TOURISM: AN ENGINE FOR EMPLOYMENT CREATION AND ECONOMIC STIMULUS
Bali, Indonesia, 3 April 2009 – The tourism industry continues to be amongst the most dynamic economic sectors, generating a wide range of benefits including a growing contribution to GDP, in some cases over 10%, and substantial foreign exchange earnings. Tourism as a reliable tool for sustainable job creation was at the centre of the 5th UNWTO International Conference on Tourism Statistics ( Bali, Indonesia, 30 March-2 April), with 450 participants from 70 countries and nine international organizations.
Tourism plays a crucial role in the creation of employment, which is especially important during the current economic crisis. The key challenges are to establish sustainable policies to enhance both the quantity and quality of employment in the tourism industry.
Participants in the Conference underscored the importance of public-private cooperation, particularly in the framework of advancing the Decent Work Agenda promoted by the International Labour Organization (ILO, a key partner of UNWTO within the UN family). In this regard it was agreed to both protect and promote the Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) as a powerful brand which should be carefully developed and applied for the measurement of tourism’s contribution to developed and developing economies alike.
UNWTO’s Secretary-General ad interim Taleb Rifai said that “It’s crucial that we offer technical assistance to our Member States to enable them to measure how many jobs tourism generates in the economy, tourism’s contribution to GDP, and tourism’s ranking in comparison with other sectors of the economy”.
The International Conference on Tourism Statistics coincided with the efforts of the G20, meeting in London , UK , to stimulate the global economy. The TSA further underscores the potential of tourism and travel in any stimulus package and the shift towards a green economy, as stated in an open message by UNWTO to the G20.
Against this background, Mr. Rifai added that “In many countries, tourism has suffered from a lack of political and popular support because its true economic significance has often been underestimated. Now there is increasing awareness of tourism’s role as a productive activity and its potential to generate employment, government income and other benefits whether directly or through induced effects in the economy. This is increasingly important due to the role tourism can play in combating the current crisis.”
The Conference was jointly organized by UNWTO and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia , with the support of the UN Statistics Division (UNSD), the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), the ILO and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
RP is Asia’s Most Popular Destination, Makes mark in World Travel Fair 2009
SHANGHAI, CHINA -- The Philippines was named the ‘Most Popular Destination in Asia’, after a public vote and a strict evaluation process undertaken by professional jurors from the Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administration and VNU Exhibitions Europe, at the recent World Travel Fair (WTF) 2009.
“Our country receiving the highest laurel in Asia’s leading source fair in China is a notable milestone in the industry’s optimism in sustaining the momentum generated from efforts to reach this important market segment,” said Ace Durano, Secretary of Tourism.
The tourism chief added, “The Philippines is one of the fastest growing destinations in China’s outbound travel industry, recording a 74% month-on-month growth rate in visa issuances for February of this year. We are also the nearest tropical beach country for the Chinese, as Manila is only 2 hours away from Guangzhou, while Cebu is only 3 hours away from Shanghai.”
Durano likewise attributed the win to the country’s competitive tour pricing, the remarkable progress of the transportation sector and the Filipino’s friendliness and hospitality.
Dubbed as the ‘Outbound Travel Industry's Leading Source Fair in Asia, the WTF receives thousands of travel buyers from China, Asia and the rest of the world, who come to hold exchanges with more than 500 exhibitors from 62 countries, held at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre.
“The Chinese travellers rank our country’s beaches and heritage sites high, as proven by the various recognitions they have awarded to our tourist spots,” Durano said further.
Beach holidays rank 79% among the top leisure activities undertaken by the Chinese, according to an outbound travel study in China, while the International Visitor Survey conducted by the DOT reported that foreign visitors rank the country highest for visitor satisfaction in terms of Filipino hospitality.
Due to its strong partnership with a consortium of travel agents, the DOT has urged the transportation sector to open direct chartered flights and daily regular flights to Cebu and Manila. These developments have reflected a 61% increase in number of chartered flights operated in 2008 compared to last year.
Undersecretary for Tourism Planning and Promotions Eduardo Jarque, Jr. was enthusiastic to point out that the country has always garnered positive feedback from Asian tourists, “The Philippines has managed to secure, among others, the Best Leisure Destination in the last year’s WTF, for Boracay; the Top 10 Island Getaways for Chinese Summer Travel, for Bohol; the only Asian entry in the list of premier destinations in the acclaimed World Traveller Magazine; and Top 10 Most Searched Destination among Shanghai online users.”
Jarque was referring to Baidu, the biggest search engine in China capturing 68% of the Chinese online market (Google a distant second with 20% market share), which listed the Philippines in the Top 10 most searched travel destination among Shanghai online users from its latest report.
Meanwhile, Arlene Alipio, head of DOT Team China, noted that the flourishing outbound travel of China has been propitious to the Philippines as well, “Recent statistics from the China National Tourism Administration show that the number of Chinese travellers reached 34.4 million in the first nine months of this year, up by 14.8 percent year-on-year. In September alone, about 3.7 million Chinese people travelled overseas, an increase of 9 percent year-on-year. “
Shanghai-based Philippine Tourism Attaché to China, Gerry Panga, shared, “The country’s continued and consolidated efforts in promoting a wide array of travel opportunities to its Asian neighbours have indeed resulted to our strong market performance despite the global crunch.
RP posted a growth rate of 58.5% in 2008 in terms of visa issuances for travel to the Philippines from Eastern China plus Sichuan and Chongqing. Current growth rate stands at 20% from January to March 2009, making the Philippines one of the fastest growing outbound destinations for Chinese tourists.
Out of time in Coron
MANILA, Philippines - Palawan is the country’s last ecological frontier, or so I’ve been told. One of its most beautiful group of islands, the Calamianes, is in the northernmost part of Palawan. Busuanga is the biggest of the islands, which also includes Coron, Culion, Calauit and Linapacan. Coron is the official gateway to the Calamianes.
Terminal-3 opens to domestic flights next month
THE Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal-3, idle for more than five years, begins servicing domestic flights next month, officials at its trial run said yesterday. Airport general manager Alfonso Cusi said more than 100 employees and government officials joined the dry run at the terminal’s departure and arrival areas.
PAL’s budget carrier adds 5 new routes
PAL Express, the budget carrier of Philippine Airlines, is expanding its network despite soaring jet fuel prices that forced several foreign carriers to trim their operations.
BI suspends implementation of check-in policy at NAIA
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) suspended today the implementation of a policy imposing a cut-off time for the check-in of passengers departing from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) pending further consultations with the airlines and airport management.
Dreaming of a Tropical Christmas in the Philippines
MANILA, Philippines (Dec. 12, 2007) – The Christmas season begins early and ends late in the Philippines(www.experiencephilippines.ph
). With tons of gusto and flair, Filipinos embark on a four-month Christmas celebration full of vibrant and colorful festivities.
As September arrives in the Philippines, the sites and sounds of Christmas begin to emerge. Mass media starts a Christmas countdown, radio stations play carols, flea markets and malls are decorated and the streets are lined with colorful holiday furnishings.
“More than a holiday, Christmas in the Philippines is a national fiesta, the longest and merriest Christmas celebration in the world" said Vernie Morales, director of the Philippine Department of Tourism in Chicago. "The spirit of Christmas begins to fill the air as early as September, although the season formally begins on December 16 with the first of nine pre-dawn masses (simbang gabi)".
During this time almost every Filipino family displays a nativity scene as well as “parol” (traditional Christmas lanterns). Hanging on trees and homes, parol are assembled with various materials such as bamboo, rattan, native capiz shells, colored plastic, papel de japon, or recycled materials. These lanterns are made in numerous shapes and sizes and can be seen illuminating the streets.
Christmas season also means a long vacation from school and work as well as family time. As early as Dec. 1 children can be seen and heard caroling through the streets singing both local and international Christmas songs. Families prepare feasts to enjoy and share with neighbors and the less fortunate during Christmas. Children visit their “ninongs,” or godparents, and many relatives who live overseas come to the Philippines to visit. Weddings tend to be scheduled during this time of year as well.
Various ceremonies are held throughout the Philippines to celebrate Christmas. Two such festivals include the Giant Lantern Festival and the Christmas Tree or Christmas Symbol contest.
The Giant Lantern Festival is celebrated every Saturday before Christmas in Pampanga, a province in Central Luzon. This festival brings together local craftsmen and artists who create huge multi-colored lanterns measuring 18 feet high and 30 feet in diameter. Each lantern is paraded around town paying homage to every village’s saint, while a mix of folk and modern music fills the air. At the end of the parade, the lanterns are judged on improvisation of design, color scheme and light interplay with the music.
The Christmas Tree or Christmas Symbol contest is held from the beginning of December through the first week of January at the Capitol Building of Cagayan de Oro City. Numerous offices participate and are judged on indigenous design and use of recycled materials as complemented with colorful and stylish Christmas lights.
With 70 ethnic groups in the Philippines, all kinds of Christmas-related festivals are held throughout the region depicting the cultural diversity and traditional beliefs of these groups. ###
Source: Kahn Travel Communications (KTC) 12/12/07
Author of Hillman Wonders of the World Visits the Philippines
Howard Hillman, one of the world’s leading authorities on travel wonders recently visited different natural and man-made wonder destinations in the Philippines to research on the potentials of our tourist destinations to be included in his list of must-see wonders of the world.
Mr. Hillman is the author of the internet travel site Hillman Wonders of the World which contains over 700 web pages of candid travel tips, personal insights and photos. The website lists the Hillman Wonders— an impartial list of the world’s top 100 travel wonders that includes the Banaue Rice Terraces which at rank number 19 is a gold medal winner. Other gold medal world wonders listed among the top ten are the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Wall of China, Taj Mahal of India, the Serengeti Migration, the Grand Canyon of the USA, Machu Picchu in Peru, and the Iguazu Falls in Argentina and Brazil.
According to Google Analytics, the website has been read by 2.1 million travellers from 217 countries, making it one of the most widely-read travel web sites to date.
His 10-day Philippine trip, sponsored by the Team North America of the Department of Tourism, brought him to Manila’s walled city- Intramuros; to Taal Volcano; to the Banaue Rice Terraces in Ifugao Province; to the Chocolate Hills and Pamalican Island in Bohol; and to the Amanpulo Resort in Palawan.
Above photo, the Hillmans with Dusit Nikko Hotel Sales Manager Samuel Tse (seated, right) and standing from left to right, Ms. Vicky Ganaden and Ms Nora Bautista of the DOT Team North America, Ms. Ine Faustino of CCT 168 and the author.
When asked to describe what to him is a great vacation, he replied “A great vacation is like being with an old friend or going on an escape; it is a trip to Paris or a trip that provides new experiences; ultimately, a great vacation is when your expectations of a place are not only being met, but exceeded.”
It appears like his first visit to the Philippines exceeded his expectations of finding a wonder in the country— his website now has 21 web pages devoted to Philippine wonders, Philippine cuisine and other tourism-related information.
For more information on the Philippines Wonder Guide and the Hillman Wonders of the World, visit www.hillmanwonders.com and www.experiencephilippines.ph.
Source: Luis C. Morano, Team North America, Department of Tourism
RP SPA Industry Leaders Nominated for Asia SPA Awards
For third year in a row, SPA industry leaders from the Philippines garnered nominations in different categories in the Asia Spa Awards 2007. Established as some of the most significant awards in Asia’s spa industry, the Asia Spa Awards honors the best of the best in the region. The panel of judges is composed of selected 28 spa owners, managers, technicians, writers and enthusiasts from all over the world.
The Philippines as a country is nominated for Asian Spa Capital of the Year and the Spa Association of the Philippines (SAPI) was nominated for Spa Association of the Year. Sanctuario Spa’s CEO and former SAPI president, Jomar Fleras is nominated for Spa Personality of the Year.
Mandala Spa in Boracay is nominated for Destination Spa of the Year, Holistic Treatment of the Year for Hilot and Spa Cuisine of the Year.
The Farm at San Benito is nominated for Spa Retreat of the Year, Medispa of the Year and Spa Cuisine of the Year.
Amezcua Wellness Centre is also nominated for Medispa of the Year.
Sanctuario Spa in Manila is nominated for Spa for Men of the Year.
The newly opened Shangri-la Spa Academy in Manila is nominated for Spa Academy of the Year.
Winners will be announced mid November in a red carpet event in Hong Kong.
For Philippine Health and Wellness Travel Packages, please visit www.experiencephilippines.ph and click on the Travel Planner Section/Wellness.###
Source: SPA Association of the Philippines 11/18/07
All set for the 33rd Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Program (SSEAYP) - Country Program
Preparation for the 33rd Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Program (SSEAYP) - Philippine Country Program is in full swing. The National Organizing Committee composed of NYC, SSEAYP International Philippines and othe inter-agency partners have already laid out plans to make this year's country program a memorable one for this year's SSEAYP delegation.
The SSEAYP is annual cultural exchange program between Countries from Southeast Asia and Japan. Delegates to the program embark on a two-month cruise on board the Japanese luxury liner"Nippon Maru". Sponsored by the Japanese government, the program is now on its 33rd year of fostering cultural understanding and cooperation among the young people of ASEAN and Japan.
Among this year's highlights are the Interaction with Local Youth and Institutional Visits to be held at various locations in and around Metro Manila. The Welcome Ceremonies is on November 25 at the Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila Grand Ballroom. Among the distinguished guest at the ceremonies are the Honorable Vice President Noli De Castro, Sen. Francis Pangilinan, Secretary Ace Durano of the Department of Tourism and Manila Mayor Joselito Atienza.
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For more information about the program, you may visit the the National Youth Commission's official website at http://www.youth.net.ph/
Creative Trend to Market the Philippines in Hongkong and Macau
The Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) has tapped the services of Creative Trend as marketing representative whose main job is to assist further promote Philippine tourism in Hong Kong (HK) and Macau.
The HK-based marketing communications group was considered among several companies which responded to the need for this part of China. The firm has over fifteen years of experience in market research and analysis, public and media relations, event management, creative design and production for businesses in the area as well as in Greater China.
The outfit was previously involved in designing the tag and related ad campaign for the PDOT’s new branding in HK using the theme “Play Around Philippines.” It will continue to develop a series of programs in support of this latest image.
Tourism Secretary Joseph H. Durano said, “The recently-hired marketing representative will strengthen the Department’s efforts in reinvigorating Philippine tourism interest from this section. Hong Kong has always been among the country’s top ten markets and with its improved economy, more disposable income coupled with cheaper airfares, the propensity to travel has increased and extended towards long-haul travel. This development poses greater potential and challenges and with the re-branding, we are optimistic to capture a bigger share of its travelers.”
The Asia-Pacific Marketing Team at head office will assist the firm, whose contract starts in September 2006.
Among the clients that Creative Trend has served are the tourism boards of Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, South Africa and Zimbabwe, hotels and travel magazines.
DOT Launches Mabuhay Shopping Spree Promo for Tourists
The Department of Tourism (DOT), together with the country’s leading superstores and bazaars, launched the Mabuhay Shopping Spree Promo recently to attract more foreign visitors during the lean travel months of July to October.
DOT Secretary Joseph H. Durano said, “We are working with our promotion supporters to give new incentives for tourists when shopping in Metro Manila and at the same time to maximize the potential of the facilities as an integral part of the travel experience.”
The program aims to position the Philippines as a premier shopping haven and place for excellent buys in the Asia Pacific region targeting neighboring markets. It focuses on Metro Manila as a value-for-money destination where huge modern malls carry a wide variety of products from high-end designer items to bargains.
The activity is in collaboration with the Ayala Malls, Greenhills Shopping Center, Tiendesitas, SM Department Stores and the Market! Market!.
Foreign guests arriving in Metro Manila may obtain the shopping brochures with privilege cards at the DOT counter at the airport or through partner travel agents. Buyers can avail of the discounts, freebies, souvenirs or other special amenities offered by the establishments upon presentation of the card.
The campaign was initially launched by the DOT at the International Travel Fair in Hong Kong in June 2006.
Tourism Industry Gears Up for PHITEX 2006
Over one hundred International Travel Trade Buyers from all over the world will meet with Philippine Tour Sellers at the Philippine International Convention Center for the 6th Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX) on September 8-9, 2006. PHITEX 2006 is a premier travel trade event spearheaded by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation (PCVC) in cooperation with private organizers from the tourism industry.
Over the years, the Philippine Travel Exchange has become a must-attend travel trade event in the country. The whole-day business-to-business sessions, the main highlight of the event, has provided Philippine travel suppliers an exclusive opportunity to meet, network, negotiate and conduct business with foreign travel trade buyers.
This year’s set of buyers will come from Europe, Australia, North America, Korea and the Asia-Pacific, with Russia and Singapore bringing in the most numbers of delegates. As in the past, Buyers were nominated by the DOT’s Overseas Offices and screened by the PHITEX Screening Committee composed of representatives from all sectors of the industry. On the other hand, there are 69 companies and 109 delegates registered as Philippine Sellers. The Resorts and Hotels category have the most number of companies and delegates participating.
“Our hosting of the PHITEX which is attended by the industry’s top decision makers from all over the world will undoubtedly redound to greatly benefit tourism and the country through the aggressive promotion of the various Philippine destinations showcased during the event,” Secretary of Tourism Joseph H. Durano said. “Aside from its business component, it is an excellent opportunity for the foreign Buyers and media to experience first hand the country’s top destinations when they go on tour of the country,” he added. Complimentary tours to Boracay, Cebu, Bohol, Palawan and Davao are offered exclusively to foreign buyers as part of their program.
Durano also mentioned that this year’s PHITEX highlights the “Manila, Let’s Meet!” campaign. “It’s about time that we re-strengthen Metro Manila’s position as a vibrant destination, the heart and door to the 7,107 Philippine islands,” he said. He added that the campaign will showcase the cities’ main attractions: nightlife, shopping, new airport, convention and meeting facilities, world-class hotels, tourist and historical landmarks.
PHITEX coincides with the Philippine Travel Mart (PTM), which will be held from September 8-10, 2006 at the SM Mega Trade Hall in Mandaluyong City. PTM, now on its 17th year, is the premier inbound tourism event that gathers the 16 regions of the country under one roof showcasing their destinations and latest tourism products and services to consumers and members of the travel trade industry, and information on travel possibilities – where to go, what to see, where to stay what to do, among other things. On September 8, foreign Buyers get an exclusive morning visit to the PTM booths to meet the regional/provincial tourism councils and learn more about the products and services on exhibit.
PHITEX 2006 is spearheaded by an Executive Committee headed by Tourism Secretary Joseph H. Durano, in partnership with Travel Trade Gazette (TTG) Asia Media Pte., Ltd.,the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association (HSMA), the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA), the Philippine Travel Agents Association (PTAA), Chikka.Com and Philippine Airlines. Other sponsors are Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Mayor Sigfrido R. Tinga and the City of Taguig, Hyatt Hotel and Casino, Hotel Philippine Plaza, Heritage Hotel, Century Park Sheraton, Travel Weekly, Travel Update, Duty Free Philippines, Cebu Pacific, the Spa Association of the Philippines and Hop On Hop Off Tours.
DOT Sets Stage for Philippine Travel Exchange 2006
Tourism Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano announced recently that the Philippine Department of Tourism and the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation in cooperation with the private sector are spearheading the preparations for the forthcoming 6th Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX) slated from September 8-9, 2006 at the Philippine International Convention Center.
PHITEX is a must attend travel trade event comprised of business to business sessions that provide an exclusive opportunity for the Philippine travel suppliers to meet, network, negotiate and conduct business with foreign travel trade buyers.
More than 150 buyers from Asia-Pacific, Japan, Korea, Australia, Europe, Middle East and North America are expected to participate in the whole day Travel Exchange (TRAVEX) on September 9 at the Philippine International Convention Center, for a one-on-one scheduled appointments with Philippine Sellers.
“Our hosting of this important event will undoubtedly redound to greatly benefit tourism and the country through the aggressive promotion of the various Philippine destinations showcased in every PHITEX event which is attended by the industry’s top decision makers from all over the world,” Durano said. “Aside from its business component, this will be an excellent opportunity for the foreign Buyers and media to experience first hand the country’s top destinations when they go on tour of the country,” he added. Complimentary tours to Subic, Boracay, Cebu, Bohol, Palawan and Davao will be offered exclusively to foreign buyers and media as part of their program.
Durano also mentioned that this year’s PHITEX will feature the “Manila, Let’s Meet!” campaign. “It’s about time that we re-strengthen Metro Manila’s position as a vibrant destination, the heart and door to the 7,100 Philippine islands,” he said. He added that the campaign will showcase the cities’ main attractions: nightlife, shopping, new airport, convention and meeting facilities, world-class hotels, tourist and historical landmarks.
PHITEX will coincide with the Philippine Travel Mart (PTM), which will be held from September 8-10, 2006 at the SM Mega Trade Hall in Mandaluyong City. PTM, now on its 17th year, is the premier inbound tourism event that gathers the 16 regions of the country under one roof showcasing their destinations and latest tourism products and services to consumers and members of the travel trade industry, and information on travel possibilities – where to go, what to see, where to stay what to do, among other things. On September 8, foreign Buyers get an exclusive morning visit to the PTM booths to meet the regional/provincial tourism councils and learn more about the products and services on exhibit.
PHITEX 2006 is spearheaded by an Executive Committee headed by Tourism Secretary Joseph H. Durano, in partnership with Travel Trade Gazette (TTG) Asia Media Pte., Ltd.,the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association (HSMA), the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA), the Philippine Travel Agents Association (PTAA) and Chikka.Com.
For more information, please contact the PHITEX Secretariat through Tel. Nos. (02) 525-1255, 525-9318 ext. 271/268, or log-on at website www.wowpinoy.net/phitex and e-mail address at tts@dotpcvc.gov.ph.
