Travel and Tourism Industry [Archive] - Page 4

dancethingy

December 6th, 2005, 06:59 PM

What can I say? the article speaks for itself. :) :) :) :)

Captivating Philippines

Text & photos by JAMES J. HEVENER of California

It never occurred to me that my trip to the Philippines recently would be that exciting. I had come with my girlfriend, Vanessa and her mother, Evangeline. It was my first trip to the country and I was very excited. After my Philippine sojourn, I can say that I was thrilled more than ever, writing this article because the trip was certainly something money can not buy. It was worth all the time and the effort. Can I say more?

Our destinations were Bohol, Sagada and the Banawe Rice Terraces. I wish I had more time in my hand because those places are just wonderful so I have the feeling inside me that there could be other places in the Philippines just as beautiful as these. I had to capture everything in my 35 mm camera because the sights were breathtaking, I couldn’t afford to let go of them without storing them concretely. Well, the pictures speak for themselves.

The Banaue Rice Terraces is simply amazing. No wonder, it is considered the 8th wonder of the world. I can not imagine how they were built with human hands. Maybe that is what make them very sturdy. It looked like they were made by the greatest master. Uniquely wonderful...from every angle.

I am particularly very happy with the photos of the hills around Sabayan, near Carmen and the world famous Chocolate Hills. And the sights of Sagada were just as marvelous and provided me with firsthand information of their so-called hanging coffins. They were hanging alright and had lasted for centuries.

Now, I continue to ponder why more Americans don’t visit the Philippines. In fact, I was so excited about my trip to these places that I am going to start a website to encourage Americans to see the Philippines. The combination of scuba diving, fine resorts, points of historical and geographic interest as well as my favorite, the diminutive Tarsier, make Bohol, in my view, a truly world-class destination.

And the Filipinos, that is another beautiful story... their hospitality, their sincerity in dealing with foreigners, their sense of unusually beautiful and close relationship, I was in the right place all the time.

Plastic Surgery Anyone????????? hahahahaha
The Golden Sunset Resort
PRIME TOURIST DESTINATION RISES FROM CALATAGAN ARCHAEOLOGICAL DIGGINGS

By CORNELIO R. DE GUZMAN

The Golden Sunset Resort: Batangas province’s newest and largest tourist destination gets its name from one of its main attractions – the spectacular view of the golden sundown. Unlike any other sunset, sundown viewed from the resort changes its color from silver at mid-afternoon to bright orange, and then to golden color until the sun finally disappears.

Owned by famed hairdresser Ricky Reyes, the beach resort was built on a 20-hectare property in Barangay Uno, Calatagan, said to be the marketplace for transient Chinese traders during the pre-Spanish era.

In 1958, during extensive diggings made by Robert Fox and National Museum personnel in the same place where the resort is now located, it yielded Chinese potteries, heirloom, and human relics indicating their stay in the area. The discoveries now known as the Calatagan diggings collection are kept today at the Ayala Museum.

"I bought this property which was left barren by that extensive archaeological diggings with no sign of life except for a lone tamarind tree in its middle. If not for the magnificent view of the Golden Sunset I would not have bought it," Ricky Reyes told the Bulletin.

But today, like the phoenix, the legendary bird, it rises from the ashes (wasteland and an abandoned fishpond) to become a prime tourist destination with all the facilities and amenities of a resort of international standard.

Very soon, in support of the medical and beauty tourism program of Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, the Golden Sunset Resort will put up an Operating Room (OR) to cater to the health and beauty needs of balikbayans, particularly from the United States.

In this project, the resort will tie up with the New Life Aesthetic & Plastic Surgery Center based at Borough Medical Care Institute, 6th flr. Cybermall Bldg. Eastwood City, Libis, Q.C., headed by Dr. James B. Joaquino, a diplomate in Aesthetic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, as chairman; and Dr. Romeo Vergara, Jr., as president.

Dr. Joaquino and Dr. Vergara’s medical group specializes in breast augmentation, breast lift, nipple repair, body sculpting, power liposuction, tummy tuck, arm lift, face lifts, brow lifts, eye bag removal, nose lift, nose trimming, botox and leg veins.

A two-and-a-half drive from south of Manila or about 121 kilometers in distance will bring you to Calatagan by taking South Superhighway and getting off at the Sta. Rosa exit no. 40. After the market of Tagaytay when you reach Tagaytay Ridge, turn right. At the Tagaytay Rotonda, go straight and follow the direction of Nasugbu and Lian. After the gas station, turn left to Lian and Calatagan continue through Calatagan until you reach Barangay Uno.

We reached the Golden Sunset Resort at high noon under the bright sun and clear blue sky. Ricky Reyes and business partner Cris Aquino warmly welcomed us as pretty hotel staff put leis around our necks. On board resort jeepneys we were treated to a view of some of its facilities: a big screened butterfly sanctuary; a large swimming pool complete with tall slides and a kiddie pool beside it; fish ponds, bike lanes, volleyball court – all surrounded by ornamental flowers and lush gardens.

According to Calatagan Mayor Peter Oliver Palacio, there are around 10 resorts in his town including the popular Lago de Oro Beach Club in barangay Balibago under combined German, Australian, and Filipino management; and Punta Baluarte, a property of a member of the Zobel de Ayala family who once owned the entire Calatagan Peninsula. It recently ceased operation except its golf course component.

The next day, before leaving the resort we had a town and resort tour along the Calatagan beaches.

We made a brief stop also at the Punta de Santiago Lighthouse, located in Calatagan which was built in 1890. It is one of the earliest lighthouses that still function up to this date. Since it was constructed, no running ship has ever run aground.

I am sure that would not be my last trip to the Philippines. Hope to come back with friends from America

kiretoce

December 6th, 2005, 07:03 PM

^^ Great read Ben! Thanks for sharing! Wish there were photos too!

kiretoce

December 8th, 2005, 07:29 PM

Reverse Tourism? :dunno:

================================================================

Chinese travel firms want to lure Cebuanos to HK, China’s cities
Friday, December 09, 2005

A group of travel agencies from China sees tourist market potential in Cebu.

“The Chinese community in Cebu are our target market aside from foreign tourists,” said Jin Hua, general manager of China Travel International (CTI) in an interview this week.

CTI was in Cebu for its promotion of the Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Xia-men Cultural Journey.

Potential

In a separate interview last Tuesday, Philippine Airlines (PAL) president and chief operating officer Jaime Bautista said there are good tourism and business potentials in Beijing, China.

He said PAL’s new flight destination, which is Beijing, remains “successful.”

Two-way

“We ‘re seeing a lot of tourist groups going to Beijing now that China has opened up. People are excited about going to China.

We have a lot of Filipinos who want to see Beijing,” he said.

On the other hand, there are also a lot of Chinese tourists who want to come to the Philippines. It’s a two-way traffic, he said. PAL now flies to Beijing in addition to its routes to Xiamen and Shanghai.

Increasing

Zhou Ping, deputy general manager of Shenzhen Window of the World, also said the number of Filipino tourists to Shenzhen is increasing.

He foresees a 10 percent increase next year.

Shenzhen Window of the World is a theme park seated on a 480,000-square meter lot in Shenzhen City, Guangdong.

“Since its grand opening in 1994, the theme park has hosted over 30 million visitors. The annual increase of the number of visitors is over 10 percent,” Zhou Ping said.

Shenzhen Window of the World has 130 attractions, which are copies famous historical remains, architecture and natural wonders.

Among these structures are the Eiffel Tower in Paris, statue of David and the pyramids of Egypt.

Another attraction of Shenzen is the International Beer Festival that gets 500,000 visitors each summer vacation.

dancethingy

December 9th, 2005, 08:13 AM

I hate theme parks with copies of other world famous landmarks. Its just damn tacky.

kyle@1008

December 9th, 2005, 08:24 AM

oh... so you must hate Las Vegas...

kiretoce

December 9th, 2005, 04:44 PM

Senate committee endorses bill strengthening RP tourism

Sen. Richard Gordon, chairman of the Senate Committee on Tourism, submitted recently the committee report endorsing Senate Bill No. 2138 also known as the "Tourism Act of 2005" which seeks to strengthen the Philippine’s tourism industry and which aims to create thousands of jobs for Filipinos all over the country.

In his sponsorship speech, Gordon lamented that the Philippines has lagged behind its neighbors in the tourism industry. He noted that in 2003, Thailand and Malaysia had visitors in excess of 10 million, while Indonesia and Singapore had more than five million visitors. Even Vietnam, a country that had been ravaged by war, surpassed the two million mark in tourism arrivals, while the Philippines did not even break that figure.

"Tourism is the largest industry in the world, with 700 million tourists a year, collectively spending hundreds of billions of dollars. It is the key to lifting our people out from their poverty, giving them jobs and opportunities and allowing to live in pride and dignity," said Gordon.

According to Gordon, Senate Bill No. 2138 will make the Department of Tourism (DoT) a purely policy-making, planning and regulatory entity. An important feature of the bill is the establishment of Tourism Philippines, a government corporation that brings together government and the private sector, whose mandate is the marketing and promotions of the Philippines as a tourism destination. It also proposes the establishment of a Tourism Enterprise Zone Authority to tap investments from domestic and overseas sources, to bring those investments into tourism enterprise zones that can be run by the national or local governments, the private sector, or joint ventures between them.

"These three agencies respectively respond to the core ideas of regulation, marketing and infrastructure development for tourism. Their functions will be clearly defined so that there will be no overlapping in responsibilities. That will truly maximize the potential of the country’s tourism industry," emphasized Gordon.

The Tourism Act of 2005, filed by Gordon, envisions more job opportunities for Filipinos as more tourists arrive in the country. Gordon noted that "every tourist that comes in means one more person with real money that can buy our goods."

"For every tourist that comes in, there will be one more person to take a cab from the airport, take his meals at a restaurant during the day and drink our beer at the bars at night, check into a hotel, go to the beach and pay for a massage on our white sand and buy bead bracelets and necklaces, go diving or hike through our forests, paying for guides and equipment along the way, shop at our malls to buy our shirts and our shoes. That directly translates to various job opportunities for the Filipinos," said Gordon.

He added that the bill seeks to change the philosophy of government toward tourism and to create the necessary political and legal structures to make tourism development happen. It proposes a shared responsibility of national and local governments by directly involving the latter in the drafting and implementation of tourism development plans and providing necessary training in enforcing tourism standards.

amigo32

December 11th, 2005, 07:05 AM

MB (http://www.mb.com.ph/TOUR2005121151480.html)
DoT sales blitz draws waves of Chinese tourists

By RACHEL C. BARAWID

SHANGHAI, CHINA — Less than a month before the year ends, the Department of Tourism made one last pitch to strengthen its hold on China, the Philippines’ fastest-growing tourist market and an emerging giant in the global tourism map.

Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano led a 25-member Philippine delegation to Shanghai recently to further intensify the country’s growing brand presence in this cosmopolitan city of 20 million people. The contingent was composed of DoT Team China headed by its chief, Assistant Secretary Eduardo Jarque, Jr., Tourism Attache of DoT Beijing office Jasmin Esguerra, the Philippine National Dance Company, Manila-based travel journalists and fashion models of Bench.

During a well-attended product presentation and press conference for the Chinese trade and media, Durano reported on the significant achievements of the Philippine marketing campaign in China. He also presented a variety of Philippine destinations that suit the travel preferences of the Chinese and discussed ways to further improve services for the Chinese trade and tourists.

Arrivals from China this year has shown a monthly increase of 9,007 as compared to 3,000 tourists per month in 2004. The record high increase has registered a growth rate of almost ten times than its usual average and six times faster than other source markets. Due to this overwhelming development, the DoT was forced the raise its total target arrivals to 100,000 after having breached a modest target of 54,000 in just six months. In 2004, only a total of 34,000 Chinese nationals visited the country.

So, from the current no. 6 slot in the Philippines’ ranking of top tourist source markets, China is expected to inch up to the no. 4 position, after the United States, Korea, and Japan.

The tourism chief attributes this increase in arrivals to the DoT Team China’s excellent promotional efforts and hard work. The team embarked on an aggressive, well-crafted marketing campaign in China only last year, in an attempt to capture a sizeable share of tourists from the world’s most populous nation, predicted to generate some 50 million outbound travelers by 2010.

Durano said the campaign began after an extensive research on the travel preferences and needs of the Chinese market, conducted by renowned consultancy firm Monitor Group. This was followed by the establishment of a tourism office in Beijing last July 2004 and of a China Task Force (Team China) to develop and implement a China-focused development plan. Chinese market representatives in key areas were also hired to extend the DoT’s capability in servicing both Chinese trade and media.

The DoT then launched consumer campaigns that advertised Philippine destinations in the local language through various media like newspapers, magazines, television, via the internet, and the outdoor (billboards and trains) media.

Moreover, the Department conducted business development programs, sales calls, seminars and other education activities for the Chinese outbound travel agencies. Monthly familiarization trips to the Philippines for the Chinese tour operators and the media were also held.

Durano and the Team China also negotiated with Chinese authorities for more air route allocations, resulting to increased flight frequency and chartered flights by Chinese air carriers to various resort destinations around the Philippines. Lastly, the DoT actively participated in numerous travel fairs to assert its presence in the market.

"China has evolved to become a very important market for us because of its great potential to supply a large volume of tourists to the Philippines," the secretary explained.

Since China is a big country with varying travel habits, he said promotions in various cities are being treated like different markets with divergent marketing strategies.

At present, the DOT has only tapped the prefectures of Beijing, China’s capital and Shanghai, and is still in the process of building their capability in Guangzhou.

In Shanghai, Durano said the promotions are concentrated on incentive travel as the market here are mostly corporations looking for a place to treat their employees and have less budget restrictions. This same strategy is also being used for the Guangzhou market which is the industrial side of China. Beijing, on the other hand, caters to individual tourists also known as foreign independent travelers (FIT’s) who don’t go out in big groups.

He stressed that incentive travel is year-round, thus it will help boost tourism to the Philippines during the non-peak season.

"As far as beach travelers are concerned, we have created a mark for ourselves. Our resorts and hotels during the summer months are operating on full occupancy. But it is a seasonal travel. We need to also maximize our capacity during the non-peak season so market segments that are not seasonally sensitive like incentive tour groups can be exploited to the fullest," he remarked.

This kind of strategy has already put the Philippines off to a good start as several incentive groups are eyeing the country as their holiday vacation. On January 6-10, some 300 employees of the Haizu computer company in Shanghai will go on a swing of Manila, Boracay and Cebu.

Durano said this group is the largest Chinese incentive group so far to visit the Philippines. A big group of Russians are likewise coming next year via a chartered flight from Vladivostok, Russia to Manila.

He revealed that this strategy of nonsummer month travel will be used in the Philippine markets in the UK, Germany and Russia as well.

Meanwhile, the tourism chief reported on the positive effect the DoT’s tailored and localized China marketing campaign has generated on its closest competitors in Asia. He bared that the Philippines’ advertising campaign in China’s local outlets has remained uncontested.

"We’re the ones leading. Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand are following our lead now. They are spying on us as to what we are doing here," he pointed out.

According to Durano, the strategic challenge in any industry is to find one’s space in the marketplace.

When it comes to promotion, he said, "the Philippines found its place in the local (Chinese) outlets, the local medium and not in international networks CNN, BBC where there is already a crowd of rich countries who can outspend us."

More than advertising, however, Durano said it is still positive word of mouth that primarily convinces a person to visit a place.

Thus, the next step of DoT’s campaign in China is to ensure the tourist’ quality of experience.

"When you talk of quality of experience, its everything — from the moment you get out of the plane, when you are walking around the destination, the people you meet along the way. It continuously evolves."

Durano pointed out that the big group coming in on January is not only assured of a great experience but of VIP treatment that starts from the airport, a hassle-free immigration procedure, and a dinner and cultural show hosted by the DoT.

He also assured that the Department and the private sector are continuously working together to provide a memorable, positive experience to each visitor that comes to the Philippines.

Durano admits though that the foremost limiting factor to a good, enjoyable vacation is the insufficient number of hotel rooms in the country. But he was quick to note that the problem is already being addressed, and hopefully solved in the next couple of years.

"Our role is to create enough demand so the industry will be profitable again. And that is the incentive that the business sector looks for in order to invest. True enough, they’re all expanding now. Wherever you go, there are expansions and new investments. Its just that it takes time to build," he said.

The ideal solution at the moment, Durano reiterates, is the strategy to maximize the non-peak season when there are enough hotel rooms across the country.

Apart from this, the DoT is also providing free Mandarin language courses and seminars to help travel agencies specializing on the Chinese market to improve their capability and services. DoT has also convinced Philippine air carriers to increase the frequencies of chartered and regular flights from several areas in China to top tourist sites in the country.

"I am hopeful that through these rigorous preparations both from the government and the private sector, we will finally be able to achieve our goal of becoming the top Southeast Asian destination among the Chinese in the next few years," Durano said.

The Philippines, he noted, is blessed with a natural and permanent advantage over its Asian neighbors like Malaysia and Thailand, that is distance, being the closest tropical destination to China, and even Japan and Korea. Another feature that makes the country attractive to other nations in North Asia is its non-oriental flavor.

"We are so different from them. The atmosphere, the way we look, the way we live our lives. Everything that works in our country is not oriental. Even our politics is non-oriental. It’s the entire flavor that’s working for us," he said.

A glimpse of that flavor was presented during a cultural show-cum-dinner reception tendered for the Chinese trade and media, after the presscon in Shanghai. The DoT hosted the event together with Philippine Airlines and the Philippine Consular Office in Shanghai. Special guests who joined the secretary were Consul Jesus Yabes and PAL Country Manager Teresa Tan.

For the first time, the world-renowned Philippine National Dance Company tied up with Bench, a popular clothing and underwear line with branches in China for a unique show that left the Shanghainese audience astounded. The show was a fusion of Philippine culture and fashion as the Bayanihan dancers on tinikling shared the stage with statuesque models clad in Filipiniana-inspired modern wear. After the show, everyone partook of a long buffet of sumptuous international specialties.

The DoT made sure the evening’s show left the Shanghainese an experience worthy enough to make them want to visit the Philippines.

"There’s no going back as far as tourism is concerned. If there is one sector in the economy that we are a natural in, it is tourism. The country is just natural for tourism, the people are just natural for tourism," Durano concluded.

OtAkAw

December 11th, 2005, 07:20 AM

oh... so you must hate Las Vegas...
I agree with dancethingy but Las Vegas is different. You know the way Chinese makes things, it's like seeing a cheap plastic toy with the label: "MAde in China". Las Vegas is grand the way they recreated famous places around the world.

Skyblade

December 11th, 2005, 02:21 PM

Well I finally did participate in something pertaining to the promotion of Philippine tourism. :D Yesterday there was a Cultural Celebration in Hokkaido University in which the students of different nationalities were invited to showcase what their countries have to offer. We used the "More Than The Usual" video for the introduction to the RP before most of the group danced a fusion of various Filipino dances while "Byahe Tayo" was played in the background (unfortunately, I didn't make it to the rehearsals due to some activities in my school). It was great to participate in this celebration (not to mention it was fun walking around the Sapporo subways w/ a Barong Tagalog :D) and hopefully our little, somewhat spontaneous, presentation, provided a bit more of a positive image of the Philippines for those that watched our celebration in Hokudai. I'll post some pictures later of the celebration when I get the photos from some friends (the ones took in my camera were a wee bit blurry ><). I'm also glad I was able to be a part of this activity as well and I hope I have more opportunities to promote Philippine tourism here in Hokkaido.

BTW does anyone know if a Japanese version of the "More Than The Usual" video exists online? I know of the Korean version that ewh1 posted a while back but that's the only other one I know that's in a different language. (and I'd rather try whatever is possible here before resorting to going to the DoT office in Tokyo...if I ever set foot there. <<)

slerz

December 11th, 2005, 02:46 PM

Meanwhile, the tourism chief reported on the positive effect the DoT’s tailored and localized China marketing campaign has generated on its closest competitors in Asia. He bared that the Philippines’ advertising campaign in China’s local outlets has remained uncontested.

"We’re the ones leading. Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand are following our lead now. They are spying on us as to what we are doing here," he pointed out.

According to Durano, the strategic challenge in any industry is to find one’s space in the marketplace.

Nice and unique strategy of Mr. Ace Durano... This is the first time that the DOT is penetrating hardly in a countries local outlets.:okay:

slerz

December 11th, 2005, 02:50 PM

sugbuanon

December 11th, 2005, 11:52 PM

DoT sales blitz draws waves of Chinese tourists

By RACHEL C. BARAWID

SHANGHAI, CHINA — Less than a month before the year ends, the Department of Tourism made one last pitch to strengthen its hold on China, the Philippines’ fastest-growing tourist market and an emerging giant in the global tourism map.

Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano led a 25-member Philippine delegation to Shanghai recently to further intensify the country’s growing brand presence in this cosmopolitan city of 20 million people. The contingent was composed of DoT Team China headed by its chief, Assistant Secretary Eduardo Jarque, Jr., Tourism Attache of DoT Beijing office Jasmin Esguerra, the Philippine National Dance Company, Manila-based travel journalists and fashion models of Bench.

During a well-attended product presentation and press conference for the Chinese trade and media, Durano reported on the significant achievements of the Philippine marketing campaign in China. He also presented a variety of Philippine destinations that suit the travel preferences of the Chinese and discussed ways to further improve services for the Chinese trade and tourists.

Arrivals from China this year has shown a monthly increase of 9,007 as compared to 3,000 tourists per month in 2004. The record high increase has registered a growth rate of almost ten times than its usual average and six times faster than other source markets. Due to this overwhelming development, the DoT was forced the raise its total target arrivals to 100,000 after having breached a modest target of 54,000 in just six months. In 2004, only a total of 34,000 Chinese nationals visited the country.

So, from the current no. 6 slot in the Philippines’ ranking of top tourist source markets, China is expected to inch up to the no. 4 position, after the United States, Korea, and Japan.

The tourism chief attributes this increase in arrivals to the DoT Team China’s excellent promotional efforts and hard work. The team embarked on an aggressive, well-crafted marketing campaign in China only last year, in an attempt to capture a sizeable share of tourists from the world’s most populous nation, predicted to generate some 50 million outbound travelers by 2010.

Durano said the campaign began after an extensive research on the travel preferences and needs of the Chinese market, conducted by renowned consultancy firm Monitor Group. This was followed by the establishment of a tourism office in Beijing last July 2004 and of a China Task Force (Team China) to develop and implement a China-focused development plan. Chinese market representatives in key areas were also hired to extend the DoT’s capability in servicing both Chinese trade and media.

The DoT then launched consumer campaigns that advertised Philippine destinations in the local language through various media like newspapers, magazines, television, via the internet, and the outdoor (billboards and trains) media.

Moreover, the Department conducted business development programs, sales calls, seminars and other education activities for the Chinese outbound travel agencies. Monthly familiarization trips to the Philippines for the Chinese tour operators and the media were also held.

Durano and the Team China also negotiated with Chinese authorities for more air route allocations, resulting to increased flight frequency and chartered flights by Chinese air carriers to various resort destinations around the Philippines. Lastly, the DoT actively participated in numerous travel fairs to assert its presence in the market.

"China has evolved to become a very important market for us because of its great potential to supply a large volume of tourists to the Philippines," the secretary explained.

Since China is a big country with varying travel habits, he said promotions in various cities are being treated like different markets with divergent marketing strategies.

At present, the DOT has only tapped the prefectures of Beijing, China’s capital and Shanghai, and is still in the process of building their capability in Guangzhou.

In Shanghai, Durano said the promotions are concentrated on incentive travel as the market here are mostly corporations looking for a place to treat their employees and have less budget restrictions. This same strategy is also being used for the Guangzhou market which is the industrial side of China. Beijing, on the other hand, caters to individual tourists also known as foreign independent travelers (FIT’s) who don’t go out in big groups.

He stressed that incentive travel is year-round, thus it will help boost tourism to the Philippines during the non-peak season.

"As far as beach travelers are concerned, we have created a mark for ourselves. Our resorts and hotels during the summer months are operating on full occupancy. But it is a seasonal travel. We need to also maximize our capacity during the non-peak season so market segments that are not seasonally sensitive like incentive tour groups can be exploited to the fullest," he remarked.

This kind of strategy has already put the Philippines off to a good start as several incentive groups are eyeing the country as their holiday vacation. On January 6-10, some 300 employees of the Haizu computer company in Shanghai will go on a swing of Manila, Boracay and Cebu.

Durano said this group is the largest Chinese incentive group so far to visit the Philippines. A big group of Russians are likewise coming next year via a chartered flight from Vladivostok, Russia to Manila.

He revealed that this strategy of nonsummer month travel will be used in the Philippine markets in the UK, Germany and Russia as well.

Meanwhile, the tourism chief reported on the positive effect the DoT’s tailored and localized China marketing campaign has generated on its closest competitors in Asia. He bared that the Philippines’ advertising campaign in China’s local outlets has remained uncontested.

"We’re the ones leading. Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand are following our lead now. They are spying on us as to what we are doing here," he pointed out.

According to Durano, the strategic challenge in any industry is to find one’s space in the marketplace.

When it comes to promotion, he said, "the Philippines found its place in the local (Chinese) outlets, the local medium and not in international networks CNN, BBC where there is already a crowd of rich countries who can outspend us."

More than advertising, however, Durano said it is still positive word of mouth that primarily convinces a person to visit a place.

Thus, the next step of DoT’s campaign in China is to ensure the tourist’ quality of experience.

"When you talk of quality of experience, its everything — from the moment you get out of the plane, when you are walking around the destination, the people you meet along the way. It continuously evolves."

Durano pointed out that the big group coming in on January is not only assured of a great experience but of VIP treatment that starts from the airport, a hassle-free immigration procedure, and a dinner and cultural show hosted by the DoT.

He also assured that the Department and the private sector are continuously working together to provide a memorable, positive experience to each visitor that comes to the Philippines.

Durano admits though that the foremost limiting factor to a good, enjoyable vacation is the insufficient number of hotel rooms in the country. But he was quick to note that the problem is already being addressed, and hopefully solved in the next couple of years.

"Our role is to create enough demand so the industry will be profitable again. And that is the incentive that the business sector looks for in order to invest. True enough, they’re all expanding now. Wherever you go, there are expansions and new investments. Its just that it takes time to build," he said.

The ideal solution at the moment, Durano reiterates, is the strategy to maximize the non-peak season when there are enough hotel rooms across the country.

Apart from this, the DoT is also providing free Mandarin language courses and seminars to help travel agencies specializing on the Chinese market to improve their capability and services. DoT has also convinced Philippine air carriers to increase the frequencies of chartered and regular flights from several areas in China to top tourist sites in the country.

"I am hopeful that through these rigorous preparations both from the government and the private sector, we will finally be able to achieve our goal of becoming the top Southeast Asian destination among the Chinese in the next few years," Durano said.

The Philippines, he noted, is blessed with a natural and permanent advantage over its Asian neighbors like Malaysia and Thailand, that is distance, being the closest tropical destination to China, and even Japan and Korea. Another feature that makes the country attractive to other nations in North Asia is its non-oriental flavor.

"We are so different from them. The atmosphere, the way we look, the way we live our lives. Everything that works in our country is not oriental. Even our politics is non-oriental. It’s the entire flavor that’s working for us," he said.

A glimpse of that flavor was presented during a cultural show-cum-dinner reception tendered for the Chinese trade and media, after the presscon in Shanghai. The DoT hosted the event together with Philippine Airlines and the Philippine Consular Office in Shanghai. Special guests who joined the secretary were Consul Jesus Yabes and PAL Country Manager Teresa Tan.

For the first time, the world-renowned Philippine National Dance Company tied up with Bench, a popular clothing and underwear line with branches in China for a unique show that left the Shanghainese audience astounded. The show was a fusion of Philippine culture and fashion as the Bayanihan dancers on tinikling shared the stage with statuesque models clad in Filipiniana-inspired modern wear. After the show, everyone partook of a long buffet of sumptuous international specialties.

The DoT made sure the evening’s show left the Shanghainese an experience worthy enough to make them want to visit the Philippines.

"There’s no going back as far as tourism is concerned. If there is one sector in the economy that we are a natural in, it is tourism. The country is just natural for tourism, the people are just natural for tourism," Durano concluded.

sugbuanon

December 12th, 2005, 12:00 AM

Clark Expo Pilipino theme park re-opens

CLARK ZONE, Pampanga, Dec. 11 (PNA) - The P2.5 billion Expo Pilipino here which has been mothballed for more than five years now was formally reopened on Friday, with trade exhibits and other cultural presentations lined up to December 10.

Clark Development Corp. (CDC) officials headed by its executive vice president, Victor Jose I. Luciano, cut the ceremonial ribbon marking the theme park re-opening which also features concerts, world-class furniture exhibit, dog shows, carnival rides and the Pinoy Big Brother special show on December 18, and the staging of the Mutya Ning Angeles Coronation Night on December 19.

Luciano said that major concerts to be performed by ABS-CBN's Lettermen, Black Eyed Peas, Michael Buble, a WWF-sanctioned wrestling match, Bikini Open and other spectacular events will be staged at the 35,000-capacity amphitheater.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo transferred the management and operation of the 60-hectare theme park to CDC last February 17, 2003 from the National Development Corp. (NDC) and First Clark Centennial Corp. (FCCC).

Another event slated in connection with the reopening of the theme park is the Clark National Duathlon Championships and the holding of the annual district assembly of some 10,000 members of Jehovah's Witness in Pampanga and Tarlac on December 23-25.

Luciano said the CDC spent some P2.5 million for the rehabilitation of the Barasoain Church replica mini ampitheater, trade halls and convention centers in the Expo Pilipino.

President Arroyo also approved CDC's and NDC's agreement on divestment terms of Asiakonstract's 40 percent equity of the FCCC.

richard fischer

December 12th, 2005, 09:35 AM

the philippines has finally defined it´s potential in attracting tourists. focusing on the asian traveller : korean, japanese, chinese and possibly on the russian too. offering a lot of heritage from spain/europe, the cultural monuments, catholic churches and residential areas like intramuros and vigan and cebu heritage naturally will rather attract people who have the possibility to glance at a european heritage in asia rather than travelling all the way to europe at a tremendous cost. europeans will therefore trip to asian exotic heritage found in bangkok, myanmar, bali, cambodia, china, korea and japan. so naturally they will combine their beach-bathing with sites like anchor vat, the pagodas of bangkok, the chinease wall rather than catholic churches, which again, you find abundant in spain, italy, france, germany, britain.

so focusing on korean, chinese and japanese (what about malaysian?) is much more sufficient for the country. besides, these countries are much closer to the philippines. travel time and costs are affordable.

ishtefh_03

December 12th, 2005, 12:21 PM

good thing they will re open it... hindi ung binabalewala lng nila, and they are starting to promoting it na, just like the PBB, the venue was in expo...

kyle@1008

December 12th, 2005, 12:28 PM

^ that was erap's fault.. talk about sourgraping...

ishtefh_03

December 12th, 2005, 12:39 PM

well, yeah, kasalanan nga ni erap yun...

sugbuanon

December 12th, 2005, 01:15 PM

well, yeah, kasalanan nga ni erap yun...

actually it was my fault :D diba sa term pa ni pres. ramos tinayo ang clark expo?

KulasKusgan

December 12th, 2005, 04:35 PM

well, yeah, kasalanan nga ni erap yun...

proj ni ramos pero pinahinto ni erap ang operation. philippines nga ang nanalo to host world expo 2002 (?forgot the exact year) after hannover 2000. its closest rival sa bidding was australia. if you can notice after hannover, its aichi in 2005. 5 years ang agwat. sa quezon city memorial circle yata sana yon i-held. it was the lowest budget kaya lang, pinacancel ni erap & pina-imbestigahan ang expo pilipino sa clark. nasayang lang ang pagsisikap ni mina gabor ng dot dati & ni FVR.

sugbuanon

December 12th, 2005, 11:24 PM

^ wala jud niy ayo ang uban sa atong mga politiko.. tsk! tsk!

bustero

December 13th, 2005, 04:59 AM

Clark Expo was a huge fiasco even before Erap came in. It was supposed to be done for the year long centenial celebration even before erap came in but was never finished and haphazardly done. Because it was run by the centernial commission and was bleeding like crazy, the government , under NDC just shut it down. They tried to privatize it many times but no takers so I guess the CDC was finally able to get hold of it as it's in clark anyway and make it their asset. Asia Konstruct which was a big construction firm which went bankrupt with the project as they were not paid and their liabilities converted to equity in dead asset. It seems that a lot of money was missing with many people pointing their fingers at Ramos.

In any case CDC will need to spend quite a bit to fix it up to it's original design. It had a big theater plus many displays but I'm not sure they're still in good shape so we'll see how they do.

ishtefh_03

December 13th, 2005, 05:31 AM

yun nga... hindi tinuloy ni erap yung project , if sana mas inayos pa nya and promote it...

marites4

December 13th, 2005, 06:21 AM

wala namang ginawa yung gunggong nayon kundi maggoodtime at magpapogipoints all night drinking sessions. hoodlum

slerz

December 13th, 2005, 06:57 AM

oo nga, sayang dahil malaki laki na rin ang nagastos don buti nalang ginagawa na ngayon.

_zner_

December 13th, 2005, 08:17 AM

still wondering why philippines can only have 2-3million tourists per year while on the other hand, our neighboring countries has a booming tourism..

c0kelitr0

December 13th, 2005, 08:52 AM

^^ lack of marketing really, plus the travel advisories...

if you have read magazines like FORTUNE or FORBES, several pages are ads of Malaysia, and Thailand...i haven't seen any Philippine ad lately. and of course cable channels also feature Malaysian and Thai ads, whereas none for the Philippines.

OtAkAw

December 13th, 2005, 09:01 AM

Alam nyo kaya pinasara ang EXPO dahil binulsa ni FVR yung halos 1/4 ng gastos nun! Kung pupuntahan nyo lang, ay naku obvious na kinurakot siya. Yung mga castle castle sa harapan dapat concrete daw yun sabi nung developer kaso gawa lang sa plywood!!! Kaya ayun puro kontrobersya tsaka nawawasak yung ibang parts ng expo kasi nga sub-standard yung pagkakagawa kaya ayun pinasara tuloy kasi siguradong pag-uukulan ng tsismis.

_zner_

December 13th, 2005, 10:39 AM

^^

i miss the roller coasters... hehe

ishtefh_03

December 13th, 2005, 11:00 AM

still wondering why philippines can only have 2-3million tourists per year while on the other hand, our neighboring countries has a booming tourism..

kulang sa promotion and advertisments siguro...

lex_99

December 13th, 2005, 03:01 PM

Have you seen Manilas' ad on Discovery's Travel and Living channel? Hope this will boost travel arrivals in the country. Hopefully, we can also afford to pay airtime charges on CNN and BCC so that we compete with our neighboring countrys' travel campaign.

ThisFire

December 14th, 2005, 04:41 AM

^ is that true? there are ads on that? wow

manileño

December 14th, 2005, 04:57 AM

have you guys seen the wow philippines ad that shows ifugaos in bahag in cordillera talking to one another in english about the economy and then it says "there are more english speakers here than in England." it was a short one but it was funny.

slerz

December 14th, 2005, 05:11 AM

and that fastfood thing... the fish...

lex_99

December 14th, 2005, 06:12 AM

^ is that true? there are ads on that? wow

Yes there is ThisFire. I was really surprised to see that ad coz we've got to only envy others tourism campaign such as malaysias "Truly Asia", and Thailands "happiness on Earth". Glad we had 1! :)

kyle@1008

December 14th, 2005, 06:26 AM

^ oh yes and the phils was way more progressive during Ramos time,... that was the start of the "mabuhay" campaign

kyle@1008

December 14th, 2005, 06:28 AM

I just wish Erap thought first he was a sourgrape... why are some people like that just because others are ahead they try to pull em down...

dancethingy

December 15th, 2005, 06:36 PM

deleted, double post

dancethingy

December 15th, 2005, 06:50 PM

RP hotels top survey on customer satisfaction

Philippine hotels offer no less than the best services.

This is the result of the latest survey posted at ehotelier.com, the most popular website for tourism and hotel executives.

Based on the Market Metrix Hospitality Index, which covered 35,000 in-depth consumer interviews, the Philippine hotels ranked number one with a score of 89.9 percent in the list of non-US hotels that deliver premier level of contentment to guests.

Other countries included in the top five list and were also given acknowledgement for delivering memorable hotel experience are Brazil (88.9%), Greece (88.3%), Singapore (87.9%), and South Korea (87.5%).

Among the categories, in which Philippines topped, were "Friendliness of reservation agent," "Efficient check-in," and "Employees’ ‘can-do’ attitude."

The survey examined how countries, hotel brands, and guests differ across the global hotel industry. It likewise covered airline and car rental companies.

Tourism Secretary Ace Durano stated, "The outcome shows us a fascinating glimpse of what Philippine tourism is all about. It only goes to prove how we put high premium and value to all our visitors. There is always the commitment to give leisure and business travelers superior overseas experience when they are in the islands."

This interesting development is being associated to the consistent growth rate of tourist arrivals that the Philippines has been receiving, specifically from the North American region, which has posted an increase of 11.9% based on the latest statistics * from last year’s 396,185 travelers to 2005’s 443,184 for the period of January to September. The arrivals from the United States remain to be the country’s top source market.

tigidig14

December 15th, 2005, 08:03 PM

^that was a deja vu :lol:

xXx carlos xXx

December 15th, 2005, 10:04 PM

Thats a great news dancethingy! great news indeed!:)

slerz

December 16th, 2005, 10:49 AM

ok:okay:

sugbuanon

December 18th, 2005, 11:54 PM

Tourism creates additional 72,000 jobs in first 10 months of ’05

Increased tourist arrivals in the Philippines have generated new livelihood opportunities for 72,000 Filipinos in the hotel and restaurant sector this year.

Government data showed that employment in hotels and restaurants grew 9 percent to 870,000 in October 2005 from only 798,000 a year ago.

The number of salaried workers in hotels and restaurants went up by 53,000 to 599,000 over the past 12 months, based on the recently released Labor Force Survey of the National Statistics Office.

The number of self-employed individuals in the hotel and restaurant sector also increased by 3,000 to 179,000 as of October 2005. Unpaid family workers in the sector grew by 16,000 to 92,000.

According to the National Income Accounts released by the National Statistical Coordination Board, the gross value added (GVA) in hotel and restaurant services improved by 2.5 percent in the first three quarters of 2005, compared to their output during the same period in 2004, based on constant 1985 prices.

An important economic term, GVA measures the contribution to the economy of the hotel and restaurant sector and is equal to the value of services produced by the sector less the value of inputs used in the production process.

At current prices, the GVA or contribution to the economy of the hotel and restaurant sector reached P68.353 billion in the January-to-September period this year, up by 7.1 percent from P63.795 billion recorded a year ago.

Before this, the Department of Tourism reported that the volume of foreign visitor arrivals to the Philippines surged by 13.1 percent year-on-year to 1.907 million in three quarters ending September 2005, well within the government’s target of 2.6 million arrivals for the whole year.

manileño

December 19th, 2005, 12:53 AM

sugbuanon, you're all over the forum posting all sorts of news. are you a radio newscaster? hehe :jk: keep it up.

sugbuanon

December 19th, 2005, 04:07 AM

hehehe.. just want to share any good news that i find in the net.. lab ko kase ang pinas :D

Erwin Tulfo.. PASOK!!!

stephencua

December 19th, 2005, 05:14 AM

tajen from abs-cbnnews.com

PCCI: International gateways to boost RP tourism

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) on Monday said local tourism will get a big boost from international gateways, which will attract more tourists and generate more income for the country.

PCCI vice-president Samie Lim said the tourism industry plans are now setting up international gateways to make the country more attractive to tourists.

"Tourists have limited time. They want to see as much as possible, do as much as possible. We must bring them to a gateway close to word-class tourist attractions that would only be one hour from there. They must get out of the airports in 15 to 30 minutes and then must get to their place in one hour," Lim told ANC.

Lim said the PCCI is helping the government to cluster tourist attractions near the international gateways.He said that among the international gateways already set up are the cities of Cebu, Manila and Laoag.

"Cebu is probably ahead of the pack. They are the first ones to organize themselves and they have an ambitious plan to attract five million tourists in Cebu by 2010. The next gateway is Manila. I think Mayor Atienza is doing a good job in Manila, and so are the other mayors in greater Manla. But Laoag seems to be the most enthusiastic. Governor (Ferdinand) Marcos has been rallying on Northern Luzon," said Lim.

He said the next gateways in line are Davao City and the former Clark Air Base in Pampanga.

Lim said the PCCI is targeting five million tourists in a five year-span.

"So far we’ve already registered 2.7 million tourist in two years. So we are ahead of our projections," he said.

He added that tourism also generated 2.5 million jobs and P3 billion worth of revenue.

"In terms of agriculture, in terms of manufacturing, we may not be as competitive as other countries. But there is no question in my mind the Filipino hospitality, the ability to speak English and all of that, these are things that are God-given. We must make use of them," he said.

marites4

December 19th, 2005, 06:09 AM

cusket

December 19th, 2005, 06:25 AM

all they need to do is put up a thai restaurant every tourist spot and trail in the PHils. and whamo the tourism will skyrocket. Believe it or not guys a lot of the tourists complain about Filipino food saying that is the only thing missing because they love the sweet and sour spicy Thai food. It's really simple.

that's so true. The problem with filipino food in general is the visual presentation and it also tends to be overcooked as opposed to chinese or thai cusine which is stir fried and generally more fresh.

marites4

December 19th, 2005, 06:46 AM

yup most of our vegetables are blanced and not crisp and fresh. Thai and Vietnamese usually use a lot of fresh greens with lots of spices. We also use alot of animal innards, pork fat, grease , whick foreigners will not be accustomed to. In the north comeon bagoong isda and bile soup ,bagoong alamang. Sa aten masarap ito pero sa iba it maybe repulsive. Lets face it alot of tourists also like to get good tasty food at cheap price at destinations they go to. Mahileg din sila sa maaanghang.
We just have to be realistic to what they want and like.

_zner_

December 19th, 2005, 07:49 AM

i hope philippines will try to put ads in cable channels by next year.. its really hard promoting tourism manually... hehe

OtAkAw

December 19th, 2005, 08:16 AM

sista

December 19th, 2005, 08:29 AM

^^ I have a confession to make, I don't eat those big time pinoy dishes you mentioned lol. I tried dinuguan for the first time a few months ago upon the insistence of my friend, but I, unfortunately didn't like it because it's too malansa...plus I'm a very picky eater (I happen to be one of those people who don't eat invertibrates of any kind) :(

bustero

December 19th, 2005, 10:38 AM

ah well we should just put a chinese, thai, spanish rest in every city. We can call it shangthaella .

Speaking of food tourism I know hongkies do come here for spanish food. It's the only place in Asia where you can find authentic spanish food courtesy of hispanic heritage. So maybe we should just feed them spanish food.

_zner_

December 19th, 2005, 10:43 AM

^^

good idea... i hope we could be one of the officials of the republic so we could really promote the country.. hehee

OtAkAw

December 20th, 2005, 08:37 AM

^^ Yep, people who are in SSC are the ones who really deserve to have a seat in public office, especially the DOT if I was a senator I would allocate 25 percent of our money for promotion in tourism, investment and everything. (hehehe)

Askal82

December 20th, 2005, 08:55 AM

cusket

December 20th, 2005, 09:00 AM

For the sake of tourism, we should put more emphasis on fresh seafood this would be more appealing to tourists. After all we are an island nation with an abundance of seafood. This leads me to the issue of where the emphasis of philippine tourism should be, which is to promote our affinity with the sea. This is one advantage we have over the likes of Thailand and other asian countries. Only Indonesia could compete with us in this arena, Indonesia, Bali in particular has large number of tourists. Other parts of Indonesia are good for ecotourism. Indonesia, however, being a predominantly islamic country may scare away westerners and East Asians. That's were the Philippines comes in, however there are still some lingering concerns primarily by European and Japanese about our peace and order situation, emanating primarily from the rash of kidnappings several years back. In fact some people are surprised to hear that Philippines is a predominantly christian country.

Back to the food issue and its relation with tourism. Philippine is interesting and quite delicious, but there should be a concerted effort by culinary artists and chefs to liven up the presentation of the food. Philippine food should be a feast for the eyes like Thai and vietnamese, korean and Japanese food

Espma

December 21st, 2005, 02:45 PM

...one thing I loveee about Filipino food are definitely the desserts!!..hands down in SEA I reckon Philippines have the best kinds of desserts and sweets (influenced hugely by the Spanish right?!)...mehh i noticed that other SEA nations lovee coconut milk with their desserts, especially the Vietnamese..they have a version of Halo Halo where they put coconut milk instead of evaporated milk...Brazzo De Mercedes and Sans Rival are my fave, apart from the ultimate Halo Halo and Leche Flan...I believe the Philippines even have a local version of ice cream, Sorbetes right!?!! ehehehe Gelato of Asia?!!! :)

tigidig14

December 21st, 2005, 03:02 PM

sista

December 21st, 2005, 03:13 PM

^^ I do love Filipino foods, the unexotic kind and I agree with Espma. Filipino desserts are the best! mmmm I love my mother's leche flan lol because it has enough sweetness to tickle the stomach, but not too much to break the teeth...darn I'm getting hungry!

sandrin

December 21st, 2005, 03:27 PM

the secret for the dinuguan or chocolate meat to not taste malansa is to add alot of green long chilli pepper. make it really spicy. plus i know the meat should be thoroughly boiled first before cooking it into a chocolate meat.
my ninang cooked dinuguan in Australia. Aussies loved it and called it chocolate meat, lolz

sista

December 21st, 2005, 03:32 PM

^^ bad dinuguan pala nakain ko lol. If ever I see one, really good one with the opinions of other people, I will SURELY give it another try :lol:

tigidig14

December 21st, 2005, 03:32 PM

thats true it depends on how a person cook, my tatay (actually tito) can cook the best dinuguan in the world, my mom on the other hand, oh my god, you can taste everything and she even like cooking this stuff. im just being nice about it. as for chocolate soup, the kare kare as peanut butter soup

tigidig14

December 21st, 2005, 03:33 PM

^^ bad dinuguan pala nakain ko lol. If ever I see one, really good one with the opinions of other people, I will SURELY give it another try :lol:

try eating it w/puto that has queso melted at the top. :drool: its to die for

paulkrps

December 21st, 2005, 03:33 PM

sista

December 21st, 2005, 03:37 PM

^^ good idea! stig yun! :righton:

paulkrps

December 21st, 2005, 03:38 PM

^^ good idea! stig yun! :righton:

then we'll use this:

ONLI IN DA PILIPINS!

sista

December 21st, 2005, 03:42 PM

^^ pwede ka na maging tourism secretary dyan bro! :lol:

paulkrps

December 21st, 2005, 03:47 PM

^^ pwede ka na maging tourism secretary dyan bro! :lol:

hihihihi, anong magandang plano? let's do away with this conventional tourism promos.

i'll be starting with this:

ONLI IN DA PILIPINS
play basketball with durian in davao!

suggestions for the other provinces?

sista

December 21st, 2005, 03:53 PM

Mania in Manila
from traffic jams to shopping in Tiangges to riding a calesa in front of the Binondo Church! Tradition and Modernity at its best...experience life, Mania in Manila!

:lol:

I remember when I went near Masangkay, there was this spanish style establishment. Half of it was renovated and half of it was old and worn out. Kitang kita yun difference at talagang may deviding line sya. Sayang lang nga I wasn't able to take a picture because the car is moving so fast lol

marites4

December 21st, 2005, 07:11 PM

Just remember not to tell them what's on that chocolate meat.
Anyway I agree I think we make the best cakes . Our cakes are so good not to sweet ,just right. So many good pastry shops.
It is unanimous already tatagalogen ko na lang at maremeng mga asungot dito. HInde foreigner friendly filipino food. Minsan minsan merong hindi picky at magugustuhan nila pero very rare. So this is one thing DOT needs to figure out. Pagkagaleng nila sa ibang SE asian countries ,they expect na pagkaen naten ay similar with lots of spices and end up being disappointed when it's not . This is their number one gripe ,complain, yung food.
Sure in Manila there are lots of international restaurants but you go outside of Manila, is the problem.
The seafood idea is good. Concentrate on cooking seafoods in different ways. At isa pang ayaw na ayaw nila ay yung malansa. Fishy taste or smell.
Disclaimer, these are not my opinions but are relaying only sentiments of foreigners.

tigidig14

December 21st, 2005, 07:21 PM

^Marites totoo yan ako man pag napupunta sa visayas region, im tasting the lansa predominantly either to fish, pork or chicken. they starting to all taste the same, hehehe

kiretoce

December 21st, 2005, 07:35 PM

Top 5 Christmas Holidays
December 21, 2005

Christmas is a time to spend with family and friends, a time of giving, and a time to celebrate the winter season. Have a look at our top 5 festive getaways, to dream of, or look for a last minute break!

5. The Carribbean

Escape winter in the Caribbean, where Santa can be found on the beach. Try tropical fruit and fresh seafood - though turkey and trimmings can be found in every hotel!
The Nine Mornings Festival is held in St Vincent on the days leading up to December 25. Locals parade through the streets in costumes, singing carols, riding bikes, rollerskating and dancing. Or attend a mass - churches hold special services at 5.30am.

4. Ecuador

The blend of Christian traditions, Latin American flair and native Indian arts is intoxicating. Arrive in time for the Novena, pre-Christmas festival evenings. Locals sing, pray and eat special cookies dipped in hot chocolate. Look for the nativity scenes, in life-sized church displays or hand-crafted miniatures.

On Christmas Eve, celebrate with a dinner and then head for the midnight mass, held across the entire country.

3. The Phillipines

Enjoy a rich blend of paganism and Christianity as Filipinos end their Christmas festivities on January 6 with the Festival of the Three Kings, but begin on December 16 with the Misa de Gallo.

Midnight mass is held throughout the three-week Christmas period and star-shaped lampshades adorn every stree. Revel in the beaches, balmy temperatures and tropical ambience.

2. New York

Carriage rides through Central Park, ice-skating and Christmas trees at the Rockefeller Center, gourmet grocery stores bursting with holiday treats - the excitement is electric.

Visit the ornate Christmas tree in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, listen to carols in Washington Square, sing the Messiah at the Lincoln Center, marvel at the Rockettes in their annual Radio City musical and visit Santa in the FAO Schwarz toyshop.

1. Lapland

Lapland: Festive times Lapland covers 150,000 square miles north of the Arctic Circle and spans Sweden, Norway, Finland and the Kola Peninsula of Russia. Go there to explore the almost untouched natural beauty of this land of the midnight sun, to see the Northern Lights, meet the native Sami people and see bears, whales and reindeer. At Christmas time go to meet Santa Claus.

Visit the Santa Claus village near Rovaniemi, Lapland's main town. The post office here gets around a million letters a year. The nearby Santa Park has amusement rides. In case you don't spot them in the wild, visit the Ranua Wildlife Park, 52 miles south of Rovaniemi which has 30 mammal and 30 bird species in natural enclosures, including the shy Finnish moose.

Traditional Lappish fare includes reindeer, crayfish, salmon, herring, fish soups and berries, such as cloudberry and lingonberry, which are made into a variety of products. Lappish sour milk pastries are good with coffee, but after dinner some traditionalists prefer a special cheese in their coffee.

Jefferyi

December 21st, 2005, 11:34 PM

^Yay for being No. 3 on that list. Thats like a bronze medalso a least we get to step on the podium. :cheer:

slerz

December 22nd, 2005, 02:33 AM

WoW... I'm proud...:cheer:

slerz

December 22nd, 2005, 02:42 AM

BTW, where did you get that bai? I mean the link.

sista

December 22nd, 2005, 03:07 AM

galing! go to the Philippines! the best Christmas EVER! :cheers:

Askal82

December 22nd, 2005, 07:44 AM

:banana: :cucumber: :banana: :cucumber: :banana: :cucumber: :banana: :cucumber: :banana: :cucumber: :banana: :cucumber: :righton:

Go Philippines.

Wow, Phils is on Top 5. Where did you get this info!?!?! Nice

moncho_g

December 22nd, 2005, 12:24 PM

Our food is really very horrible for foreigners except adobo, chicharon, sisig, pulutok, caldereta, mechado, asado, lumpia, nilaga, sopas, inihaw na mga hayop, etc. Big-time pinoy dishes like dinuguan, calderetang kambing, kamaru, balut and isaw are more prone to killing foreigners imagine if I told a French woman that she's eating Pork Blood with intestines? But I don't care really stubborn Foreigners are not very adventurous with food whereas I am when I visit foreign countries except insects, snakes, beetles and all uber-exotic food of course.

My American uncle loves Capampangan food especially chicharon, humba, and sisig he says he never tasted anything like them before.

Huh? The French eat blood as well eg. boudin noir w/c is a blood and pork sausage and the English have black pudding... again blood. And don't forget that the French eat snails, frogs, tripe and other innards.

Okay maybe balut is taking it too far.

Pinoy food is okay, it just needs a new way of presentation away from the usual palayok/banana leaf style. And for chrissakes less sugar in the food please!!! Sweet spaghetti (with banana catsup and very red hotdog) could actually be classified a dessert in some countries.

Espma

December 22nd, 2005, 01:32 PM

^^hahaha...ohh waittt dont diss the Pinoy Style Spaghetti!! Jollibee wont make billions if thats not on their menu!! LOL

on that note...at least Filipinos cook blood..i've seen some instances..umm Vietnamese i think they were, ate...blood jelly raw...they eat Balut as well, dunno how they eat it.

normandb

December 22nd, 2005, 02:15 PM

sandrin

December 22nd, 2005, 02:17 PM

Huh? The French eat blood as well eg. boudin noir w/c is a blood and pork sausage and the English have black pudding... again blood. And don't forget that the French eat snails, frogs, tripe and other innards.

Okay maybe balut is taking it too far.

Pinoy food is okay, it just needs a new way of presentation away from the usual palayok/banana leaf style. And for chrissakes less sugar in the food please!!! Sweet spaghetti (with banana catsup and very red hotdog) could actually be classified a dessert in some countries.

I agree. The French also eat raw goose liver. It's actually an specialty and very expensive. The liver is supposed to come from a sick goose and has to be eaten raw. I forgot the actual name. I've tasted at a dinner in Shangrila-edsa plaza restuarant. It's fresh & not fishy.

No it's Not Paté de foie gras.

Espma

December 22nd, 2005, 02:52 PM

they first eat the shell and then the stuff inside it will be next, yummy :jk:

lol nah as in...like not sure if they boil it then eat it like how filipinos eat it..
orrrr i dunno they probably make a soup out of it?! sumfn like that..

tigidig14

December 22nd, 2005, 04:40 PM

^like eating a snut, not like i have ate my snut before :lol:

dancethingy

December 22nd, 2005, 06:47 PM

that's disguisting tigs

tigidig14

December 22nd, 2005, 06:55 PM

^have u eaten those talaba before let me see what you can compare it

rowell_sk

December 22nd, 2005, 11:07 PM

Major infrastructure projects
to help improve Cebu tourism
Published: 22 December 2005

by Irene R. Sino Cruz

WITH tourism remaining one of the growth drivers of Cebu's economy, the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) cited the need to implement projects that would make the province more attractive to tourists.

The Cebu Master Plan 2020, prepared by CCCI's Cebu Tourism Core Group, identified major infrastructure projects that needed to be implemented along the coastline areas, according to CCCI president Robert Go.

The plan aims to turn Cebu into an the information hub, maritime center and tourism capital of the country, Go said.

To realize this goal, he said, there is a need to refurbish historical landmarks and rehabilitate required infrastructure necessary to attract foreign investments and tourists.

The proposed projects will improve the Metro Cebu Corridor, which covers the coastline from Mandaue Reclamation to the Kawit Island in South Road Properties (former South Reclamation Project) and the Mactan Boardwalk, Go said.

One of the tourism corridor centerpieces, he said, is the Cebu and Mactan Boardwalk, which will feature an amphitheater, family theme park, marina yacht club, marina promenade, zen center and restaurants.

Another project calls for the development of the Cebu Heritage and Cultural Center, to include the Malacañang in the South and its environs, Go said.

CCCI is also pushing the Cebu Plus Tourism road map, which reinforces the Department of Tourism (DOT) hubs and spokes program.

The Cebu Plus Tourism road map identifies Cebu as the jump-off point for other tourist destinations such as Boracay, Palawan and Dakak in Zamboanga, Go said during a recent briefing.

"In response to our Cebu Plus Tourism Roadmap, with the goal of five million tourists in 2010, Mactan Cebu International Airport general manager Adelberto Yap immediately planned the second airport terminal building," Go pointed out.

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) also proposed the construction of a light-rail transit system starting from Consolacion to Talisay to provide faster transportation for tourists and local commuters, he noted.

"Cebu Plus has strong backing from the Regional Development Council and the Cebu City Council, which also endorsed the friendship bridge in Mactan," Go said.

The chamber has identified tourism, along with information and communications technology (ICT), as among the sectors that would boost Cebu's economy.

International and domestic tourist arrivals continue to grow this year, DOT Central Visayas regional director Patria Aurora Roa said recently.

From January to October this year, tourist arrivals already reached 1.2 million, Roa said.

Although tourism remains a growing industry, the lack of accommodation has affected the growth of the tourism industry.

rowell_sk

December 22nd, 2005, 11:13 PM

RP ?buses? lure Taiwan travelers

First posted 07:01am (Mla time) Dec 18, 2005
By Vangie Baga-Reyes
Inquirer

Editor's Note: Published on page F1 of the December 18, 2005 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

IF LONDON HAS TAXICABS promoting the Philippines? scenic spots, in Taipei, capital of Taiwan, sleek buses are doing the job.

The public utility vehicles bear the words ?Wow Philippines? against a backdrop of such tourist attractions as the clear blue waters of Subic, the historical sites in Cebu, the brightly colored vintas of Zamboanga.

Making the images even more attractive are a man and a woman in swimwear, each sitting on top of a whale.

?They are the Mr. and Ms Philippine Tourism in Taiwan,? proudly declared Gerry Panga, tourism representative of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (Meco)-Tourism Center in Taiwan.

Taiwanese Brian Chou, 28, and Japanese Hsiang Ma-Chen, 22, are the celebrity endorsers for Philippine tourism in Taiwan. They did not win in a beauty pageant, but were chosen because of their ?love for the Philippines.?

Each has a television travel show in Taiwan, where the Philippines has been featured several times.

Chou has been

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to Palawan, Subic, Banaue, Davao and Manila, while Hsiang, who speaks Mandarin, hosts a travel show in Japanese (Formosa TV) aired in Taiwan. She?s been to Cebu, Davao, Manila and Subic.

?Even before we became Philippine tourism promoters, we?d been to the Philippines several times and each time we visited we had beautiful memories of the country,? said Chou, who, like Hsiang, is a model and an actor in Taiwan. Chou stands 6?1?, Hsiang is 5?3?.

As special Philippine tourism envoys, Panga explained, they were tasked to promote the good image of the Philippines, and to encourage the Taiwanese, the youth, young professionals and middle-aged office executives to visit the country.

The celebrity duo did recently a pictorial and destination shoot in Davao and Subic that would be part of the promotional materials and publicity campaign for the winter and Chinese New Year break.

?With the appointment of Chou and Hsiang, the Philippines takes its marketing offensive to a higher level. We have such a big market in Taiwan and sharing their wonderful travel experiences in the Philippines will definitely help boost our tourism.?

Asked how much the endorsers were being paid for their jobs, Panga replied: ?Pro bono.?

Aggressive campaign

The Philippines? tourism promotion in Taiwan seemed to be paying off with the country registering the highest Taiwanese arrivals in Asia in August and September this year.

Based on latest Meco figures, more than 12,000 Taiwanese tourists arrived in the Philippines in August, higher by 28 percent than the figure for the same time last year. In September, 11,000 arrivals were recorded.

?We have fully recovered from the initial effects of the post-tsunami travel slowdown as shown in the renewed confidence and resurgence of Taiwanese arrivals in the country,? noted Tourism Sec. Joseph Durano. ?The Philippines? arrival growth rate is far higher than the overall monthly [increase in the number of] Taiwanese [travelers] in the third quarter this year.?

Eva Air, the Taiwanese carrier, reportedly overshot its target for passenger volume to the Philippines in October and November this year. It is adding two flights to the Philippines to service the expected bigger volume for Chinese New Year in January.

Buoyed by the Taiwanese market performance, the tourism department participated recently in the Taipei International Travel Fair (TITF), promoting beach holidays, health and wellness programs and other tour packages for winter and Chinese New Year.

?Through our aggressive marketing approach, Philippine tourism hopes to reach the five-million tourist benchmark by 2010,? said Durano.

The Philippines is preparing for this anticipated increase in international arrivals by increasing flight capacity and enhancing regional connections with the opening of the new international airport in Manila, and expansion of major domestic airports.

Taipei Travel Fair

At the TITF held at the sprawling Taipei World Trade Center, the Philippine booth, looking like a nipa hut adorned with banana leaves, palm trees and various foliage, was one of the most visited exhibits. The award-winning Bayanihan Cultural Dance Company performed traditional dances in colorful costumes.

Durano, in his brief stay in Taipei, visited Taipei City Mall and MRT Central Basement Shop where ?Wow Philippines? billboards and posters in English and Chinese were strategically placed. He visited the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial, having his photo taken beside the ?Wow Philippines? bus.

The secretary was accompanied by Romulo Manlapig, Meco deputy resident representative for business development; Rica Bueno, head of Asia-Pacific marketing team for tourism; Panga and the celebrity endorsers.

Local travel groups that participated in the fair included Pearl Farm Beach Resort, Patio Pacific Boracay, El Nido Resorts, Boracay Regency and Dos Palmas Resort.

stephencua

December 23rd, 2005, 02:26 AM

taken from philstar.com.. this is actually good for us skyscraper lovers.. this could mean that there would be a new boom in real estate development especially hotels.. :D

DOT: Foreign tourists coming to RP, but where will they stay?
By Mayen Jaymalin
The Philippine Star 12/23/2005

Foreign tourists are coming in large numbers, but they may soon run out of places to stay.

Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano said the government’s campaign to lure tourists has been so successful that the tourism industry is now having a problem providing adequate accommodations.

Durano said the country’s hotel capacity is now a limiting factor for the government programs to lure millions of foreign tourists to visit the different foreign destinations here.

"We can’t create demand that is more than we can accommodate," Durano said while noting that poor or inadequate accommodations create negative impressions for tourists.

According to Durano, the Department of Tourism (DOT) can easily lure more than three million tourists next year but the country’s hotel capacity is only three million.

"We have to improve our hotel capacity if we want to encourage more than three million foreign travelers to visit our country," he said.

Durano noted that as of last October, the DOT had already recorded 2.1 million foreign tourists and they expect to reach 2.6 million international arrivals by the end of 2005.

"Based on historical data, we can easily reach 500,000 foreign tourists in the last two months of the year," he said.

He noted that the DOT is hoping to lure around three million foreign tourists next year with the government now working on new markets, including Russia and India.

Askal82

December 23rd, 2005, 03:03 AM

^have u eaten those talaba before let me see what you can compare it

Tahong is better. :lol:

tigidig14

December 23rd, 2005, 06:53 AM

^they serve it in hooters btw, my bro loves them so much, its raw o whatever smoke and he only puts lemon on it, i dont know how can he eats like 24 of those. ano ba english 'nun musk ba, i dont know, forgot

kiretoce

December 23rd, 2005, 07:15 AM

^^ You mean mussels?

Askal82

December 23rd, 2005, 07:23 AM

Tajong at jogging. Pampalusog ang mga iyan. :lol:

Na mi miss ko ng kumain ng tajong. Naalala ko nagdala ng isang sakong tahong galing sa Pangasinan ang tito ko. Inubos namin iyon in a day sa kaka ihaw. Mga kulang ng 10 beses yata ako bumalik sa conference room. :lol:

tigidig14

December 23rd, 2005, 07:34 AM

^d ba nakapagtatae yan

Askal82

December 23rd, 2005, 08:05 AM

^^ Yepz. Oo no! Ang sarap kase. May tahong na kaseng laki ng palad mo no. Never seen such gigantic tahong! :lol:

ashley12

December 23rd, 2005, 08:53 AM

eh have you tasted tahong chips??

err... doesn't taste good para sakin... iba parin yung fresh

Askal82

December 23rd, 2005, 08:55 AM

^^ Hmmm, that is kinda new.

ashley12

December 23rd, 2005, 08:57 AM

my dad bought some of those and I really dont like it.

hiero

December 24th, 2005, 11:56 AM

sandrin

December 24th, 2005, 12:43 PM

Hiero, nice job. Hope you include Batanes too.

It deserves its own "backpackers" thread.

ThisFire

December 25th, 2005, 01:40 AM

c0kelitr0

December 25th, 2005, 02:55 AM

try eating it w/puto that has queso melted at the top. :drool: its to die for

:drool: that's really yummy...

the best dinuguan i've ever tasted was that of El Ideal(?) at Silay, Negros. I ate two bowlfuls with beer-rice muffins! plus guapple pie for dessert lol. that was the first time i've ever eaten dinuguan, i was like, damn it, i've wasted so many years feeling eeky about such a great treat!

slerz

December 25th, 2005, 07:22 AM

i dont know where to put this,
great video of cebu
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7319148119124553965&q=cebu

merry x-mas to all

I think this video is also about Cebu's tourism industry...:okay:

Jefferyi

December 25th, 2005, 10:36 AM

:drool: that's really yummy...

the best dinuguan i've ever tasted was that of El Ideal(?) at Silay, Negros. I ate two bowlfuls with beer-rice muffins! plus guapple pie for dessert lol. that was the first time i've ever eaten dinuguan, i was like, damn it, i've wasted so many years feeling eeky about such a great treat!

^^^Guapple?!I thought that was just some bubblegum flavor? So it really tastes like guava and pineapple? :drool:

kiretoce

December 26th, 2005, 05:23 AM

dancethingy

December 26th, 2005, 07:05 AM

DoT exceeds 2.6-M tourist arrivals target

Secretary Joseph "Ace" Durano of the Department of Tourism (DoT) said yesterday that the DoT has surpassed its tourist arrivals target of 2.6 million set for this year.

Durano said the record-breaking number of foreign visitors has brought in .6 billion, or more than R100 billion in revenues, and created 2.6 million jobs.

Before Durano took the helm at the DoT, the international arrivals number never surpassed the two-million mark.

He said because of the strong tourism arrivals this year alone, more than R2 billion worth of expansion projects and new investments in the hotel and resort sector were made, creating more than 380,000 new jobs in the industry, on top of the existing two million, mostly in the provinces where the new resorts, hotels and other tourism infrastructures are being constructed.

"Tourism is merry Christmas this year and I hope next year it would even be happier for Philippine tourism," Durano, the youngest member of the Arroyo Cabinet, said in an interview.

Durano attributed the tourism success of the Arroyo administration to the effectiveness of the country’s international promotions which, he said, is "the main function of the Department of Tourism."

He said marketing teams were organized and are being utilized to design market-specific sub-campaigns such as tour programs and packages, marketing campaigns, and other effective means of advertising. These plans are particularly created for key markets of Philippine tourism – Japan, South Korea, China and the North America.

He said 2005 has been the most award-winning year for Philippine tourism after the country bagged 16 awards from its target markets.

He said because of the DoT’s promotion and sales strategy, the Philippines, in just the first 10 months of the year, has already recorded an arrival of 2.11 million visitors. With this current data, the DOT is certain that when the arrivals of the peak season of November and December are accounted for, the target of 2.6 million at the end of the year will be surppassed, registering a growth of 13.6 percent as compared to 2004 figures.

Likewise, the DoT has represented the country in numerous international travel and trade fairs. Philippine booths have consistently gained much attraction and distinctions from organizers and spectators of these events. The awards were as follows:

In Japan, Gold Prize winner for Nature’s Wisdom Award – 2005 World Exposition in Aichi, Japan;

Global 100 Eco-Tech Awards – nomination for Dr. Justino Arboleda for his pioneering efforts in the use of coco coir to promote sustainable development; and in Midosuji Parade in Osaka, Japan, the Philippines won second place.

In South Korea, Best Booth Design – Korea Travel Fair; Best Folkloric Dance Troupe – Korea Travel Fair; Best Promotion – Tour Expo DAEGU; Best Booth Design – Korea World Travel Fair; Best Country Performance – Korea World Travel Fair.

In China, the Phililippines won the Best Booth – Guangzhou International Travel Fair.

Durano said Russia has also emerged as the latest addition to the DoT’s priority markets. During the Otdykh Leisure Fair, visitors had their first taste of Philippine traditional healing techniques through the auxiliary event Spa and Health Moscow 2005, which was the first international Workshop and Conference for Health Tourism, Resorts, and Spa. Jomar Fleras of Sanctuario Spa and Nora Putulan of Bellevue Spa also gave workshops and demonstrations on the various forms of therapy combining Filipino with other Asian concepts, such as albularyo (herbal therapy), dagdagay (foot massage) moxibustion, and reiki with thallasotherapy and aromatherapy. Detoxification mini-sessions were offered as well at the DoT’s pavilion at the fair.

Glazami Ochevidtsa: Filippiny (Eyewitness Guide to the Philippines), the very first guidebook about the country published in Russian, was likewise presented to the media and travel industry professionals at the DoT booth during the Leisure Otdykh.

The DOT has also launched traditional hilot spa program in Singapore during the International Spa Conference in Singapore in May 2005.

The Philippines also won five awards in the Baccarat Asia Awards: The Farm at San Benito – Media Spa of the Year & Spa Retreat of the Year; Mandala Spa, Boracay – Destination Spa of the Year and its signature massage- the "watsu" was awarded the Spa Treatment of the Year; Spa Association of the Philippines won the Spa Association of the Year.

Durano said these awards confirmed the effectiveness or the impact of Philippine promotions abroad.

Durano said from the very beginning, "we have been working our way to hitting our target of five million foreign tourist arrivals by 2010 by gaining 20 percent annual growth rate from last year until the end of my term as Tourism Secretary."

He said this is being carried out through an incisive and extensive promotional campaigns implemented by different teams (Team Asia Pacific, Team China, Team Europe, Team Japan, Team Korea, and Team North America) in their respective areas of responsibility. "Moreover, we are also aiming at having 25 million domestic movement to go along with our international guest influx. Once these targets are realized, five million jobs are bound to be created and there will be billion annual tourism revenue for the country,’’ the secretary said.

Skyblade

December 26th, 2005, 07:26 AM

Excellent news to hear in terms of tourist growth for the RP! :D

tigidig14

December 26th, 2005, 07:26 AM

Hello!

We are constructing a free backpacking portal, free for everybody. Students and travellers from all over the world have worked on this page.
Shortly, we just finished a great work on the Philippines - could you please have a look on the page and tell me your opinion?
That's the pointer: http://www.backpackers-planet.com/backpackers-hostels-Philippines-000279.html

If you have anything else to add, please tell me, since we want to become the best backpacking portal, especially on the philippines.

Thanks,
Hiero

ey guys we oughta support this guy because hes making a list in what to visit in pnas especially in what city/ies we represent. i think we have to register first in able to add sites and more tourism bag-packer friendly site.
it even has wiki-travel like wikipidea but for travelers. its actually neat, :)

ashley12

December 26th, 2005, 07:33 AM

Originally Posted by hiero
Hello!

We are constructing a free backpacking portal, free for everybody. Students and travellers from all over the world have worked on this page.
Shortly, we just finished a great work on the Philippines - could you please have a look on the page and tell me your opinion?
That's the pointer: http://www.backpackers-planet.com/b...nes-000279.html

If you have anything else to add, please tell me, since we want to become the best backpacking portal, especially on the philippines.

Thanks,
Hiero

Hiero, nice job. Hope you include Batanes too.

It deserves its own "backpackers" thread.

yup yup! I was looking for it too but some sites just leave out Batanes. I hope you could include it.

BDW, Nice job! :)

hiero

December 26th, 2005, 10:47 AM

yup yup! I was looking for it too but some sites just leave out Batanes. I hope you could include it.

BDW, Nice job! :)

Okay, I've found a bit about Batanes, but it seems like internet is not yet very much developed over there, so I can't find a lot - if you could indicate some places? I just need the adress and the telephone number!

And if you want to get registered and help us working on the Philippines, you're all welcome!!
Write to info@backpackers-planet.com to get in contact with us!

c0kelitr0

December 26th, 2005, 11:34 AM

^^^Guapple?!I thought that was just some bubblegum flavor? So it really tastes like guava and pineapple? :drool:

it's guava and apple :D

kiretoce

December 27th, 2005, 07:11 PM

Local tour guides survive on visitors from Europe, US, not Korea - CATG
Wednesday, December 28, 2005

Despite a rise in the number of tourists from Korea, tour guides in Cebu rely more on European and United States-based visitors for income.

“We count more on foreign tourists from Europe, US and other countries because they are the ones who need our service.

Koreans don’t because they have their own Korean tour guides accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT),” Rafael Tura, president of the Cebu Association of Tour Guides (CATG), said in an interview.

The DOT 7 reported a 43-percent increase in Korean tourists to 120,871 from last year’s 84,326 in the first 10 months this year. This has made Koreans the top travel market for the province, making up 35.7 percent of the total visitor arrivals in Cebu above Japanese (28.6 percent) and US tourists (10 percent).

Language

“Koreans have Korean tour guides due to the language factor,” Tura said.

He told Sun.Star Cebu that while Korean tour guides serve as their competitors, they are not bitter because they still have a huge market with other tourists.

“We support the efforts of the DOT ... to boost the country’s tourism industry.

So we also welcome Korean visitors with Korean tour guides even if only … airlines, hotels and restaurants will benefit,” he said.

Tura, however, said that if Korean tourists were fluent in English, they would prefer local tour guides in Cebu because they have more experience and knowledge on the country’s tourists’ destinations.

Potential market

Aside from foreign tourists, domestic travelers also offer a huge market potential for local tour guides, he said.

While the number of foreign travelers increased 16 percent from 291,716 last year to 338,600 this year, the number of domestic travelers also increased seven percent to 600,066 people from last year’s 560,064.

“We benefit from our local tourists who come for educational tours and vacation,” he said. He added that the DOT urges
Filipinos not to be strangers of their own land.

Tura added that CATG sees a promising year in 2006.

“We are glad because we’re now recognized as vital contributors to the tourism industry. We are now coordinating with hotels, spas and restaurants for us to serve our tourists better and reach a wider market,” he said.

CATG, composed of over 130 members, turned 25 years this month.

rowell_sk

December 27th, 2005, 11:45 PM

DoT eyeing vast female segment of 17-M Japan outbound market

The Department of Tourism (DoT) is building on the gains of its highly-successful promotional blitz in Japan, this time by zeroing in on the vast female segment of the 17.4-million Japanese outbound market.

"For 2006, the DoT is focusing its ?Koko Doko? marketing campaign on Japan?s highly-empowered female segment, which accounts for a huge chunk of Japanese outbound travelers," said Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano, the proponent of the government?s market-specific "One-Country Approach" in tourism marketing.

"This strategy dubbed "The Philippines ? Wellness from the Inside Out" adds a new dimension to Koko Doko?s "Premium Resort Islands Philippines" campaign, which portrays the archipelago as Japan?s nearest tropical paradise," Durano explained.

"This time, however, the DoT is putting a broader but detailed meaning to that paradise through a more experiential brand imagery that caters to the priorities of Japanese women such as health, beauty, and mind. The DoT has also tapped a celebrity as brand endorser, campaign spokesperson, and ambassador of goodwill," Durano pointed out.

Thus, the Wellness from the Inside Out will even reinforce the previous branding of the Philippines as Premium Resort Islands by fashioning out a top-of-mind positioning of the country as the paradise that has it all.

"Constituting that creative concept are highly impressive messages and images of the Philippines? abundant nature, healing atmosphere, warm human bonds, delicious cuisine of healthy ingredients, esthetic salons and spas, one-stop shops and sprawling malls, and everything a Japanese woman needs to pamper her femininity," said DoT?s Team Japan Head Rosvi C. Gaetos.

"The objective is to make the Japanese women rise to the challenge of coming to the Philippines to savor all those being enjoyed by their Filipino counterparts and other foreign visitors," Gaetos added.

Presented in various visuals and panoramic expressions, the concept will have different themes, each featuring unique Philippine places and goods of special interest to Japanese women.

The campaign will also ride on the tide of the growing popularity of coconut oil, the traditional Filipino therapeutic massage known as "hilot", the relaxing natural essences and aromatherapy, exotic native products, and local delicacies like halo-halo, which have become bestsellers in Japan during the recent World Expo 2005 in Aichi.

The success of DoT?s marketing campaign in Japan brought in 36,589 Japanese tourists last September to top the country?s foreign arrivals in that month.

That number surpassed the 30,481 arrivals from Korea and the 30,040 from the United States, and helped push the January-September total to 1,907,405 for a 13.1 percent increase over the 1,685,853 posted in the same period last year.

DoT statistics shows that Japan is the Philippines? second-largest export and tourist market, accounting for an average of 19 to 21 percent of the country?s total arrivals over the past 10 years.

Japan is also the Philippines? second largest investor and the leading source of official development assistance.

Rence

December 28th, 2005, 12:02 AM

:tyty: We Filipinos should also do our efforts in promoting the country like this thread !

Mango

December 28th, 2005, 07:02 AM

Top 10 (winter) holiday destinations for the Japanese. napanood ko lang sa TV show nila dito.

1. Guam
2. Hawaii
3. Saipan
4. Bangkok
5. HK
6. Taiwan
7. Manila
8. Seoul
9. Shanghai
10. NY

marites4

December 28th, 2005, 07:19 AM

that's great. I wonder why in the US we're always last on their asian vacation list. We're not even on the list sometimes.
But the Dot says US is the no. source of foreign tourists in the PHils.

JAMAICUS

December 28th, 2005, 07:22 AM

^^ Probably because the American economy is ready to burst and Asian tourists are refraining from going there.

Mango

December 28th, 2005, 07:31 AM

that's great. I wonder why in the US we're always last on their asian vacation list. We're not even on the list sometimes.
But the Dot says US is the no. source of foreign tourists in the PHils.

The amusing part was when the hosts were ranking those countries.
They've initially put Mla last saying it is known for "shacho" or expats more than as a holiday destination but hesitated upon seeing the Palawan pics ha ha!

_zner_

December 28th, 2005, 12:05 PM

Philippines has lack of appeal to the americans because of the bad publicity....
i think the philippines should post pictures in some famous US mag so they can see how beautiful our country is compare to our neighbors..

i think filipinos in abroad is a big help promoting the philippines because theyve got the chance to tell how is philippines is the best! (i should know, because most of relatives from abroad brings foreigners in our house.)

rmb

December 28th, 2005, 12:29 PM

The amusing part was when the hosts were ranking those countries.
They've initially put Mla last saying it is known for "shacho" or expats more than as a holiday destination but hesitated upon seeing the Palawan pics ha ha!

that's unfair.... :( and worst.. they colonized us and that's what they're doing to us? Buti pa yung mga British colonies. :bash:

rockwell baller

December 28th, 2005, 01:10 PM

kiretoce

December 28th, 2005, 03:22 PM

That's great. I wonder why in the US we're always last on their Asian vacation list. We're not even on the list sometimes. But the DOT says US is the number one source of foreign tourists in the Phils.

The reason why the US is the number one source of foreign tourists to the Philippines is because most US passport holders that arrive in the country are naturalized Americans of Filipino descent. In essence they're still ethnic Filipinos, and not your typical American of Anglo, African-American, or Hispanic heritage. Although, albeit slowly, the Philippines is garnering much interest on the international tourism stage (some credit is due to the 2004 tsunami-stricken nations of South/Southeast Asia).

JAMAICUS

December 28th, 2005, 04:38 PM

Passage of tourism bill being debated in Congress backed

MAUBAN, Quezon — Lawyer Eladio Pasamba, member of Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Quezon, expressed elation over the aggressive campaign of the Department of Tourism which brought about a dramatic increase in tourist arrivals surpassing its target of 2.6 million this year.

This development jives with the World Tourism Organization report on the fast growth of tourism in the Pacific region, the Philippines included. WTO expects the region to replace the Americas as the second preferred destination of international tourists.

Buoyed up by the report, Pasamba cited the need for passage of the pending House Bill 4789 which seeks to develop small islands into alienable and sustainable eco-tourism. This, according to Pasamba, would give economic value to small islands and would help lift the rural folks from poverty. The diverse and ecologically-rich tropical islands could be the country’s greatest assets for ecotourism development, he also said adding tourists look at places like these as paradise and will readily spend money to visit them.

Quezon, Pasamba stressed, can play a big role in the country’s tourism development, what with the number of tropical island paradise in the province. In the municipalities of Polillo, Bordeos, Panukalan and Patnanugan, all in the first district, are white sand beaches stretching as far as the eyes can see. If developed, these beaches will provide rural folks with sustainable livelihood. Developing them for eco-tourism, he pointed out, will harvest economic benefits for provincial folks, particularly in areas adjacent to the beaches. Besides, developing these beaches as tourists destination will be a good training ground for rural folks to upgrade their skills in tourism services. With the fast expansion of Asia-Pacific as international tourist haven, it is imperative that the government prepare small island folks for the scenario. (Gerry Constantino)

http://www.mb.com.ph/TOUR2005122852701.html

Askal82

December 28th, 2005, 05:20 PM

great job for our tourism! maybe more visitors if the new naia3 will be open! for the year 2006 i think we should concentrate more for tourism and infrastructure enough for politics now! our tourism in china and europe is doing great now! for the US maybe the'y're just being stupid hehe..but still they always come back here cause they like it..

I have a friend (she's a nurse) in Chicago who comes back to the Philippines 4 times in a year! She's been to Europe, visited each 4 countries only once. Sometimes, she would join the medical outreach programs in their hospital she is working as an excuse so she can go back there. Talo nya pa mga kababayan natin na umuuwi ng Pinas every 2 to 5 years no. :)

vanoy2000

December 28th, 2005, 05:48 PM

[QUOTE=kiretoce]The reason why the US is the number one source of foreign tourists to the Philippines is because most US passport holders that arrive in the country are naturalized Americans of Filipino descent. In essence they're still ethnic Filipinos, and not your typical American of Anglo, African-American, or Hispanic heritage. Although, albeit slowly, the Philippines is garnering much interest on the international tourism stage (some credit is due to the 2004 tsunami-stricken nations of South/Southeast Asia).[/QUOTE

just a quick question.

i am a filipino holding a canadian passport. if i go to pinas, will i be counted as canadian?

kiretoce

December 28th, 2005, 05:52 PM

Yes. Unless you have dual citizenship and have passports in both countries, they will only tally the passport that you present to them at the customs and immigration counter at the airport.

vanoy2000

December 28th, 2005, 08:08 PM

thanks for that.....kiretoce

Skyblade

December 28th, 2005, 11:33 PM

Um, is anybody going to be heading to the PTAA Travel and Tour Expo in February by any chance? I wish I could go but unfortunately due to expenses back in Sapporo, I'll most likely not be able to make it. :(

Here's a link if anybody is interested. (http://www.ptaatraveltourexpo.com.ph/)

Mango

December 29th, 2005, 03:11 AM

What's to see in Manila?
Taken from celdrantours.blogspot.com

TOURS! TOURS! TOURS!

IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK!
Walking Tour of Historic Intramuros
Almost four years running now, its the most popular tour in the selection and a definite must for beginners in Philippine History. Take a leisurely afternoon walk along the 400 year old walls of Intramuros and take in a humorous analysis of Philippine art, culture, and society from Pre-Hispanic Manila until the present. Ironically irreverent yet informative.
Itinerary: Dry Season

Manila Cathedral
Postigo Gate
Church of St. Ignatius Ruins
One Victoria Circle
San Agustin Church
Casa Manila Museum

Itinerary: Wet Season

San Agustin Church
Father Blancos Garden
One Victoria Circle

Casa Manila Museum

THE NORTH BANK!
Walking Tour of Escolta and Quiapo and the North Side of the Pasig River
Rizal Avenue and the Escolta was Manila's premier shopping district until the 1970's when the rise of Makati Commercial Center and the construction of the LRT somewhat diminished their distinction. Now part of Manila Mayor Atienza's Urban Renewal Program, the area has been cleaned up and rehabilitated as a pedestrian promenade. Most of its mid-20th century historic charm remains and its still the cheapest place in Manila to buy shoes, hardware, appliances, clothes, sex gadgets, jewelery, pearls, beauty queen tiaras, voodoo potions, flowers, handicrafts, videos, and electronics.
Itinerary:
Calvo Building and Museum
Roman Santos Building (Monte de Piedad)
Plaza Santa Cruz
Rizal Avenue
Evangelista Street Market
Quiapo Church
Nakpil-Bautista House

LIVING LA VIDA IMELDA!
Walking Tour of the Historic Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex as seen through the life and aspirations of Imelda Romualdez Marcos

Its a tour all about the Philippines in the 1970’s and the tumultous era of Martial Law, bell-bottom jeans, and Miss Universe. Its a little bit disco, a little bit New Society, and completely Imeldific. So come take a trippy trip through National Artist for Architecture Leandro Locsins finest buildings as we analyze one of the most controversial periods in Philippine history as seen through the life and ambitions of the lady who defined it all at that time, Imelda Romualdez Marcos.
Itinerary:
The Cultural Center of the Philppines
The Folk Arts Theater

The Coconut Palace

ALL THE WAY DOWN TO CHINATOWN!
Historical Tour of Binondo and San Nicolas
Rediscover Chinatown! Let's take a Saturday afternoon stroll and together we'll rediscover the charms of one of Manila's oldest districts. We'll ride a horse drawn coach and check out much of its remaining 19th century architecture. The tour will be capped by a visit to a Buddhist temple and a traditional chinese pastry shop. This is essentially a free tour. Donations of any amount will be accepted.
Itinerary:
Plaza Ruiz
Binondo Church
Old San Nicolas Streets (Jaboneros, Sevilla, Madrid)
The Seng Guan Buddhist Temple
Ongpin Street

MRT ADVENTURE TO CUBAO!
A Walking Adventure through the Heart of Mega Manila
Cubao: You've seen the name written on all the jeepneys and buses that ply the city. Now here is your chance to see what why it's earned it's reputation as the Gateway to Manila. Come with me on a groovy train ride down EDSA and rediscover Cubao: Farmers Market, Luxe Gatway Mall, and youthfully artsy Marikina Shoe Exchange. A truly wonderful way to acquaint oneself with our city's train system and aimlessly wander about on a Saturday afternoon. Donation of any amount.
Itinerary:
Farmers Plaza
Farmer's Market
Araneta Coliseum
Gateway Mall
Marikina Shoe Exchange
Bellini's

EVANGELISTA QUE LINDA!
Afternoon tea and window shopping through the flea markets of Evangelista Street in Bangkal, Makati
Check out the flea market paradise of Bangkal: Makati's mecca for shoppers looking for that fabulous find. Bring a bunch of friends and let's go scour for old records, retro furniture, vintage fashions, and whatever funky things might be lurking within it's rows and rows of second-hand shops. Lots of wooden mid-20th century architecture and a cute little market adds to the charm of the neighborhood. And when we're done, lets all converge for tea and a light snack at Fat Michael's, a cute little homegrown neighborhood bistro. We'll also be going Dutch. Pay your own way ala carte (average Php200.00). Maps will be given and tips on haggling will also be taught. Donation of any amount.
Itinerary
Fat Michaels Restaurant
Evangelista Street.
Apolinario Street.
Hison Street.

ALL TOURS ARE IN ENGLISH
*Please note that itineraries may change at last minutes notice due to weather or accessibility.
posted by carlosceldran @ 9:30 AM 16 comments

TOUR DATES! TOUR RATES!
DECEMBER - JANUARY TOURS!
Email celdrantours@hotmail.com or text 0926 2597506 to confirm reservations.
PLEASE PLEASE MAKE SURE TO MAKE A RESERVATION TO CONFIRM ATTENDANCE.
ESPECIALLY DURING RAINY SEASON WHEN INCLEMENT WEATHER MAY CANCEL A TOUR.

IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK!
Intramuros Regular Walking Tour
Php450.00 adults
Php150.00 students
Additional fees:
Php 40.00 - Casa Manila fee
Php15.00 for students
Php 65.00 - San Agustin museum fee
Php35.00 for students
Dates:
December 10 - Saturday - 1:30pm - Meet at San Agustin Church
December 23 - Friday - 3:00pm - Meet at San Agustin Church
January 14 - Saturday - 1:30pm - Meet at San Agustin Church
January 28 - Saturday - 1:30pm - Meet at San Agustin Church

IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK! Deluxe Tour
Includes San Agustin Museum, Fort Santiago, and horse carriage ride
Php500.00 adults
Php150.00 students
Additional fees:
Php40.00 - Fort Santiago fee
Php15.00 for students
Php65.00 - San Agustin Museum fee
Php35.00 for students
Php40.00 - Casa Manila fee
Php15.00 for students
Php50.00 - Horse carriage fee
Dates:
December 11 - Sunday - 10:00am - Meet at Fort Santiago
December 17 - Saturday - 3:00pm - Meet at Fort Santiago
December 27 - Tuesday - 10:00am - Meet at Fort Santiago
December 27 - Tuesday - 3:00pm - Meet at Fort Santiago
January 22 - Sunday - 10:00am - Meet at Fort Santiago

THE NORTH BANK!
Walking Tour of Escolta and Quiapo and the North Side of the Pasig River
Php450.00 adults
Php150.00 students
Additional fees:
Php50.00 - Escolta Museum fee
Php50.00 - Bahay Nakpil Bautista fee
Dates:
December 11 - Sunday - 3:00pm -
Meet at Calvo Building on Escolta Street after Jones Bridge across the Post Office by the Pasig River
December 26 - Monday - 3:00pm -
Meet at Calvo Building on Escolta Street after Jones Bridge across the Post Office by the Pasig River
January 29 - Sunday - 2:00pm -
Meet at Calvo Building on Escolta Street after Jones Bridge across the Post Office by the Pasig River

ALL THE WAY DOWN TO CHINATOWN!
Walking and Calesa Ride through Binondo and San Nicolas
Php200.00 for the one hour calesa (carriage) ride plus a donation of any amount.
Dates:
December 18 - Sunday - 3:00pm - Meet at Binondo Church
January 15 - Sunday - 3:00pm - Meet at Binondo Church

LIVING LA VIDA IMELDA!
Walking Tour of the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex as seen through the life and aspirations of Former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos
Php450.00 adults
Php150.00 students
Please add:
Php100.00 - Coconut Palace fee
Dates:
January 12 - Thursday - 2:00pm - Meet at Figaro Coffee Shop at the CCP Complex

MRT ADVENTURE TO CUBAO!
A Walking tour through the heart of Manila
Donation of any amount.
Dates:
To Resume in 2006 or by request.

EVANGELISTA QUE LINDA!
Afternoon tea and window shopping through the flea markets of Bangkal, Makati
Donation of any amount.
Dates:
January 21 - Saturday - 3:30pm - Meet at Starbucks Petron Dasmarinas or at Fat Michael's
Fat Michael's is located at 1354 Gen Lacuna St. Bangkal Makati.
(turn right at Makati Apartelle from southbound lane of South Super Hiway before Magallanes).
For those of you who are directionally challenged, we can meet at the Starbucks at the Petron on Pasay Road Dasmarinas Village entrance at 3:00 and we can convoy.

PRIVATE TOUR RATES:
Php5000.00 for a group of 10 people or less.
Additional persons, add Php500.00 per person.
Discounts available for large groups upon request.

PRIVATE STUDENT TOUR RATE:
Php200.00 (Minimum group of 25 pax)
Its best to call and check if there are private tours already scheduled for the week.
Sometimes you may join those tours and its cheaper than booking a private tour just for yourself. It is possible to open up a weekday tour at the regular price if you book at least three weeks in advance to give me time to advertise for others to join.

Note:
Public school students and government employees go free for all group tours.
Please call to reserve though. The free slots are limited per tour.

JAMAICUS

December 29th, 2005, 08:42 AM

A NEW TOURIST LANDMARK:

12-story Rizal shrine is Jordanian's gift to Filipinos

First posted 05:10am (Mla time) Dec 29, 2005
By Melvin Gascon
Inquirer

Editor's Note: Published on page A1 of the Dec. 29, 2005 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya -- It was a sunny Christmas morning, an ideal time for 55-year-old philanthropist Mahmoud Asfour to be giving away gifts to children in the nearby farming village of Casat.

But the man many people here regard as a year-round Santa Claus was nowhere in sight.

His imposing mansion was quiet and the village folk who were scheduled to queue for his presents were busy drying their freshly harvested palay (unhusked rice).

On that day, Asfour -- a former Jordanian who acquired Filipino citizenship six months ago -- was on top of a hill, checking on his greatest gift to Filipinos: A shrine to Dr. Jose Rizal said to be the biggest of its kind in the world.

To Asfour, the shrine is a symbol of the Filipinos' unity and hope. He says its construction was inspired by love and by the heroism of those who fought for freedom.

The main edifice -- the centerpiece of a 7.5-hectare complex -- is a three-arch concrete Romanesque structure up to 12 stories high.

A giant bronze bust of Rizal will be installed in the structure.

Value of patriotism

"This is a historical, cultural and educational shrine, which will teach our children the values of patriotism, love for fellowmen and unity in the family," said Asfour, a father of three.

He said he hoped the shrine would cause a transformation in a country beset by "corruption, depression and other ills of society."

The shrine, which faces east, offers a panoramic view of a surrounding valley and the greenery of sprawling rice fields that complement the urban landscape of Solano and Bayombong towns.

Behind the complex lurk the Cordillera mountains.

A sweeping glance

From the shrine, on a clear sunny day, said Asfour, one could glimpse the towns of Bagabag, Quezon and Ambaguio in Nueva Vizcaya province and Lamut and Lagawe towns in Ifugao province.

"It takes you two-and-a-half hours to travel by land to all these towns. Here, all it takes is a single, sweeping glance," he said.

Perched on the tips of the concrete arches is a 3-meter fiberglass globe installed with 16 100-watt bulbs that light the village's skyline at night.

Bad weather

Asfour described his project as the "Filipinos' gift to the world," offered to people of all races whose lives were touched by Rizal.

He had intended to complete the shrine in time for the observance of Rizal's 109th death anniversary on Dec. 30. But bad weather in the past weeks delayed its inauguration.

He said he needed two more weeks to complete the finishing work, including plastering of the arches and the laying of about 1,500 square meters of marble tiles.

Heroes' temple

At the shrine's entrance is a 10-meter tower where the province's 175-year history is etched. The main complex also has a welcome arch, a children's skating rink with a globe at the center, a water fountain and a nine-meter flagpole.

The main shrine is surrounded by 14 seven-foot arches that will house the busts of the country's other heroes.

Asfour said the shrine would have audio-visual presentations depicting the lives of heroes and their contributions to history.

He has yet to decide which heroes would occupy the 14 smaller shrines that are lined up alongside candle-shaped concrete railings that enclose the main complex.

For the children

"The candles symbolize our heroes as lights that would teach our children the right path, and a constant reminder of how they taught us the value of sacrifice," Asfour said.

The shrine will also house an eye and dental clinic that will treat indigent patients for free, a conference room for the Knights of Rizal, a modern library and an online computer resource center.

"It will give our children everything they need to know: History, geography, everything. They can use the computers and learn about the latest technology. They can zoom in on satellite pictures of even the smallest thing in their neighborhood, at their fingertips," Asfour said.

Room for helicopters

At the foot of the hill are two 2-story buildings that will serve as training centers for food processing, cosmetology and caregiver courses, trainees' dormitories, and a sports and recreation facility.

Built next to the complex are two helipads, the bigger of which can accommodate four helicopters at a time.

With God's help

Asfour spends most of his time supervising workers at the construction site.

"I am the architect, the engineer, the artist. I'm building it with the help of God," he said.

Asfour said he drew inspiration for the shrine from his family's "generations of relationship with Rizal."

But the idea of building the shrine first came to Asfour when he arrived in the country 24 years ago to repay a Filipino truck driver who he said saved his life.

Good Samaritan

Like the Good Samaritan, the man had stopped to give Asfour food and water as he lay unconscious in his car in the Arabian desert.

Then newly married to his Filipino wife, Zenaida, Asfour first caught a glimpse of the hills of Casat from a house in La Torre village where he once lived.

"That can well be the best place for a heroes' shrine," he had said then.

The rest is history.

http://news.inq7.net/nation/index.php?index=1&story_id=61399

(Pic can be seen in the website)

bustero

December 29th, 2005, 08:46 AM

^^ doesn't look that tall...

rockwell baller

December 29th, 2005, 02:21 PM

good! think of it, that came into the mind of a foreigner and not a rich filipino ever thought of doing that tsktsktsk..
now we hav a new landmark in a province!

Askal82

December 29th, 2005, 05:25 PM

^^ doesn't look that tall...

12 feet tall? Are they gonna put that in Manila Bay. OMG, theyre gonna make it like Statue of Liberty? :lol:

kiretoce

December 29th, 2005, 05:38 PM

^^ 12 feet or 12 stories? :dunno:

tigidig14

December 29th, 2005, 05:41 PM

^geez people open the site

kiretoce

December 29th, 2005, 07:11 PM

Lifting of travel tax eyed to boost tourism

Malacañang is looking into the possibility of lifting the travel tax imposed on airline passengers leaving the Philippines as part of the government’s efforts to further boost the country’s tourism industry.

Sources said the Department of Finance (DoF) has already been tasked to look into the revenue implications of the possible removal of the travel tax imposed under Presidential Decree 1183.

The government currently slaps a travel tax of P2,700 on airline passengers with first class tickets and P1,620 on passengers with economy class tickets leaving the Philippines.

Those levied by the travel tax include Filipino citizens, Filipino citizens with immigration status, and foreigners who have stayed in the Philippines for more than one year.

Exempted from the travel tax are overseas Filipino workers, athletes, executives of multinational companies, foreign students, foreign government officials, holders of special investor resident visa, among others.

The sources pointed out DoF is not inclined on totally removing the travel tax that raises at least P1 billion a year and is instead pushing for the gradual reduction of the rate.

The sources explained that there is a need to further evaluate whether the removal of the travel tax under the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines — East Asia Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) treaty that expired last year indeed boosted tourism in the area.

The lifting of the travel tax, according to the sources, would help boost tourism as foreigners would be enticed to visit the Philippines as they would no longer be required to pay travel tax once they leave the country.

The sources added that it would be cheaper for Filipino tourists to travel abroad as they would no longer have to pay the travel tax.

Aside from the much needed dollars from foreign tourists that could further strengthen the peso against the US dollar, more tourists would mean better financial bottom line for Philippine Airlines and Air Philippines of tobacco and airline tycoon Lucio Tan as well as Cebu Pacific of taipan John Gokongwei.

Of the total amount collected from travel tax, about 40 percent goes to the Commission on Higher Education followed by the Philippine Tourism Authority with 27 percent.

The National Commission on Culture and Arts gets 10 percent while the National Parks Development Committee gets P2.5 million a year. The balance goes to the national treasury.

The finance department wants all travel tax income to go directly to the Bureau of Treasury in line with the “one-fund principle,” so that government would be in a better position to efficiently allocate financial resources in accordance with national priorities.

Jefferyi

December 29th, 2005, 08:36 PM

good! think of it, that came into the mind of a foreigner and not a rich filipino ever thought of doing that tsktsktsk..
now we hav a new landmark in a province!
Lucio Tan is funding the construction of a Rizal Museum too. However its gonna be built in Xiamen, China.

rowell_sk

December 29th, 2005, 11:17 PM

Tops Story

4th, 2005 by rio

http://www.ngkhai.net/cebu/wp-images/cebutops.jpg

Cebu City reeks of history but on a higher level, the metropolis has a different, attractive look. That?s what I found out while on top of Tops.

The view was undoubtedly breathtaking, but it was the semi-circular structure that grabbed my attention right away. A passage from a book I read not long ago crossed my mind: ?A perfectly round line, no beginning, no end, no deviation. If expanded infinitely, it would become the universe.?

Walking through the circular pathway of the resting shed was like being transported to another dimension. The shed?s stony arches had a resemblance to the megaliths (standing stones) in Europe. They evoked an aura of mystery. At the tip of Tops, the world revolves around Cebu City, neighboring Mandaue and nearby Mactan Island. With the surrounding mountains and sea, it felt like eternity?and a day.

I was busy clicking my camera when I came across a ?friendship bell,? which could also be found on top of one of the Chocolate Hills. I didn?t bother to comprehend the instructions inscribed, but it made me wonder about its significance. For socializing perhaps?

Passing through the old landmarks once more indicated that our trip had come full circle. Sigh?.what a wonderful world?Hmmmmm?

rowell_sk

December 29th, 2005, 11:21 PM

An Island Within A City
Tuesday, August 23rd, 2005 at 11:57 am by graszya

http://www.ngkhai.net/cebu/wp-images/FernanBridge.jpg

Just when you think a city is business and all that, you?re absolutely wrong?

Lapu-Lapu is all these and more. If you happen to be in the city these days or just escorted a family member to the airport, you?ll notice that Lapu-Lapu is abuzz with activity. People fom all walks of life, islanders or tourists, are seen engaging in animated conversation at the restaurants, busy themselves shopping or dining at the malls, executives and workers taking their lunch at the strip mall, the well-wishers and travellers alike milling around the airport lounges, and the ever hospitable resort attendants serving cocktail drinks to guests lounging by the pool.

You see, every part of Lapu-Lapu either spells a state of relaxation or agitation. But I would like you to get a glimpse of a simple yet unforgettable way to spend some time under the bridge. Yes, you heard it right, under the bridge. What else, but the magnificent Marcelo B. Fernan Bridge. Don?t laugh and discover it yourself.

Whether at dawn, at dusk or after dark, you can?t simply turn your back away without giving a second look at the sheer beauty it possesses. Under it, is a park specially designed to give people comfort from everyday hassles of life. It has cottages and benches for those who want to be pampered with cool sea breeze. Parking lots are also available for everyone?s convenience. Indulge yourself to a drool-inducing ?manggang hilaw? (unripe mango with shrimp paste) to tickle your appetite, a prelude to a much filling meal of puso (the proverbial hanging rice) and barbecue. Or simply enjoy an ice-cold San Migule beer to while away the time. There is a police outpost where barangay tanods and policemen taking turns to keep watch to ensure security and peace for parkgoers. If you want to sweat out and stretch those musles you can do some dribblings, jump shots and dunks at the open-air basketball court. A small playground for young children is also available.

Hey, if you?re waiting for me to feed you all there is to know about this place, then you?re heading for a second quality enjoyment. Why don?t you come and discover it yourself?

But this is just an understatement?So come on, and discover more of the island?s best kept secrets!

rowell_sk

December 29th, 2005, 11:28 PM

Island Hopping

http://www.wayblima.com/photos/activities-hilutungan2.jpg

OK, so the beach resorts are great. The gardens are usually immaculately maintained, palm trees provide the shade, neatly uniformed staff bring you drinks with little paper umbrellas, and you can just feel the stress melt away as you relax in your hammock.

http://www.wayblima.com/photos/activities-nalusuan.jpg

But, in all honesty, the resorts' beaches, comprised of white sand trucked in and kept free of trash by the resort crew as they are, nonetheless still leave something to be desired. Often, the beach will be quite short, as the resorts usually put up walls, either to keep their territory free of intruders, or to demarcate their beach from their competitors next door. In addition, there is usually a lot of seaweed, jelly fish, people who wade in at low tide looking for shellfish, and you may be disappointed by the muddy look of the water.

http://www.wayblima.com/photos/activities-hilutungan.jpg

You may find yourself asking: Where are the endless white sand beaches and the crystal clear azure waters I saw in the ads? Where is that aquamarine lagoon I dreamt of, full of tropical fishes and devoid of people? Where is the real paradise?

Never fear. Cebu does have that slice of perfection, that special zone which is as close to heaven as you can get without passing through St Peters gates. Best of all, you don't even need to go very far to find it. Heaven can be found about 20 minutes away, by boat, on one of the numerous tiny islands off the Mactan coast.

Going to these islands is an activity termed "island hopping," and it is something you absolutely must do if you are in Cebu for vacation.

http://www.wayblima.com/photos/activities-islandhopping3.jpg

In World War II, Allied marines would land their amphibian craft on a Pacific Island, take it over, and then sail towards the next one. This military strategy was termed "island hopping." Nowadays, it basically means to rent a boat, go to an island to enjoy the sea and the beach, and come back in the evening.

The boat - a native banca - can be rented via any of the beach resorts, or from one of the numerous operators in Mactan. Beware, though, about the pricing; even though bancas are basically the same - wooden outriggers propelled by diesel engines and equipped with a roof of some sort - the price can vary hugely depending where you book your boat. Many boat operators have agreements with hotel staff to provide kickbacks. So even though a fair charge is about 2000 pesos or $40 per boat, some places (regrettably, a lot of places) will try to charge you $40 per person.

By G8 standards, $40 for a trip to heaven is quite cheap, and a lot of ill-informed tourists pay it. But you are basically being robbed. $40 per person should get you a cruiser with tinted windows, a spinning radar, mahogany panelling, champagne, and satellite TV. Well, maybe not, but you get the point.

Usually, the charge will include food, in the form of a barbecue set to be prepared on the beach, or packed lunches.

The ocean around the islands is as pure as can be, just like in the brochures, only far better. The sand is pure white, and it has been trucked in by none other than Mother Nature herself. Tropical
fishes will nibble at your feet, and the lagoon will be filled with a magic, glowing substance that must be liquid lapis lazuli, for it is far too wondrous to be anything as ordinary as mere water.

Lolling around by the beach is good enough for most, but you could also go snorkeling or scuba diving.

It should be noted that the little atolls have entrance fees, which are usually about 100 pesos per head. This is understandable, even though, technically, the islands are public places and, the Philippines being a free country, you can go anywhere you like. But these little islets are cut off from the civilized world and the islanders have a hard enough time making ends meet even without the tourists, who expect expensive facilities, such as toilets, showers, and electricity to cool their drinks.

Some islands, regrettably, go overboard. Nalusuan Island, for instance, request an entrance fee of 160 per person, and forbid any beverages to be carried in - and sell a can of Coke for more than 10 times the usual price. Still, the idyllic waters of Nalusuan are so perfect that it's rather hard to argue over the price of a Coke.

stephencua

December 31st, 2005, 10:47 AM

wow! nice find kiretoce!!! i hope that it pushes thru.. even if they just cut the travel tax in half that would be really great!

xXx carlos xXx

January 3rd, 2006, 05:13 AM

ilan ba ung total tourist arrivals natin sa 2005?

bustero

January 3rd, 2006, 11:50 AM

ilan ba ung total tourist arrivals natin sa 2005?

Not official yet but this should answer your question.
http://www.tourism.gov.ph/news/news2.asp?id=400

DOT TO SURPASS 2.6 M TOURIST ARRIVALS TARGET FOR 2005

Friday, December 23, 2005

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is highly optimistic it will surpass the
arrivals target of 2.6M set for yearend. This after the DOT Statistics
Division has released its latest official data on tourist arrivals at
2.11M -- just for the first ten months of the year, registering a growth of
13.6% as compared to 2004 figures.

"We are indeed close to achieving our goal for 2005. Given the latest facts on tourism arrivals, there is definitely no doubt that we will go beyond our 2.6M target, especially with the peak seasons November and December still unaccounted for" said Tourism Secretary Ace Durano.

For the month of October alone, a growth of 17.7% from 2004's 175,644 to this year's 206,792 had been established.

Top markets for the month: Korea, United States, and Japan provided
significant increase in their respective numbers. Korea, the top source
market for the period, recorded a remarkable boost of 42.8%, after providing 42,044 visitors this year from 29,445. American guest arrivals likewise escalated from last year's 36,232 to 2005's 39,781. Japan's figures also grew to 32,748 as compared to its 28,646 of the same period last year, garnering an improvement of 14.3%.

Philippines' fastest-growing market China yet again recorded a massive
step-up of 188.9%, augmenting its travelers to 10,644 from 3,684 in 2004.

Durano disclosed, "These developments are the results of our market specific sub-campaigns that we have implemented in these priority markets."

Furthermore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Australia, Singapore, Canada, United
Kingdom, Germany, and Malaysia also provided considerable support to theincrease in tourism arrivals for the period.

"At year end, the Department is finalizing to launch new marketing plans and beefed up promotional campaigns to make our operations even more sweeping and effective in 2006," ended Secretary Durano.

xXx carlos xXx

January 4th, 2006, 10:02 AM

thnks :)

_zner_

January 4th, 2006, 10:13 AM

when will be the official results to be broadcast?

rowell_sk

January 5th, 2006, 12:47 AM

Durano sets tourist arrivals target to 3 million in 2006

Secretary Joseph "Ace" Durano of the Department of Tourism (DoT) mobilized yesterday DoT sales teams assigned in key markets of Philippine tourism in Asia and North America, as he set three million tourist arrivals target for the year 2006.

Durano made the move after the NEDA has affirmed that the DoT has surpassed its tourist arrivals target of 2.6 million for the year just ended that brought in US.6 billion (or R100 billion) in earnings, and created 2.6 million jobs.

"Based on our experience," Durano said, "there is a connection between promotion and tourist arrivals." He said that tourism being a promotion-driven industry, its success depends on promotion.

He said the more than R300-million budget that Congress gave to the DoT this year for promotion is more than enough for our needs. "We have been spending per tourist generated. We want to lower it to per tourist." He said the Philippines spend less compared to our competitors like Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia who spend to 12 per tourist generated.

It may be recalled that the appointment of Durano to the DoT was originally perceived as a political accommodation of the Arroyo administration to the Cebuanos who gave her big majority in the last presidential polls but his outstanding performance proved the opposition wrong.

Asked whom he considers a tourist, Durano said a tourist according to World Tourism Organization is defined as one who stays in another country not his own for at least one day. He said Filipino OFWs or balikbayans are not counted as tourists by the DoT when they come home to the Philippines whether they are now citizens or permanent residents of another country. "Otherwise we sould be fooling ourselves to include them as our tourists," he said.

"We can only grow as far as our 8,000 room capacity grow. If our 1,000 new rooms come on time we can grow as much as 2.8 million to three million tourist arrivals this year," Durano said.

He said "to get the three million tourists we don?t have to go further or go all over the world. What we need is 500,000 tourists from Korea, same number from Japan, and 200,000 from China. He said the DoT is preparing a big launch in India to get a large share of its six million outbound tourists and maintain its promotion in Russia with 10 million outbound tourists.

He said the DoT is also eyeing Europe market particularly UK and Germany, as well as Australia.

As to his critics? observation that the tourists he is targeting are cheap or not spenders, Durano said it might be true before but not anymore today. He said Korean tourists who topped last year?s overall arrivals patronized the most expensive and most sought-after resorts today in the country like Cebu and Amanpulo in Palawan where an overnight stay costs over ,000.

Durano said because of the strong tourism arrivals last year alone, more than R2 billion worth of expansion projects and new investments in the hotel and resort sector were made, creating more than 380,000 new jobs. This is on top of the two million tourism generated annually. He said 100 new rooms will be created this year by this new investment.

"As this developed, the DoT has just received a communication from the Philippine Consulate in San Francisco saying that some 500 balikbayans are coming to the country early this year either to undergo plastic surgery or experience wellness spa.

The R4-billion medical tourism industry is a priority project of the Arroyo administration for 2006 being a lucrative sources foreign exchange for the country. Thailand who has been successful in their medical and health tourism earned 0 million in revenues.

Most of the medical cases of the balikbayans shall be handled by the government-recommended group of surgeons of the Golden Sunset Resort of Rikki Reyes and the Ñew Life Aesthetic & Plastic Surgery Center at the Borough Medical Center Institute at Cybermall Bldg. Eastwood City, Libis, QC, headed by Dr. James B. Joaquino as chairman and Dr. Romeo M. Vergara Jr., president. New Life surgeons will also man the OR (operating room) of the Golden Sunset Resort being managed by Cris Aquino in Calatagan, Batangas.

The New Life surgeons specialize in breast augmentation, breast lift, nipple repair, body sculpting, power liposuction, tummy tuck, arm lift, face lifts, brow lifts, eye bag removal, nose lift, nose trimming, botox, and leg veins.

Dr. Joaquino, a plastic and aesthetic surgeon diplomate who also holds clinic at Rizal Medical Center, said expected revenue from the 500 balikbayan medical visitors would amount to million.

stephencua

January 5th, 2006, 02:10 AM

^^ it was weird reading the article.. most of the figures were wrong.. what happened?

marites4

January 5th, 2006, 02:58 AM

I wish they wouldn't include balikbayans in the US figure.

stephencua

January 5th, 2006, 03:16 AM

Asked whom he considers a tourist, Durano said a tourist according to World Tourism Organization is defined as one who stays in another country not his own for at least one day. [B]He said Filipino OFWs or balikbayans are not counted as tourists by the DoT when they come home to the Philippines whether they are now citizens or permanent residents of another country. "Otherwise we sould be fooling ourselves to include them as our tourists," he said.

marites they dont.. read it again.. :)

richard fischer

January 5th, 2006, 06:14 AM

how many balikbayans do come home every year ?

_zner_

January 5th, 2006, 11:03 AM

so the filipinos are still counted as a tourist?

how come they are only expecting 3million tourists for this year? dont they want to expand more like 5million? coz i know philippines has something nice to offer than our neighboring countries does...

normandb

January 5th, 2006, 11:12 AM

_zner_

January 5th, 2006, 11:33 AM

not all of those are going in the same date so they should not worry about it..

and there is still time to make new hotels..

OtAkAw

January 6th, 2006, 08:30 AM

richard fischer

January 6th, 2006, 08:31 AM

2005 will go down as a bountiful year for the local tourism industry. As affirmed by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), the Department of Tourism (DoT) has surpassed its tourist arrivals target of 2.6 million for the year.

The bounty in tourism can be attributed to the aggressive promotional campaign waged by the DoT. Tourism is a promotion-driven industry and the strategy of constant marketing and promotion adopted by the tourism agency is just that – right on the DoT.

For this year 2006, the DoT has set a target of three million tourist arrives and has mobilized its sales teams assigned in key markets of Philippine tourism in Asia and North America to meet this target.

With the funds that Congress gave to the DoT this year, the DoT is optimistic that it will be enough for its cost-effective program. The Philippines spends less than Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia for its program.

Investments in tourism facilities and specific sub-industries are expected to extend beyond the amount spent in 2005. Last year, more than R2 billion worth of projects and investments in the hotel and resort sector were made, creating thousands of new jobs. The country’s medical tourism sub-industry is also picking up with foreigners and balikbayans coming to the country for cosmetic surgery and wellness services.

The 2005 tourist arrival statistics indicate that our country is now on track towards maximizing the potentials from an industry that promises to contribute much to national development – tourism.

and on the same page of the manila bullitin today : another delay in NAIA opening feared. poor pilipinas, you are stepping on your own feet !

marites4

January 6th, 2006, 10:10 AM

_zner_

January 6th, 2006, 10:16 AM

but really china is booming.. i love the place actually. you can hardly see slums in the city and well organized unlike here in the philippines, its so chaotic..

Manila-X

January 6th, 2006, 10:27 AM

kiretoce

January 6th, 2006, 09:43 PM

Thinking about "medical tourism"
January 5th, 2006

On one hand, the boom in "medical tourism" could stem the tide of the medical diaspora that has seen Filipino doctors not just leaving the country for more lucrative practices abroad, but even abandoning their medical training to "re-train" as nurses, for whom there is greater demand abroad.

On the other hand, since the great majority of medical tourists come to the country for cosmetic surgery or high-end procedures like heart bypass surgery and organ transplantation, the few doctors who do choose to stay on would most likely opt for these lucrative specialties, even as the great majority of the Philippine population lack even the most basic health care.

On one hand, medical tourism could restore the reputation for excellence of Filipino doctors and other health personnel. With doctors and allied health personnel striving to meet the higher standards of care in keeping with the stringent requirements of foreign medical tourists, the entire nation could only benefit from the services of a better-trained and regulated health corps.

On the other hand, the country's present health situation -- with health services polarized between a high-quality but expensive private sector and an affordable (if not free) public health system that however is not really accessible nor of any quality -- could only grow worse with medical tourism driving a bigger wedge between the "haves" and "have-nots."

On one hand, medical tourists could also encourage owners of hospitals and other tertiary health institutions to remain competitive by maintaining their facilities, upgrading their equipment and keeping up with the latest developments in research and technology.

On the other hand, the pressure to meet the market demands of medical tourism can only result in even greater emphasis on building bigger and more expensive hospitals, with perhaps government money even going to the construction of "medical centers," which could put the edifice complex of the infamous Imeldific to shame. This would only draw attention and money away from primary health care -- which the majority of Filipinos really need -- and which require no infrastructure other than small health centers, passable roads, clean water, skilled birth attendants and proper nutrition.

* * *

What should be obvious from this "on one hand...on the other hand" listing is that the prospects and challenges of riding the medical tourism wave, which has already crested in neighboring countries like Thailand and Singapore, cannot be viewed from a simple "black-and-white" perspective.

Medical tourism is neither completely evil nor completely harmless. What's needed at this point, as the Department of Tourism and Department of Health gear up to meet a rising demand for local health services from abroad, are clear policy guidelines that would minimize the negative impact of medical tourism while keeping the focus on the real health needs of the people.

One of the possible ways of mitigating medical tourism's less savory effects on the local health situation would be the imposition of a special tax on profits made from medical tourism. The tax money should then go to the training of "poor but deserving" health personnel who will in turn have to commit to serving disadvantaged communities for a minimum period, as well as to the provision of primary health care in the poorest areas.

* * *

A story right next to that on the "medical tourism boom" shows the way to go for poor communities.

The story features the recent graduates of a three-week training program for community health workers, also known as "barefoot doctors." As the accompanying photo shows, many of the graduates indeed trod the ground on their bare feet, as they are members of indigenous communities, for whom medical care, as one of the participants noted, is "very little if not nil."

Though they cannot conduct operations or even diagnose serious illnesses, the "barefoot doctors" receive enough training to perform basic first aid, diagnose simple ailments and basic diseases, spot the signs of health trouble that may necessitate referral to a trained doctor, and advocate for good "health-seeking behavior" among their neighbors.

Surveys conducted over the last few decades have shown that this is the kind of basic health care that the majority of Filipinos need -- but which is available to too few, such that too many of our countryfolk, especially children, die from simple, treatable diseases and ailments.

* * *

Perhaps what we need at this point is to promote another kind of "medical tourism," with doctors and nurses based abroad or even in urban centers, paying regular visits to underserved communities around the country, making sure the poorest Filipinos get to see a doctor at least once in their lifetime.

Even better, these "visiting" doctors could be convinced to stay for even longer-through a system of incentives or recognition-either to serve communities directly or train young practitioners or "barefoot doctors" who could then provide long-term quality care.

A word of caution, though, about "medical missions" which involve lightning visits, some of which last only a few hours or a day, by teams of doctors, nurses and other health caregivers who provide free consultations and services to folks in a particular area.

Though these missions do take care of patients with acute conditions, they also serve to undercut the practice of permanent health care providers, such as midwives and small clinics. Too often, the missions end up creating a "mendicant mentality" among the poor, who choose to wait for the sporadic and rare medical missions rather than to prioritize regular visits to the clinics or adopt preventive health care strategies.

Askal82

January 6th, 2006, 10:32 PM

^DOT should invite Hotel Companies like Marriott, Ritz and Le Meridien that we are experiencing tourist boom. Ang diprensya kasi walang alam ang mga foreign investors tungkol sa nangyayari sating economy kaya ignorante sila. Puro China kasi ang inatupag ng mga gago.

Unfortunately, our political and stability climate is the one that is always reflected in the foreign media kaya ganon. If Philippines want to achieve just like its neighbors, they better grow up.

OtAkAw

January 7th, 2006, 09:37 AM

Unfortuanately, China where the market is right now!

Yeah, China is where everything happens right now, China is everything, China is the future, China is the world. Darating ang panahon puro China nalang ang nakikita natin sa tv, radio, media etc. Yang mga Kanong yan kapag nararamdaman nilang nauungusan na sila ng Intsik for sure gagawa ng steps yan para ibagsak sila.

JAMAICUS

January 7th, 2006, 09:44 AM

^^ If the Americans see Taiwan being threatened or invaded by China, the Americans will surely use this as a ploy to invade China. A world war 3 perhaps? Another problem from this is, who should the Philippines side on if this should occur?

sugbuanon

January 7th, 2006, 01:31 PM

Gov’t gets Taiwanese celebs to promote RP

Ten tourists from Taiwan, along with Taiwanese media representatives, are now enjoying Cebu after participating in a joint promotion in Taiwan of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Taipei City Mall.

The joint promotion, a raffle draw, tempted shoppers in Taiwan to purchase goods at the Taipei City Mall and get the chance to travel to Cebu for free, DOT Philippine representative in Taiwan Daphne Tseng said.

The 10 lucky winners were joined by the Philippine tourism’s celebrity endorsers in Taiwan, actor Brian Chou and actress Hsiang Ma-Chen.

Chou and Hsiang are promoting Philippine tourism in exchange for free trips to the Philippines. The two celebrities were by the DOT to endorse the Philippines in Taiwan, DOT assistant secretary for tourism planning and promotions Eduardo Jarque Jr. told a press conference at the Cebu City Sports Club yesterday.

Strategies

He said choosing celebrity endorsers is one of the DOT’s strategies to attract the country’s target country-markets. The Philippines also has celebrity endorsers in Korea, Japan and the People’s Republic of China.

“It (choosing celebrity endorsers) is the way to go,” Jarque said.

Aside from choosing celebrity endorsers in Taiwan, the DOT also spend about P3.5 million last year for marketing activities such as participating in travel and consumer fairs that country, including the Taichung International Travel Fair, Kaoshiung International Travel Fair and the Tainan Leisure and Travel Fair.

“There is so much happening in the Philippines that the DOT has to constantly promote itself to the country’s target tourism markets,” he said.

Increasing

Jarque also expressed satisfaction on the response of the Taiwanese markets to Philippine promotions, as manifested in the increasing number of Taiwanese tourists in the country.

Taiwan arrivals in the Philippines has been increasing since July last year from a year ago, from 19.9 percent to 20 percent.

Taiwan ranked fourth among the country’s top 10 foreign tourist arrivals. Korea, Japan and Thailand are the Philippines’ top three markets.

With aggressive marketing in Taiwan, DOT expects to increase Taiwanese tourist arrivals in the country to 130,000 this year from 120,000 in 2005, Tseng said.

Telenovela

The DOT is also looking forward to the filming of “Loving You in the Philippines-Subic,” a Taiwanese telenovela, which will be shot mostly in Subic.

The program will be starred by Hsiang and Chou. It consists of 20 episodes of 60 minutes each and will be aired in Taipei, Malaysia, China and Thailand, among others.

“The telenovela will incorporate the Philippines unique cultural characteristic and important promotional key points. The whole story will be based on positive and elegant description of how today’s young generation overcome difficulties,” Christina Shao, Hsiang and Chou’s talent manager said. (JBN)

dancethingy

January 7th, 2006, 05:30 PM

@ Jamaicus, that is a very important question that you have just posed. America or China, who do we side with in case of a war between the Great American Eagle and the Mythical Dragon? I think our hearts will go to China and our brain will choose America.

JAMAICUS

January 8th, 2006, 12:27 PM

^^ Who should we side? Our friends from China who's ancient relationship with us has deepen itself to our culture or our former friendly colonial master, America?

OtAkAw

January 8th, 2006, 12:45 PM

^^ I think we should be neutral. But then baka sabihin ni Bush: "Oy, Ate Glo, yung utang na loob ng bansa mo wag mong kalimutan, ang dami naming naitulong sa inyo ah..."

sista

January 8th, 2006, 01:52 PM

^^ tama...lagi na lang tayo nasasama sa gulo nila tapos tayo pa ang pinaka-nasira dun...tsk tsk tsk....

Espma

January 8th, 2006, 03:05 PM

^^ I think we should be neutral. But then baka sabihin ni Bush: "Oy, Ate Glo, yung utang na loob ng bansa mo wag mong kalimutan, ang dami naming naitulong sa inyo ah..."

hehe we can be neutral i guess..but I doubt the REST of our SEA neighbours will be....and if they do take China's side..what will happen then? We cannot be the only outsider in the region...

anywaysss geez wots up with the WW3 scenarios!! never gonna happen!! *being optimistic here*...*although China has an "expansionary policy" it seems...e.g. Macau, Hong Kong and the "renegade" Taiwan...I think this is what US is scared of.

Askal82

January 8th, 2006, 03:40 PM

^^ I think we should be neutral. But then baka sabihin ni Bush: "Oy, Ate Glo, yung utang na loob ng bansa mo wag mong kalimutan, ang dami naming naitulong sa inyo ah..."

".... ang dami naming naitulong sa inyo ah..." - Nagdududa na ako sa argumentong ito at itatala ko kung bakit:

1. Noong Filipino insurection daw (Filipino-American War), ilang Pinoy at mga bayan ang sinunog at pinagpapatay nila (remember Balangiga Massacre)

2. Nung WW2, inararo nila ang Manila ng mga bomba at ilang Pinoy na naman ang namatay doon.

3. Nung WW2 din, may mga Pinoy na tumulong sa kanila na tuligsain ang mga Hapon ngunit ilang dekada na ang nagdaan at hindi pa sa sila nakakatanggap ng benepisyo magmula sa pamahalaan ng Amerika na patuloy na pinaglalaban sa Kongreso ng Estados Unidos. Mamatay nalang sila na hindi man nakatikim ni kusing na benepisyo galing sa kanila.

4. Pinabayaan nila ang Pinas pagkatapos ng WW2, tinulungan pa ang bansang Hapon at mga kalaban niya na makabangon. Pilipino mismo ang tumulong sa sariling sikap para makabangon ulit.

5. Yung base-militar sa Clark ang pinakamalaki sa buong mundo. Aid daw yun sa Pilipinas (renta lang talaga) pero binubulsa naman ng mga iilan diyan na may interes doon. Ang masama pa, ginawa nilang bentahan ng laman at bugawan ang mga karatig-bayan na malapit doon.

6. Pagkatapos nilang lumisan. nagkalat yung mga nakalalasong dumi sa tubig na iniinuman at ginagamit ng mga tao doon. Marami ang nagkasakit at namamatay nalang.

7. Wala akong naririnig na mga major infrastructure projects na sila mismo ang nag finance. Yung mga tulay-tulay sa probinsya, mga Hapon pa ang nagpagawa niyan para lang bayaran ang utang nila sa atin noong WW2. Yung mga LRT at MRT na yan pinondohan ng mga mayayamang bansa na galing sa Asya o Europa.

8. Yung mga agricultural products ng Pilipinas, ini-istriktuhan pa samantalang malaya nilang linuluwas yung mga produkto nila sa atin.

9. Kung mayroon man silang pinagawa- tiyak may kapalit yun.

Conclusion: Malaki laki din ang atraso nila sa atin.

dancethingy

January 8th, 2006, 05:33 PM

Hey Askal, great arguments and i agree wholeheartedly. They have committed great atrocities towards us and have taken us for granted throughout history. A great summary of a veiled part of Filipino-American history, great job. I needed my BF though, to translate some tagalog for me. hehehe.

manileño

January 8th, 2006, 06:18 PM

Ang galing, Askal! Pero sino maniniwala dyan? Ang bayani ng bayan si Douglas MacArthur na syang 'nagligtas sa bansa'. Sino ang hindi nakakaalam sa "I shall return"? Buti pa sya babalik, si Rizal "Huling Paalam" na.. Hihihi

Subali't hindi lang ako sang-ayon sa konklusyon mo sapagka't tayo'y wala ni isang atraso sa kanila, sila ang lahat ng may atraso sa atin. :)

sugbuanon

January 8th, 2006, 06:42 PM

Firm bares P1.3-B plan to develop part of La Union’s Poro Point into tourism complex

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – The Thunderbird Resort, Inc., a 100-percent foreign-owned, publicly listed and traded company based in San Diego, California USA, formally announced its plans here to develop portions of the 65.5-hectare tourism complex of the Poro Point Special Economic and Freeport Zone with an initial fund of R1.31 billion.

"We are pleased and excited to introduce and present Fiesta Poro to our friends and neighbors throughout the Philippines," said Glynis Salvatera-Balagot, marketing director of Thunderbird’s Fiesta Poro and former Miss City of San Fernando.

"We are certain Fiesta Poro will be a smashing success and will grow to become an important building block for the expansion of tourism throughout the Ilocos Region," she said.

Balagot said the Poro Point development project called "Fiesta Poro" is Thunderbird’s second destination resort development in the Philippines following the successful construction and launching of its flagship property in Binangonan, Rizal which is called "Fiesta Rizal".

She said the Fiesta Poro development plan includes the construction of a championship and public golf courses; renovation of the historied Poro lighthouse, new recreational facilities that for the public, retail and restaurant establishments, passenger cruise vessel facilities, aquatic theme park and surf pool, gun and skeet shooting ranges, beach villas, resort hotel and condominiums, convention facilities, and tourist, vacation and retirement village housing.

Balagot said that once completed, Fiesta Poro is expected to create 5,000 to 10,000 direct full-time jobs for Filipinos, especially residents of La Union.

As with its Fiesta Rizal project, Thunderbird’s Fiesta Poro project is totally funded by foreign investment. In addition, Thunderbird reaffirmed its pledge and commitment to locally source and purchase its available project needs from personnel to services to supplies and equipment.

"We are planning to complete the first phase of Fiesta Poro and stage our Grand Opening during the first quarter of this year. We invite everyone to visit our internet website and to stay tuned to our local media for progress updates and as we confirm and announce our Grand Opening calendar of events," Balagot added.

Askal82

January 8th, 2006, 07:24 PM

@dancethingy
@manileño

Pawang katotohanan lang po ang sinasabi ko base sa obserbasyon, panonood, pakikinig at sa mga balitang nababasa ko. :)

dancethingy

January 9th, 2006, 02:07 AM

Yay, Fiesta Poro, my province gets something special

OtAkAw

January 9th, 2006, 03:53 AM

".... ang dami naming naitulong sa inyo ah..." - Nagdududa na ako sa argumentong ito at itatala ko kung bakit:

Conclusion: Malaki laki din ang atraso nila sa atin.

Yep, but it's sad medyo uto-uto kasi tayo eh. Like puppies for their mother. Like now ang mga tao sa university ko walang ibang inisip kungdi "Pupunta ako ng States para mag-trabaho"

Rence

January 9th, 2006, 04:33 AM

".... ang dami naming naitulong sa inyo ah..." - Nagdududa na ako sa argumentong ito at itatala ko kung bakit:

1. Noong Filipino insurection daw (Filipino-American War), ilang Pinoy at mga bayan ang sinunog at pinagpapatay nila (remember Balangiga Massacre)

2. Nung WW2, inararo nila ang Manila ng mga bomba at ilang Pinoy na naman ang namatay doon.

3. Nung WW2 din, may mga Pinoy na tumulong sa kanila na tuligsain ang mga Hapon ngunit ilang dekada na ang nagdaan at hindi pa sa sila nakakatanggap ng benepisyo magmula sa pamahalaan ng Amerika na patuloy na pinaglalaban sa Kongreso ng Estados Unidos. Mamatay nalang sila na hindi man nakatikim ni kusing na benepisyo galing sa kanila.

4. Pinabayaan nila ang Pinas pagkatapos ng WW2, tinulungan pa ang bansang Hapon at mga kalaban niya na makabangon. Pilipino mismo ang tumulong sa sariling sikap para makabangon ulit.

5. Yung base-militar sa Clark ang pinakamalaki sa buong mundo. Aid daw yun sa Pilipinas (renta lang talaga) pero binubulsa naman ng mga iilan diyan na may interes doon. Ang masama pa, ginawa nilang bentahan ng laman at bugawan ang mga karatig-bayan na malapit doon.

6. Pagkatapos nilang lumisan. nagkalat yung mga nakalalasong dumi sa tubig na iniinuman at ginagamit ng mga tao doon. Marami ang nagkasakit at namamatay nalang.

7. Wala akong naririnig na mga major infrastructure projects na sila mismo ang nag finance. Yung mga tulay-tulay sa probinsya, mga Hapon pa ang nagpagawa niyan para lang bayaran ang utang nila sa atin noong WW2. Yung mga LRT at MRT na yan pinondohan ng mga mayayamang bansa na galing sa Asya o Europa.

8. Yung mga agricultural products ng Pilipinas, ini-istriktuhan pa samantalang malaya nilang linuluwas yung mga produkto nila sa atin.

9. Kung mayroon man silang pinagawa- tiyak may kapalit yun.

Conclusion: Malaki laki din ang atraso nila sa atin.

Kaya let us concentrate our tourism promotion sa Asia since marami tayong karatig bansa dito sa asya.

Look at the tourism slogan of Malaysia " truly asia " sana next campaign natin ' Heart , Lungs and Soul of Asia ' the Philippines ! tapos may mga Chinese, Korean, Indian, Middle Eastern , at Filipino with matching costumes na nasa brochure parang ginawa ng Malaysia.

Askal82

January 9th, 2006, 05:11 AM

Kaya let us concentrate our tourism promotion sa Asia since marami tayong karatig bansa dito sa asya.

Look at the tourism slogan of Malaysia " truly asia " sana next campaign natin ' Heart , Lungs and Soul of Asia ' the Philippines ! tapos may mga Chinese, Korean, Indian, Middle Eastern , at Filipino with matching costumes na nasa brochure parang ginawa ng Malaysia.

Not only tourism but trade as well. :)

Ginawa mo yatang lamang-loob ang tourist slogan ng Pinas. :lol:
I would prefer 'True Asian Smile' or
'Asia's 24/7' to promote Philippines as a shopping haven, beach resorts and vibrant night life.
'Heart of Asia' pwede rin or
'Asian beat'

Animo

January 11th, 2006, 07:22 PM

The business travel sector has reaped a 20 percent increase in its income brought about by the unprecedented 2.6 million tourists arrivals in the Philippines during the year just ended.

This was according to Jojo Clemente III and Marciano Ragasa, newly-installed and outgoing president respectively of Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA), an umbrella organization of all tourism stakeholders in the country, and Bobby Lim Joseph, National Association of Independent Travel Agencies (NAITAS) and TCP chairman and a member of PTAA.

The three were unanimous in saying that the tourism bonanza came about because Secretary Joseph "Ace" Durano has taken a different stand in promoting Philippine tourism.

Bobby Joseph said "the beauty here is that Secretary Ace is very focused. For lack of government funds, he concentrated on three big tourist sources: Korea, Japan and China. And not only that listens to opinions of stakeholders in the tourism industry. He will not just do anything without hearing the side of travel associations. Bilib kami sa kanya." Along the same veins, the PTAA expressed all praises for the DoT chief.

Aside from the excellent handling by Durano of the DoT affairs, Clemente said the Philippines was lucky last year for being generally peaceful and with no major disaster. "The Philippines has beautiful image now abroad and the political issues raging Manila had never been the concern of pleasure-seeking tourists in our beaches and resorts,’’ Clemente said.

On the three million international tourist arrival targets set by Durano for this year, they said it is viable if certain conditions are met like filling the needs for infrastructures covering transportation, hotel rooms, and airports.

(Assistant Secretary Edu Jarque said earlier that to meet the three million target, "we have to generate 30,000 to 32,000 new tourists monthly on top of the 2.6 million visitors we already had last year.’’ He said it is a tall order and a challenge we have to take.)

The three appeared in the "Pilipinas! Pilipinas!" a regular Sunday noon tourism program over DZRB 738 khz Radio ng Bayan, hosted by Efren Montano and co-hosted by this writer, to present year-end achievement report on the gains of the tourism private sector for 2005 and at the same time discuss the prospects of travel and tourism for 2006.

Ragaza said the government should act on transport, airports, and hotel problems "because there is no other industry that affects all aspects of our life such as manpower, shopping, clothing, entertainment, sports, agriculture and even medical.’’

On the other hand, Clemente brought out the problem of lack of new destinations. He asked DoT and local government units to look for new places to develop because 20 to 30 percent of tourists coming to the Philippines had been here before a number of times and they now hunger for new places to visit.

He added that local government units should realize by now that tourism does not only create new jobs or livelihood for the rural folks but also bolster the local government revenues. ‘’Tourism is a powerful industry that could lift the levels of living in the rural areas," Clemente added.

Both Clemente and Ragaza deplored the lack of airline and land transportation seats in the country. He said the lack of seats is the common complaint of airline managers he had talked to. He suggested to the government to increase the number of their flights for "tourists who can’t reach the Philippines because of lack of seats."

Bobby Lim Joseph, on the other hand, said the issue of lack of seats is more imagined than real. He said during peak seasons the Civil Aeronautic Board (CAB) is empowered by law to allow all special charter planes to bring in tourists.

He said "Middle East carriers are biggest now with their seven to eight flights a week but bringing in only Filipinos." He said "how come these Middle East airlines don’t promote travel to the Philippines in exchange for the number of flights given to them by our government. They should prepare a program for Arab families to visit our shores.’’

He said the DoT and the private sector should focus on this high-yield and not the cheap tourists who will just dirty our country.’’

Bobby Joseph also proposed to focus the promotion only to Cebu because the city has infrastructures already. "Let us increase its rooms to three to four thousand more to compete with Singapore or Thailand. But we must give incentives. Give Rajah more buses for it to operate in Cebu,’’ he added.

He argued that because of lack of funds and infrastructures "we can’t sell the whole country for now.’’ He said once Cebu tourism is booming then we also develop Dumaguete, Bacolod, Bohol and Leyte as its consequence. After Cebu we should develop other regions, he concluded.

http://www.mb.com.ph/TOUR2006011253686.html

bustero

January 12th, 2006, 07:48 AM

What's the goal for this years tourist anybody knows?

Espma

January 12th, 2006, 07:55 AM

^^isnt the target 3 million this year?

bustero

January 12th, 2006, 07:59 AM

Really , good , I was looking for it but didn't find the number, Anyway Thank you. I hope the country reaches it.

normandb

January 12th, 2006, 08:55 AM

^^isnt the target 3 million this year?

yes it is

heathcliff

January 12th, 2006, 10:27 AM

Our tourism department is aiming to promote the Philippines as the medical tourism destination of the new millennium.

Medical tourism merges cost-effective medical care with tourism. Balikbayans as well as foreigners can come to the Philippines to have cosmetic or elective surgery at a lower cost and at the same time enjoying the beautiful resorts and the nightlife.

Medical tourism could aid in alleviating the brain drain due to our doctors and nurses having to work overseas because of low compensation in the country.

_zner_

January 12th, 2006, 11:48 AM

3million target really sucks... philippines could do better than that...

xXx carlos xXx

January 12th, 2006, 11:51 AM

^^agree...

slerz

January 12th, 2006, 12:10 PM

3million target really sucks... philippines could do better than that...

ok lang yan kaysa we will aim for higher then if we cannot attain the number, we will just be disappointed...

_zner_

January 12th, 2006, 12:31 PM

actually not! philippines has alot to offer!

sugbuanon

January 12th, 2006, 06:18 PM

Tourists troop to Cebu for Sunday's "Sinulog Festival"

CEBU CITY, Jan. 12 (PNA) – Tourists both local and foreign, including balikbayans are flocking to Cebu City for "Sinulog Festival" this Sunday, filling the city's big and small hotels, high-end resorts and pension houses.

All calls made by the Philippines News Agency to scores of hotels and pension houses in the city got one unified answer – no more rooms available.

"We are expecting a 100 percent occupancy starting Friday," said Karen Mendoza, front office manager of the 561-room Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino in Lahug, Cebu City.

The festival reaches fever pitch on the weekend, when bars, malls and nightspots explode with band concerts and other entertainment, leading up to Sunday's Sinulog Grand Parade, a whole-day street dancing spectacle which ends with a fireworks display at the Cebu City Sports Center.

Also fully-booked was the high-end Shangri-la's Mactan Island Resort in Lapu-Lapu City and the Cebu City Marriott Hotel.

"Sinulog is considered the peak season of the year so it's always expected that hotels are fully booked, especially Waterfront, which is just within the city," Mendoza said.

She said most of the Waterfront's guests are balikbayans or returning Filipinos from different countries.

Koreans, however, remain the hotel's consistent no. 1 market, spurred by direct flights between Korea to Cebu.

Japan, Europe, the United States and local tourists are their other top markets.

But while Sinulog festival is attracting foreign visitors, Cebu tourism stakeholders continue to promote Cebu as an island of festivals not just in January but all year-round.

"Our thrust is strengthening the position of Cebu as a festival island, Alice Queblatin, president of Cebu Association of Tour Operators (CATO), said.

She said the Sinulog is viewed by tourism operators as an opportunity to entice visitors to stay longer in Cebu.

She recalled that many tourists came last year because of the intense promotion of last year's Sinulog, which celebrated its 25th anniversary.

About 400 to 500 returning overseas Filipinos joined the organized travel groups to Cebu last year, she said.

She noted that most balikbayans come home in January as "pilgrims" for the religious celebration of the Sto. Nino fiesta, whose peak events include the Saturday processions at sea and inland.

Patria Aurora Roa, regional director of the Department of Tourism (DOT), said about 300 balikbayans are joining the organized travel groups arriving in Cebu this year.

She said DOT could not come up with exact figures of Filipinos abroad returning to Cebu for the Sinulog because several balikbayans are registered under other nationalities, especially Americans.

For this reason, she said, the United States remains the no. 3 tourist market, next to Korea and Japan.

In January last year, DOT recorded 37,082 foreign visitors who visited Cebu.

Overseas Filipinos reached only 254 while arrivals from the United States reached over 4,400.

Hotels in Cebu City directly benefit from the Sinulog because of proximity but Mactan's resorts are the next choice once city hotels are fully booked, she said.

stephencua

January 13th, 2006, 01:45 AM

Espma

January 13th, 2006, 04:31 AM

actually not! philippines has alot to offer!

yeah..true Phils has a lot to offer..but i read somewhere that, the Philippines starting to find it quite difficult to accomodate the foreign tourists (not enough rooms??)...sO yeah definitely great improvement in the infrastructure is needed.

BOTTOMLINE : Tourists are flocking..its just accomodating them that seems to be the issue at the moment.

Its about time, to remove the title "Forgotten Islands of SEA: Philippines"

dancethingy

January 13th, 2006, 04:43 AM

Stephencua you are right. Also, its not good for our environment to all of the sudden get millions of tourists all at once. Proper planning is needed to accomodate and lessen the environmental degredation that comes with tourists visiting our virgin islands.

bustero

January 13th, 2006, 04:49 AM

Good point, tourism as an industry also has it's negative effects. A regular steady rise is also much better than quick dramatic increases, infrastructure is one thing but the soft side, which includes, social, cultural adaptation to many more foreigners takes a little time to adjust too. Not too long mind you but still I think everyone here in general would not mind a little sacrifice if we see small but steady improvements year after year resulting in our catching up with rest or even leaving them behind.

Askal82

January 13th, 2006, 09:47 AM

If Philippines is seriously aiming to attract more tourists, the first thing that comes to mind is investment. Philippines has to invest tons of money in improving infrastructures and facilities around the country. More roads and improving them should be built, upgrade airports to international standards of key tourist sites or cities, upgrade the shipping ports' facilities as well to accomodate cruise ships, maintainance and cleanliness of the tourist spots and a massive promotional campaign and improvement of public relations should be taking place.

heathcliff

January 13th, 2006, 10:16 AM

3million target really sucks... philippines could do better than that...

That is a conservative estimate. Last year I think we exceeded the 2.6million target.

heathcliff

January 13th, 2006, 10:21 AM

it does have a lot to offer. .the only problem is our infrastructure is still not up to par with world standards.. i mean just take a look at our airport, our supposed to be gateway to the world.. maybe if and when the NAIA 3 opens then we could start bragging about getting at least 4-5million tourists..

and remember guys, rome wasnt built in a day.. so lets be happy that there is progress.. the tourists will come.. lets just bide our time..

Yes, the government should focus on making our airports world class. Hopefully with the opening of the NAIA 3 this problem will be addressed in some measure.

I admire your optimism, Stephen. Our country sorely needs more people like you.

_zner_

January 13th, 2006, 10:39 AM

how come philippines is having a hard time for all of such..

OtAkAw

January 13th, 2006, 03:01 PM

Not only tourism but trade as well. :)

Ginawa mo yatang lamang-loob ang tourist slogan ng Pinas. :lol:
I would prefer 'True Asian Smile' or
'Asia's 24/7' to promote Philippines as a shopping haven, beach resorts and vibrant night life.
'Heart of Asia' pwede rin or
'Asian beat'

I would prefer
"Philippines: Asia's Bomb"
"Undiscovered Jewels of the World"
"Asia's Real, True, Original, Factual, Consistent and Uparalleled Land of Smiles"
"SEA's not-so-desperate-to-promote-its-tourism Nation"

rockwell baller

January 13th, 2006, 03:48 PM

tigidig14

January 13th, 2006, 04:21 PM

that mic persuaded me, i will then

dancethingy

January 13th, 2006, 05:24 PM

I think Arroyo's focus last year was mostly reforms that would generate more money for the government and we all know that she fought tooth and nail to get legislation passed in order to do this. This year, we pray to reap the benefits so that we may follow up on significant infrastructure projects.

rustyboi

January 13th, 2006, 10:27 PM

EDIT

rowell_sk

January 13th, 2006, 10:33 PM

3 million is still very far from behind of 14 million of Malaysia and Thailand's 12 Million.

rustyboi

January 13th, 2006, 10:47 PM

Hey! check this out! The best video presentation about Cebu i've ever seen so far! Plus.. know how a New Yorker discovered the Philippine's best kept secret! :okay:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7319148119124553965&q=cebu

rustyboi

January 13th, 2006, 10:55 PM

3 million is still very far from behind of 14 million of Malaysia and Thailand's 12 Million.

oh man. how about 10 million in 10 years? i think we're getting there! who knows, we can attain that in less than a decade. :)

kiretoce

January 13th, 2006, 10:57 PM

Russian tourists arrive in Cebu
By Macon Ramos-Araneta

Two large groups of Russian tourists have arrived in the country for a two-week vacation and Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano said the groups’ arrival bodes well for Philippine tourism this year.

Durano said many businesses in Cebu, Bohol and Boracay are expected to benefit from the 334 Russians who are ranked by the World Tourism Organization (WTO) as among the top 10 big spenders in the world.

The Russians arrived on board Kras Air, which now offers chartered flights from the cities of Novosibirsk and Krasnoyarsk in the Siberian Federal Region to Cebu to accommodate the growing number of Russian tourists wanting to visit the Philippines.

“This is a clear manifestation of the success of the country’s promotion, such as (our) participation in the Spa and Health Moscow 2005 and Leisure FairMoscow 2005 held in September last year,” said Durano.

He said the country’s tourism campaign in Russia has generated a lot of interest in the Philippines and Durano said the DoT will come up with new marketing strategies to sustain the interest.

He said the DoT wants to keep the Philippines on equal footing, if not better, with its Southeast Asian neighbors because Russians are interested in visiting countries in the region.

To show its determination in capturing a large share of Russia’s outbound travelers, the DoT launched the first Philippine guidebook in Russian.

Durano said the year 2005 bore witness to an increase of 180 percent in arrivals from the Commonwealth of Independent States to the Philippines. He said this is enough reason for them to remain confident that they will likely achieve twice as much growth by the end of 2006.

He said Russia’s opening up to the world after its travel restrictions and its booming economy, political stability, as well as its people’s fascination with Asia as an exotic destination, are the key factors that have made the DoT add Russia in its expanding list of new target markets.

With a population of 278 million, the Russian Federation and the Commonwealth of Independent States are among the most promising markets in Europe.

rowell_sk

January 13th, 2006, 11:08 PM

Yon yata yong nakikita kong mga caucasians on the way to Shangri-la nong umuuwi ako nang bahay just this week.

kiretoce

January 13th, 2006, 11:13 PM

Could be. :colgate:

rowell_sk

January 13th, 2006, 11:26 PM

That was really a great video rusty. Nice to know Gleissner of Bigfoot was an incidental tourist pala.

slerz

January 14th, 2006, 12:52 AM

yeah..true Phils has a lot to offer..but i read somewhere that, the Philippines starting to find it quite difficult to accomodate the foreign tourists (not enough rooms??)...sO yeah definitely great improvement in the infrastructure is needed.

BOTTOMLINE : Tourists are flocking..its just accomodating them that seems to be the issue at the moment.

Its about time, to remove the title "Forgotten Islands of SEA: Philippines"

yup, just like this news article below... :ohno:

Cebu Big Hotels Full

Large hotels across the metro are now fully booked. According to one deluxe hotel official they had to turn away those seeking a room starting last week.

Shangri-La’s Mactan Island Resort & Spa and Cebu City Marriott Hotel are the two most sought-after hotels having been fully booked a few days earlier. The Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino is expecting a surge of bookings within the week.

Even the lowly budget accommodations such as pension houses and hostels are already fully booked. No immediate reports yet from hotels and resorts located outside Metro Cebu as to their current occupancy rate.

_zner_

January 14th, 2006, 03:54 AM

guys... do you have the lists of top 5 most visited countries in SEA for the 2005?

rowell_sk

January 14th, 2006, 07:48 AM

it's only up to 2004.
here's the link.
http://www.aseansec.org/tour_stat/Total%20International%20Visitor%20Arrivals%20to%20ASEAN%202004.htm

rowell_sk

January 14th, 2006, 07:49 AM

duplicated posts!@!

rowell_sk

January 14th, 2006, 07:52 AM

sorry. duplicated posts!!

rowell_sk

January 14th, 2006, 07:52 AM

sorry. deleted!

rowell_sk

January 14th, 2006, 08:01 AM

we landed at number six.

ishtefh_03

January 14th, 2006, 12:12 PM

we had an exam in our hoa subject and my pinabasa sya na article na tungkol sa pagiging tamad ng mga pinoy kaya di tayo nag iimprove... share ko lng...

sugbuanon

January 15th, 2006, 05:16 AM

Hundred Islands, now third best place in Asia - survey

ALAMINOS City - The world famous Hundred Islands here is now the third most visited destination of foreign tourists in Asia.

This was the result of the latest survey conducted by the Asia-Pacific Management Forum (APMF) which monitors frequented places visited by tourists.

Alaminos Mayor Hernani Braganza was elated over the results of the APMF survey, ranking the Hundred Islands among the first three favorite choices of foreign tourists visiting the Asia-Pacific region.

In the on-line survey, the Hundred Islands has an approval rating of 15.13 percent or 477 votes out of 3,153 online voters,besting other popular and beautiful places in the country and in Asia.

Tourists top favorite destinations are in Penang, Malaysia and Koh Samui in Thailand, first and second vote-getters, respectively.

In a global on-line survey, the Hundred Islands got 800 "hits", an indication that tourists are aware of the famous vacation resort some 200 kilometers north of Manila," Braganza said.

He said that the droves tourists flocking the Hundred Islands daily, 10 percent are foreigners.

At the same time, Braganza announced that Alaminos earned some P600,000 in ticket sales to the Hundred Islands in only two and a half months after it took over the administration of the island resort from the Philippine Tourism Authority in mid October.

This showed that a big number of tourists are now going to the Hundred Islands even if the past two and a half months were considered a lean season for tourists.

Foreigners going to the Hundred Islands include Americans, Chinese, Japanese, Koreans, Australians, Canadians and Europeans.

He said that to date, three islands in the Hundred Islands have already been lighted.

This is something which was not done in the past even by the PTA and the provincial government, which also administered the islands at one time.

Braganza also said that the city government will tap solar energy for the electricity of these beautiful islands.

normandb

January 15th, 2006, 05:33 AM

Askal82

January 15th, 2006, 06:07 AM

Sa mga Pangasinense dyan! Mabuhay kayo!! hehehe. :D

le Reine

January 15th, 2006, 12:02 PM

(sighs)I hope that we would just keep on aiming our target anually no matter how low it is compared to our neighbors. Anyway, small steps lead to great leaps... (nyek, kinda awkward)

_zner_

January 15th, 2006, 01:20 PM

good news for the hundred islands... but i find the beach kinda have some seaweeds scattered... hehe

dancethingy

January 15th, 2006, 04:41 PM

I hope they don't fuck up the island. Sorry for the profanity but that's the best way to describe what some people have done to some places in this country.

Askal82

January 15th, 2006, 05:08 PM

_zner_

January 16th, 2006, 11:42 AM

hehe... buts how we treat the world now.. really cant help preventing it... they cant even fight corruption. my goodness!

heathcliff

January 16th, 2006, 11:53 AM

all the things you are saying guys are true! we need to be also of world standards so we can have more and automatically coming tourists! but remember this..
VISIT FIRST OUR COUNTRY BEFORE VISITING ANOTHER COUNTRY!!:speech:

That's a good idea. While promoting the country to foreign tourists, we should also promote local tourism.

LGUs should exert more effort in regard to local tourism. Each of us can also do our part to promote beautiful places we've seen within the archipelago.

_zner_

January 16th, 2006, 12:15 PM

i am sick of the athmosphere of the philippines.. hehe... i mean, in a positive way... like new environment.. hehe

heathcliff

January 16th, 2006, 12:19 PM

^^ Its true because they think in short term basis not the longevity of the investment in tourist spots, take for example, Boracay. Peole over there should treat the island-resort as a sacred cow not just a milking one because it will provide them bigger returns in the long run. No pain, no gain.

True. DENR sec Defensor's order to shut down some establishments in Boracay was a welcome reprieve from years of non-compliance with cleanliness standards that had been ruining Boracay's pristine beauty.

I think that the LGU there could do a better job of educating the local residents of the long term benefits of preserving Boracay, as well as other beautiful spots in the country.

Perhaps a federal parliamentary system of government would empower and enable our LGUs to be more active in the restoration of tourist spots here, as they will be rendered more financially stable and able to fund projects aimed at the preservation of tourist spots.

stephencua

January 17th, 2006, 01:40 AM

@heathcliff - isnt the governments program of holiday economics enough a shot in the arm for local tourism?

OtAkAw

January 17th, 2006, 03:58 AM

How the Philippines fails to sell itself abroad
Manila Moods by rasheedAbou-Alsamh
INQ7.net

I READ an interesting report this week that said the Philippines was hoping to see a spike in its tourist arrivals after the deadly tsunami killed hundreds of thousands of people in Thailand, Indonesia, India and Sri Lanka on Dec. 26.

I did think that it was rather morbid that one country was hoping to cash in on the calamity of another, but that is normal I guess in terms of human nature.

Anyways, the report went on to mention that tourist arrivals in the Philippines in 2005 were projected to reach 2.66 million, up from 2.23 million last year. The problem here is when you compare these figures with the number of tourists visiting neighboring countries; it puts the Philippines to shame.

Tiny Hong Kong, which isn't even a country, had more than 20 million visitors last year, Thailand had 13 million visitors, and Indonesia had more than five million visitors. Even once-downtrodden Vietnam has overtaken the Philippines, with nearly three million visitors last year!

The vast tourism potential of the Philippines has long been touted by many: From the mountains of Baguio to the beaches of Boracay and the historical sites all over Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, the Philippines should have been a huge tourist magnet a long time ago.

So what happened? The answer in short: a lack of infrastructure and no advertising.

In the extremely competitive world of tourism, facilities, attractions and advertising are crucial factors to keep the tourists coming. The problem is that I haven't seen an ad on TV or in print promoting tourism in the Philippines for the past three years.

Sure, there was the cute "WOW Philippines" campaign, but those ads were so short -- 30 seconds on CNN -- that they went by in a flash, only to be obliterated in viewers' minds by far more effective ads by other countries.

Meanwhile, Malaysia's nauseating but effective ad on CNN is stuck in everyone's mind ("Malaysia … truly Asia!"), while Egypt's Red Sea Riviera ads have also become ubiquitous.

The other major factor that keeps tourists away from the Philippines is the sad fact that the country's mangled infrastructure is just too cumbersome for many tourists. When they can be whisked comfortably around Malaysia on beautiful multi-lane highways, why should they bother with horrible one-lane highway from Manila to Baguio that is so badly congested that a journey that should take only a few hours is turned into a seven-hour marathon?

I remember being taken on a bone-jangling trip on an unpaved road from Puerto Princesa on Palawan Island to see some caves. The rode was so bumpy and full of potholes that I couldn't imagine many tourists opting to take the trip. In any other country, the road would have been paved a long time ago in aid of developing tourism, but that didn't seem to be a priority of the Department of Tourism.

I know that the Philippines is struggling financially, but the government should earmark more money for tourism development if it wants the economy to rebound. The problem is that the country is overly dependent on the remittances of overseas Filipino workers. Last year, 10 percent of the GNP was from OFW remittances, while tourism contributed only two percent.

Yes, it's true that Filipinos are friendlier than Malaysians and Singaporeans, but that clearly isn't enough to match the numbers of tourists that those two destinations get. Until the Philippines improves its infrastructure, especially roads and other transportation, has a coherent and comprehensive tourism plan, and a sustained marketing campaign in Europe, the Middle East and the US, then the country will continue to depend on "balikbayan" [visiting foreign-based Filipinos] and a few Asian tourists to fill its tourism coffers.