Celebrating Life and Rebirth for the Love of Leyte

In celebration of the rebirth of Leyte five years the onslaught of Typhoon Yolanda, Eastern Visayas recently witnessed For the Love of Leyte, a non-profit, benefit arts and music festival that gathered together local artists and artisans to create empowerment and change through music and arts. Organized by the Philippine Foundation, in partnership with the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), the marketing arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT), One Love Festival UK and Tabo-an Ha Ginsiyaman, the two-day festival featured a one-of-a-kind musical experience featuring local and foreign artists as well as trade fairs, and a series of cultural workshops. For the Love of Leyte event also aimed to champion sustainable tourism and development, as well as reintroduce tourists to post-Yolanda Leyte. Photo shows Waray band Kulahig.

Grand Philippine tour with PHITEX 2016

 

Delegates from 35 countries were given an opportunity to experience what the Philippines has to offer in a series of fun and exciting tours. Organized by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), these tours were conducted as part of the most important annual travel trade event in the country, the Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX) 2016.

During the tours, delegates from as far as Denmark, Russia, Germany, China, US and Brazil toured around the country’s capital, Metro Manila. They visited the historical walled city of Intramuros, UNESCO World Heritage site San Agustin Church, San Agustin Museum and enjoyed a brief cultural show at Casa Manila.

The group also inspected the city’s established, emerging and newly-opened luxury hotels and properties including Manila Hotel, New World Hotel, Makati Shangri-la Hotel, Fairmont Hotel, Marco Polo Ortigas, Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, and Conrad Manila, to name a few.

The delegates also visited Ilocos, where there is an interesting blend of Spanish and local culture; discovered exotic and breathtaking sceneries in Southern Luzon; and rode a boat to one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, the Puerto Princesa Underground River located in Palawan, recently hailed as the Best Island in the World.

They also had a taste of the unique spicy cuisine of Bicol; took selfies with the tarsiers and visited the Chocolate Hills in Bohol; feasted on lechon and toured historical landmarks in Cebu; and experienced the finest of nature, culture and adventure in Davao.

“I have heard a lot of beautiful things about the Philippines and I’m so excited to experience it myself,” shared Chris Minoletti from the US. “Every region in this country has its own unique quality which, I know, will attract a lot of travelers.”

According to Roselyn Ranse from Australia, “The market for the Philippines has dramatically increased. It’s new, it’s exotic and it’s an exciting destination because there is so much to do and so much to see. After experiencing it, people just want to come back.”

“TPB has organized the tours because there is no better way to market the Philippines than to let these delegates experience it first-hand,” said PHITEX Deputy Secretary General Susana J. Del Mundo.

Now on its 15^th year, PHITEX continues to further strengthen the tourism industry in the country by promoting the best of the Philippines worldwide.

Led by Philippine Airlines as the official flag carrier, and Marriott Hotel Manila, PHITEX 2016 is also supported by TTG Asia as the official media partner, Manila Bulletin and Philippine Daily Inquirer. Other sponsors include Resorts World Manila, Diamond Hotel, Tourism Infrastructure Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), Duty Free Philippines, Philippines Craft Distillers (LAKAN), Marco Polo Manila, Seda Bonifacio Global City, Bellevue Resort, Sofitel Philippine Plaza, Fairmont Makati, Makati Shangri-la Hotel, Radisson Blu Cebu, Park inn by Radisson, Plaza del Norte and The Mind Museum.

TBEX Asia-Pacific 2016 set on October 13-16

The Philippines is all set for the Asia-Pacific leg of the world’s largest conference of travel bloggers, writers, content media creators and tourism industry professionals - the Travel Blog Exchange (TBEX), on October 13-16, 2016 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

Presented by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), in coordination with NMX Events, TBEX is expected to bring in hundreds of delegates from North America, Europe and Asia to the Philippines for the first time and will serve as the best venue for bloggers to acquire knowledge, as well as expand their networks and linkages. It will also create a good opportunity for the participants to experience the best of the Philippines through exciting tours.

Highlighting this event will be a series of talks presented by some of the world’s renowned speakers including New York Times #1 international bestselling author and veteran travel journalist Patricia Schultz, host of the award-winning podcast Slice of Sci-Fi Evo Terra, and Filipino travel blogger and founder of OurAwesomePlanet.com Anton Diaz.

Talks will cover various travel-blogging topics such as the proper use of social networking sites, video blogging, content management, marketing techniques to building brands and challenges and opportunities in blogging. The conference will also allow the participants to interact with each other and have in-depth discussion on travel blogging opportunities.

The group will also be treated with exciting tours to the country’s premier destinations including iconic landmarks, world heritage sites, scenic views, natural wonders, entertainment venues, lifestyle spaces, and top attractions. The list will include a visit to the historical walled city of Intramuros, the Eighth Wonder of the World Banaue Rice Terraces, the world’s Best Island Palawan, UNESCO World Heritage site Ilocos and the world’s most perfect cone-shaped Mayon Volcano.

By hosting this four-day event, the Philippines is once again set to take the spotlight for being a premier travel destination among the world’s most successful travel bloggers and the industry’s most creative and influential minds.

To register and know more about the upcoming TBEX 2016, visit http://tbexcon.com/2016-asia/.

Tourism Promotions Board presents bigger PHITEX 2016

The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) presents a more enhanced Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX), the most important annual travel trade event. With the theme #PHITEX2016: Bigger Business, the event is set to accommodate more than 200 international buyers from across 37 countries worldwide and 199 local sellers from 132 companies across the Philippines.

“PHITEX has been instrumental in boosting the Philippines’ image as a top tourist destination. The event also strengthens international relationships among the industry’s key players to further the growth of Philippine tourism,” remarked PHITEX Deputy Secretary General Susana J. Del Mundo.

Highlight of the event is a series of business-to-business sessions between foreign buyers and local sellers. This year, the number of sessions has increased to 40 as compared to 28 in the previous years. This aims to broaden their chance of interaction and to encourage more in-depth discussions on tourism and trade opportunities.

PHITEX 2016 gives the buyers an opportunity to meet the Philippine sellers where they will be introduced to the Philippines’ best offerings in terms of travel and tourism products and services. This can be considered a momentous time for Philippine sellers for they will be given an edge to offer globally competitive tour packages to the international market and learn of other countries’ trade strategies to apply in their own practices.

Buyers from as far as the United States, Norway, Italy, Denmark and Germany and even from neighboring Asian countries such as South Korea, Indonesia and Vietnam were given an opportunity to experience fun and exciting pre-tours with hotel inspections around the country’s capital, Metro Manila.

The pre-tours conducted last September 3 included a visit to the famous walled city of Intramuros to get a glimpse of history during the Spanish colonization. Buyers visited Fort Santiago, which houses the Rizal Shrine museum where memorabilia of the Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, are displayed. They also visited San Agustin Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, San Agustin Museum, and enjoyed a brief cultural show at Casa Manila. Buyers also inspected some of the city’s most luxurious hotels, namely New World Hotel Makati, Makati Shangri-la Hotel, Fairmont Makati, Marco Polo Ortigas Manila, Shangri-la at the Fort and Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, to name a few.

The post-tours are just as exciting since it will feature the Philippines’ premier destinations including world-class accommodations, entertainment and convention venues and business facilities. Buyers get to choose a tour that fits well with their interests and offerings. The Ilocos module includes a tour to the northern region of the country, where there is an interesting blend of local and Spanish cultures. Another module takes the buyers a trip to Southern Luzon and experience exotic beauty of beaches nestled against the jungle.

Buyers can further discover the wonders of Palawan which is recently named as the Best Island in the World. They can ride a paddleboat to Puerto Princesa Underground River, considered one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. Some buyers can also travel to the east where Bicol, a region for adventures – volcanoes, beaches, coves, and lakes - will also be awaiting the guests.

The Cebu/Bohol post tour will give the buyers an opportunity to catch a glimpse of historical landmarks, a taste of lechon in Cebu, and an iconic view of the majestic Chocolate Hills in Bohol. They can also take a selfie with tarsiers in Bohol. For a unique mix of diversity, heavenly retreat and exciting adventure, buyers may also opt to join the Davao module.

“PHITEX will only grow stronger and more competitive through the coming years with the continual commitment and dedication of everyone – our partners, buyers, sellers and exchange visitors. Your immeasurable support only fuels us to push and go further. I believe that through our cumulative effort, we create and become the greater nation,” said DOT Secretary Wanda Corazon Tulfo-Teo.

Now on its 15th year, PHITEX has gained popularity and recognition in the global tourism market. By making the event bigger and better, TPB is giving foreign travelers more reasons to visit the Philippines again.

Led by Philippine Airlines as the official flag carrier, and Marriot Hotel Manila, PHITEX 2016 is also supported by TTG Asia as the official media partner, Manila Bulletin and Philippine Daily Inquirer. Other sponsors include Resorts World Manila, Tourism Infrastructure Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), Duty Free Philippines, Philippines Craft Distillers (LAKAN), Marco Polo Manila, SedaBonifacio Global City, Bellevue Resort, Sofitel Philippine Plaza, Fairmont Makati, Makati Shangri-la Hotel, Radisson Blu Cebu, Park inn by Radisson, Plaza del Norte and The Mind Museum.

*This is Press Release

The Tourism Promotions Board is all set for PHITEX 2016

The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) is set to welcome international delegates to the country’s largest and most important annual travel trade – Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX) 2016. Happening at the Marriot Grand Ballroom from September 4 to 6, PHITEX will host 219 international buyers from across 37 countries worldwide, including 220 local sellers from 145 travel and tour companies, hotels and resorts across the Philippines.

The event kicks off with a visit to the 27th Philippine Travel Mart at the SMX Convention Center. The itinerary for the international delegates also includes fun and exciting pre-tours with hotel inspection around the country’s capital, Metro Manila, and post-tours to the Philippines’ top attractions and premier destinations, as well as oculars showcasing world-class accommodations, entertainment and convention venues including business facilities.

The highlight of PHITEX 2016 is a series of business-to-business sessions between foreign buyers from as far as the United States, Norway, Italy, Denmark and Germany and neighboring Asian countries such as South Korea, Indonesia and Vietnam to interact with local sellers, and to encourage in-depth discussions on tourism travel and trade opportunities.

Now on its 15th year, PHITEX 2016 is supported by Philippine Airlines as the official flag carrier, Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer, TTG Asia and Resorts World Manila. Other sponsors include Marriott Hotel Manila, Tourism Infrastructure Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), Duty Free Philippines, Philippines Craft Distillers (LAKAN), Marco Polo Manila, Seda Bonifacio Global City, Bellevue Resort, Sofitel Philippine Plaza, Fairmont Makati, Makati Shangri-la Hotel, Radisson Blu Cebu, Park Inn by Radisson, Plaza del Norte and The Mind Museum.

*This is Press Release

Tourism Promotions Board, Viacom inks agreement for MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016

The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB)and Viacom Inc., recently ratified an agreement for staging one of the most anticipated musical events – the MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016 to be held on 24 June 2016 at SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds.This year’s event will once again feature some of the most iconic artists and performers, one of which is OneRepublic, that influences the evolution of music globally. MTV Music Evolution Manila also highlights the musical talents and skills of Filipino artists as world-class performers such as Sarah Geronimo, James Reid and Nadine Lustre. In line with the Department of Tourism’s campaign “Visit the Philippines Again 2016”, TPB aims to promote MTV Music Evolution to spotlight the country’s musical prowess and position the Philippines as premiere entertainment destination.

A 15-hour Culinary Adventure

It was a whole day filled with fun, friendship and gastronomic delights as the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), the Department of Tourism (DOT), Makansutra and Ayala Malls launched the World Street Food Congress (WSFC) 2016 via a 15-hour food frenzy safari.

WSFC is an international culinary affair and will be held in the Philippines for the first time after being hosted by Singapore for the past two years. The five day event will take place at Bonifacio Global City (BGC) from 20-24 April 2016 and will feature the World Street Food Dialogue, World Street Food Jamboree, and World Street Food Awards. Registration for the World Street Food Dialogue is done online at www.wsfcongress.com.

Among those who participated in the food tour were Makansutra’s KF Seetoh, Indonesia’s culinary ambassador Chef William Wongso, Our Awesome Planet’s Anton Diaz, Chef Sau del Rosario, RJ Ledesma of Mercato Centrale and Singapore’s DJ Rosalyn Lee.

The street food safari kicked off at 7:00 AM at BGC then proceeded to food stops at Pampanga, Binondo and back to BGC at around 10:00 PM. The itinerary included Recovery Food, Everybody’s Cafe, Aling Lucing’s Sisig, Cafe Fleur, Sarsa Kitchen + Bar and Mercato Centrale Night Market. Traditional favorites such as tapsilog, sisig, kare-kare, lumpia and lechon were among the numerous iconic Filipino dishes the participants sampled during the jam-packed trip.
“We are very excited that the Philippines will be hosting the WSFC 2016.This will once again highlight our country as one of the best culinary destinations in the world, and it is an opportunity for us to share to the global audience the richness and contemporary edge of Filipino gastronomy,” shares TPB COO Domingo Ramon C. Enerio III.

Considered as Philippine Food Month, April is packed with other major culinary events such as the Madrid Fusión Manila 2016, the biggest and most important gastronomic event in Asia in the 21st century; and Flavors of the Philippines, a month-long food extravaganza that showcases the unique tastes of classic, contemporary and exotic Filipino food from all over the country.

For more updates on WSFC 2016 and Philippine Food Month, visit www.tpb.gov.ph.

*This is Press Release

Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) opens VPA 2016 with Color Manila Run

A colourful and energizing atmosphere filled the SM Mall of Asia grounds as over 10,000 local and foreign running enthusiasts welcomed 2016 with Color Manila Run. Supported by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), the running event was a great way to kick-off the Visit the Philippines Again (VPA) 2016 campaign.

Hosted by Sam YG and DJ Chloe, the event started with a warm-up led by Philippine Volcanoes’ Chris Everingham. Also joining the race were Yael Yuzon and wife Karylle, the running family of Coach Allen Ballester, and fitness advocate Kuya Kim Atienza. Participants were treated to other exciting activities such as Zorb and mechanical bull rides, culminating with a dance party.

“We are pleased to support a creative, friendly race like the Color Manila Run as part of our VPA 2016 campaign. We hope that through this fun run, Filipinos and travellers – runners or non-runners – will see that races are more fun and enjoyable here in the Philippines,” says TPB Chief Operating Officer Domingo Ramon Enerio III.

This year, Color Manila Run will go to 12 different cities in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The festive and vibrant run will also expand to Dubai and California, proof that this fun and unique Filipino event is indeed capturing the eyes of the global audience.

Aside from Color Manila Run, VPA 2016 will also highlight other local and international sporting events happening in the Philippines this year, which will surely excite both locals and foreign visitors. Among these events are Ironman 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championship, Asia-Pacific Taekwondo Invitational Championships, Asian Rugby Championships, Le Tour de Filipinas, and Asian Masters Fencing Championship

*This is Press Release