake. Guests can also admire the rolling hillscape of Tagaytay and the modern architectural design of its residences, whether from its viewpoint or from the rooms, all of which come equipped with balconies. The owning company, Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, has plans to restore their 3-hectare vineyards that were damaged by a past typhoon. Moreover, a wine bar called Wine Gallery will open next month, offering an additional unique Europeaninspired experience. The restaurant pays homage to the omnipresent Bulalo with flair, prepared by true-blue Batangueño chefs. With rare delicacies like Maliputo and Tawilis, only found in Taal Lake, also on the menu, dining here is already a memorable culinary adventure.
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Our first visit to Twin Lakes was so captivating that we had to return with our family. We wanted to show our son, who was on a 10-day vacation, the many reasons to keep coming back. Bonding was enhanced with banter and conversations on the balcony, fun times at the heated pool, and playing chess, billiards, and mini-football at the play area. We didn't even have time to take the shuttle to the roadside Starbucks for a different perspective of the volcano or just people-watch. Happy fur babies make for happy owners. On our third visit, we brought our media friends who had their fur babies with them on a dedicated floor at Level 5. Twin Lakes is not just pet-friendly; in fact, they offer more freebies for your fur babies than the hotel has for you. The memorable moments we had at Twin Lakes felt like a well-being holiday because it's a place where a vacation can heal you. It's as close to a perfect vacation as you can get, with tailor-fit activities, clean mountain air, a pleasant climate, healthy food, and the opportunity to bond with family, friends, and your fur babies. Each room has a balcony where you can sit, have
tea or coffee, and admire the blessings of nature while giving thanks. As people become more proactive and intentional about leading a healthy and happy life, this is the place to be. Even trendy customers
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who value their online and offline status will have ample opportunities for photos and videos. Additionally, the hotel provides an hourly shuttle to the commercial area for more dining explorations.
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SUSTAINABILITY
‘Isla Boracay' to keep the island cleanup drive alive
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ith its upbeat and almost danceable tempo and easily understood message on cleanliness and mindful tourism, ‘Isla Boracay’ could easily become the new national anthem of sorts across the island in the days and years to come. (Check out the song at https://bit.ly/IslaBoracay). Written and performed by upcoming musician Daenniel Fernandez from Palawan State University, Isla Boracay is the grand winner of the first High 5 Boracay Song Writing Competition, one of the highlights of the Malay Tourism Week 2023 celebration. Winning Php 100,000 cash prize though the efforts of Boracay MICE Alliance (BMA) together with the Local Government of Malay and the Department of Tourism Region VI, radio stations and establishments across Boracay would play the song daily every 5:00 PM for five minutes to signal the start of a regular clean-up drive in the island. Malay Mayor Frolibar Bautista already signed the executive order requiring all establishments to participate in this cleanup program. So, the next time you’re in Boracay, be sure to join in the fun of picking up trash, among others, to keep the island clean and safe. The Philippine’s wellloved and most-visited island celebrated its tourism week on September 21-23 with the theme, “Thrust on Tourism and Green Investments,” aimed at
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highlighting Boracay’s efforts that have made it a top tropical destination and one of the World’s Best Beaches. Held at Balabag Wetland Park, the festive program also included the induction of the Malay Cooks Association and the Savoy Malay Food Exhibit, along with crafts and arts and food products exhibition. “To sustain the gain that we had during the closure and rehabilitation in 2018, we want to involve everyone in our sustainable tourism campaign including the clients and stakeholders. Sustainable tourism is a vital approach to ensure the longevity of our beloved Boracay and the wellbeing of its residents. It’s about preserving the breathtaking natural landscapes that have drawn visitors for generations
while ensuring the same landscapes continue to thrive for generations to come,” Western Visayas Regional Director Crisanta Marlene “Krisma” Rodriguez, who was guest of honor, said. To achieve this, she pointed out, we must place a strong emphasis on green investments: renewable energy, waste management, eco-friendly infrastructure, and sustainable practices. Mayor Bautista who officially welcomed participants to the celebration, sees sustainable tourism as a way to eradicate poverty and offer wider opportunities to people of Malay and nearby municipalities. For the event, he also included student participation via a Quiz Bee competition and the recognition of tourism front liners who render the Filipino brand of excellence in his beloved municipality of Malay. “And we're back 24/7,” he announced. “We amped our security measures, especially for those who prefer the sunset to sunrise activities. The regulation of 8,000 tourists is in place but we hope to increase by 12,000 visitors per day as LGU is actively restoring other beachfront areas in the island. “Tourism and green investments are the driving
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force in our pursuit of preserving what we have and improving what we can. Thus, we have this symphony of celebration to bring cultural and environmental awareness as a way forward to resounding success for our beloved island and the tourism industry,” he said. For her part, BMA Chairman Cleofe Albiso said: “After the closure and the pandemic, we made sure that we came in ready. That’s how positive we are that after the trials, something good will happen.” “As you all know tourism is our bread and butter, we live and thrive because of tourism industry. At BMA, we are positioning Boracay for meetings, incentives, conferences, conventions, and events (MICE) offering a combination of leisure and business as well as wellness tourism,” said Albiso, who is also the Managing Director of Megaworld Hotels and Resorts (MHR). Two MHR properties, Savoy Hotel and Belmont Hotel, are both located at Boracay Newcoast. Currently, BMA has more than 50 partner establishments within the island. To be part of the organization, email boracaymiceallianceph@gmail. com or visit its official Facebook page, Boracay MICE Alliance. (Leony R. Garcia)
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