Amazing Travel Deals Await with Traveloka’s Su-Paw Sale

There’s no reason to miss out on the opportunity to get on a plane and travel the world with Traveloka’s biggest promo yet, the Su-Paw Sale! On October 25, Traveloka users can enjoy up to 50% discounts on flights, accommodations, and activities and attractions too.

Southeast Asia’s leading online travel platform introduces the Su-Paw Sale in line with its ongoing Petfluencer campaign, which highlights that ease of making all types of travel arrangements via Traveloka; so easy that even your favorite furry friend can do it.

On Friday, October 25, from 10:00 am onwards, Traveloka app users can browse through all destinations and travel periods and enjoy discounted flight bookings with as much as 50% off, up to a maximum of P10,000.

Meanwhile, discounts for hotels and accommodation will also be up for grabs! Users can get up to 40% off, or up to P1,500, for a minimum spend of P3,000 from 6 - 8 pm only. And then specifically for in-app use for hotels, people can enjoy up to P1,250 off their hotels bookings of three nights. Those who are looking to book for 2 nights can also avail of up to 25% off.

Complete the package by taking advantage of cut-rate offerings of Traveloka’s Xperience. First time users can avail 25% off activities and attractions with a minimum spend of P2,000, while existing users can get 20% for a minimum spend of P1,500.

These awesome discounts are available for a limited time only, so get on Traveloka and be among the lucky users to avail of these one-time promos. With Traveloka, you can fly, stay and play the easy way—with just one app to tap.

It’s not just any sale, it’s Traveloka’s Su-Paw Sale! To learn more about these amazing travel deals, download the Traveloka app from the Google Play store on Android or from the App Store on iOS today.

Traveloka, which is available online or as a downloadable app on the Google Playstore and the Apple App Store, provides a wide range of travel needs in one platform—from flights, hotels, and trains; to flight+hotel packages; attractions & activities; and more—enabling customers to create moments together with their friends or loved ones.

Mega Trade Deal in the Final Stages

BANGKOK — The sixteen (16) Ministers of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) participating countries from the 10 members states of ASEAN (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Viet Nam) together with its Free Trade Area (FTA) Partners from Australia, China, India, Japan, Korea and New Zealand gathered on 8th of September 2019 in Bangkok, Thailand for the 7th RCEP Ministerial Meeting.

According to Philippine Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez, the RCEP Ministers expressed their collective determination to conclude the negotiations this year and recognized that the parties have reached a critical milestone as the conclusion of negotiations draws near. The Ministers mandated the negotiating teams to finish the last pending items on market access as well as a couple of issues on rules before the end of the month.

The 3rd RCEP Leaders’ Summit, to be attended by the Presidents and Prime Ministers, is scheduled at the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in early November 2019, where the conclusion of the RCEP is set to be announced.

To ensure that the agreement will be concluded, the Ministers committed to exert utmost flexibility, and provide appropriate resources for the negotiations.

In today’s growing global economic uncertainty and trade frictions, the conclusion of the RCEP would help bring back the confidence to the international trading system and help ensure a more stable environment in trade and investment.

The agreement will also help level the playing field and help contribute in building a free and fair market in the region.

“For the Philippines, this agreement is envisaged to achieve greater market access for goods, services, and investments, and provide a business friendly and trade facilitative rules for businesses and investors.” Lopez said.

The final round of negotiation is scheduled on September 19-28, 2019 in Danang, Vietnam.

Read the 7th RCEP MM Joint Media Statement here: https://asean.org/storage/2019/09/RCEPMM7-03-RCEP-MM-7-Joint-Media-Statement-FINAL.pdf 

DRIVERS OF MSME DEVELOPMENT

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha met Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez and other ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) prior to the opening of the 51st AEM Meeting and Related Meetings in Bangkok on 6 September 2019. The Prime Minister encouraged ASEAN countries to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by teaching technological and digital know-how and encouraging innovation – the same strategies that President Rodrigo Duterte and DTI implement. The Prime Minister also underscored the importance helping SMEs level up their businesses. In the Philippines, DTI continues its effort in upgrading MSMEs and ensuring they are at the front and center of its economic agenda through various public and private partnerships. DTI implements the 7Ms framework (Mindset Change, Mastery, Mentoring, Money, Machine, Market Access and Models of Negosyo), a holistic approach of the government that would develop smarter entrepreneurs for poverty reduction.

Plan the Perfect Long Weekend Getaway with Traveloka

This August has a number of holidays and long weekends that adventure and vacation loving Filipinos can look forward to: Eid al-Adha on the third week of the month, Ninoy Aquino Day on August 21, and National Heroes Day on August 26. Make the most out of these extended breaks by satisfying your wanderlust and going on that much-desired getaway.

Here are some suggestions on where you can go and what you can do to achieve your #looongweekendgoals.

●        August 10 to 12: Singapore or Cebu

Singapore’s always been an accessible and ideal weekend destination for Filipinos. Its quaint old neighborhoods, eclectic dining scene, lively arts and culture, and other exciting attractions make it an even better destination.

The Island of Cebu, meanwhile, offers travelers the best of both worlds: a colorful urban lifestyle and the serenity of nature—the choice is yours!

●        August 9 to 12: Palawan or Hong Kong

You can never go wrong visiting Palawan. Coron, El Nido, and Puerto Princesa are just some of the most beautiful places on the island that offer unique experiences for every adventurer.

Hong Kong, on the other hand, has consistently been a top destination for Filipinos. Travelers can enjoy amazing shopping deals, delectable cuisine, and an unforgettable array of sights and attractions.

●        August 21, 2019: Staycation in Metro Manila

A staycation in Metro Manila on hump day may just be the quick break you need. Treat yourself to a comfortable bed, delicious hotel food, and cool amenities.

●        August 21 to August 26: Japan or Seoul

If you can afford to file a two-day leave, go all out and book a trip to Japan or Seoul, South Korea.

Spend the long weekend in Tokyo or Osaka and have a taste of amazing food while taking in fashion-forward trends, a rich history, and quirky pop-culture.

You can also enjoy the electric atmosphere in Seoul. Experience a whole range of activities, from sampling tasty local delicacies to soaking up K-pop and the rich culture and heritage. Shopaholics will also love the amazing retail finds here.

●        August 23 to 26: Bangkok or Taipei

For those who can only file a one-day leave, a four-day vacation in Bangkok, Thailand or Taipei, Taiwan is perfect.

Bangkok’s culture is best experienced by simply immersing yourself into the heart of things. Try the food and get lost in the sights and sounds of the bustling city.

A trip to Taipei will give you the chance to explore its rich cultural history, irresistible culinary treats, and a modern urban vibe.

●        August 24 to 26, 2019: Davao or Boracay

A quick escape to Davao can prove extremely refreshing, regardless if you stay in the city or head out to experience the beach or the great outdoors.

Boracay’s rebirth, on the other hand, has ensured that its white sand beaches are kept pristine and majestic.

Excited for the upcoming long weekends? Turn these dates into #LooongWeekendGoals with Traveloka, the ultimate one-stop online travel platform, for an experience like no other.

Traveloka provides a wide range of travel needs in one platform—including flights, hotels, transport, flight+hotel packages, attractions, activities, and more—helping customers to easily create moments together with their friends and loved ones.

Check out Traveloka’s #LooongWeekendGoals promotion and get amazing deals! Book your flight+hotel packages via https://www.traveloka.com/en-ph/packages. Download the app via Google Play or the App Store for more exclusive promos.

PH to Bridge Trade Gap with Indonesia Through Agri, Auto Parts Exports

BANGKOK – The Philippines (PH) is working to bridge its trade gap with Indonesia by exporting more agricultural products and automobile parts. At the sidelines of the 34th ASEAN Summit on 21-24 June, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez discussed trade opportunities with his Indonesian counterpart, Minister of Trade Enggartiasto Lukita. The two ministers also agreed to organize a business matching session in Indonesia possibly around August or September 2019.

“President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing for the Philippines to narrow its trade imbalance with Indonesia. Thus we hope that openness from both countries will result in a mutually beneficial trade relationship between the two countries,” said Secretary Lopez. 

In 2018, Indonesia was the PH's 9th major trading partner, with around US$7.27 billion in trade. However, PH imports from Indonesia stood at US$6.40 billion, while PH exports were only at US$866.20 million.

Indonesian company PT Mayora reported that it started importing desiccated coconuts from PH since April 2019. Indonesia is also more willing to import shallots, bananas, and alcoholic beverages from PH.

Secretary Lopez noted that Toyota Fortuner, manufactured in Indonesia, is one of the top vehicle imports of PH. Hence he proposed for Indonesia to source some of its automobile parts from PH to manufacture the said vehicle. One of the long-term plans to increase PH exports was for Indonesia to import Mitsubishi Mirage G4 and Toyota Vios when PH becomes the regional production hub for these vehicles.

Likewise, they discussed the Special Safeguards (SSG) on PH coffee imports, issued through Department Order No. 6 by the Department of Agriculture in March 2018. The measure was set because the price of Indonesian coffee brand Kopiko is below the PH’s trigger price of PHP203.74 per kilo.  

The lower import price has led to higher imports affecting Filipino coffee manufacturers. Secretary Lopez said that PH appreciates Indonesia’s show of good faith and efforts to enhance trade relations, as well as Kopiko’s commitment to put up a coffee processing plant in PH. These, he said, will be positively considered in reviewing the SSG on coffee.

ProPak Show Goes to PH

Featuring 292 world-leading manufacturers from 29 countries, including 9 international pavilions from China, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and the United Kingdom, the trade exhibition showcases the best and latest technology, machines and solutions for industry from large scale manufacturing to MSMEs.

Similarly, DTI sees the importance of good packaging in enhancing the marketability and competitiveness of Philippine MSMEs and so the Department has been working with UBM through efforts such as Pack Pinas! and ProPak Asia to broaden the horizons of MSMEs in their product packaging options.

“Packaging is very important. When we started introducing Product Development to a lot of our MSMEs, it was so difficult to convince them to change the color, the design, the way they do things, until an event had to take place, a trade fair had to happen. Product prototypes were the ones making money and it was a realization among MSMEs that they had to innovate, they had to be more creative. They had to find out what the market needs so that they can sell more. Before, we look at packaging only to protect the product, making sure that we have a longer shelf life for the products. But now, more than that, packaging in the words of Secretary Ramon Lopez, is your form of advertisement,” said Trade Undersecretary Zenaida Cuison-Maglaya to the thousands of participants.

Last year, DTI and PIP sent more than 500 MSMEs to the ProPak Asia 2018 in Bangkok, Thailand.

Aside from the exhibits, ProPak Philippines has also started to conduct seminars to discuss latest industry developments, trends and techniques in supply and innovation for the food, drink and pharmaceutical processing and packaging industries.

On its first day, the trade show garnered almost 4,000 trade visitors composed of food processors, importers, distributors, manufacturers and other industry stakeholders.

The trade exhibition is slated to run through January 24-26, 2019

Bangkok Claims Top Spot in MasterCard’s Inaugural Asia Pacific Destinations Index

Bangkok has increased its lead over the pack as the region’s most popular destination, with international overnight visitors breaking the 20 million mark for the first time, according to the results of the inaugural MasterCard Asia Pacific Destinations Index.  Second place was a close fight between Singapore and Tokyo.

The inaugural index provides a ranking of 167 destinations across Asia Pacific. Thailand dominated the top ten destinations, taking three of the top ten rankings, with Phuket securing fifth place (9.3 million) and the coastal city of Pattaya coming in at eighth place (8.1 million).

Half of the top 10 destinations saw 10 percent growth or more in international overnight visitor numbers between 2014 and 2015 – Osaka (54.0 percent), Tokyo (53.2 percent), Bangkok (28.6 percent), Phuket (15.5 percent) and Pattaya (10.0 percent).

The top 20 destinations of Asia Pacific represent around half of all international overnight arrivals to the 167 Asia Pacific destinations covered by the Index.

The top ten Asia Pacific destinations ranked by international overnight visitor numbers: Bangkok – 21.9 million,  Singapore – 11.8 million, Tokyo – 11.8 million,  Kuala Lumpur – 11.3 million, Phuket – 9.3 million, Seoul – 9.2 million, Hong Kong – 8.3 million, Pattaya – 8.1 million, Bali – 7.2 million, and Osaka – 6.5 million.

Asia Pacific’s tourism industry is the largest in the world by total contribution to GDP, having overtaken Europe in 2014. Tourism contributed US$2.27 trillion to Asia Pacific economies and 153.7 million jobs in 2015.

Bangkok also ranked number one in total expenditure at US$15.2 billion, with Seoul (US$14.4 billion) coming in second place, followed by Singapore (US$14.1 billion), Tokyo (US$11.9 billion) and Kuala Lumpur (US$10.5 billion).

The top ten Asia Pacific destinations by total expenditure are: Bangkok – US$15.2 billion, Seoul – US$14.4billion, Singapore  – US$14.1 billion, Tokyo – US$11.9 billion, Kuala Lumpur – US$10.5 billion, Bali – US$10.3 billion, Taipei – US$9.5 billion, Phuket – US$8.0 billion, Hong Kong – US$6.7 billion, Sydney – US$6.0 billion.

Of the top 20 destinations by total expenditure per day, Shanghai (US$269 per day) welcomed the biggest spenders, followed by Beijing (US$262 per day), Seoul (US$258 per day), Singapore (US$255 per day) and Hong Kong (US$240 per day).

Matthew Driver, Group Executive, Global Products & Solutions, Asia Pacific, MasterCard, commented, “The tourism industry in Asia Pacific is continuing to show robust growth with an increasing number of destinations receiving well over five million visitors a year, driven by increased consumer wealth, particularly from China. Our Asia Pacific Destinations Index (APDI) 2015 reveals the continued resilience of the Thailand market for tourism led by a resurgent Bangkok, as well as the return to popularity of Japan for visitors as demonstrated by the more than 50 percent growth year on year in its top four destinations. Providing in-depth analysis of overnight arrivals in 167 Asia Pacific destinations, the APDI can help businesses and governments better understand the underlying components of in-bound tourism demand, so they can plan investment to ensure the sustainable development of the tourism industry. This is becoming increasingly important as tourist numbers continue to rise, as at current growth rates, Asia Pacific will have more than 500 million tourist arrivals by 2020.”

*This is Press Release