As a travel blogger, joining
events of Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines is one of my goals
because we share the same passion – promoting the local travel destinations of
our country. Last Sept. 5th, I had the privilege to join PHITEX –
the most important travel trade event that is participated by 200 international
buyers from 37 countries worldwide and 132 local companies. From sunrise to
sundown, I had a great time personally learning what goes on. In a big hall,
all of them are wearing a formal business attire. The buyers are the ones
sitting behind the table and the sellers are the ones roaming around to pitch
their product which is quite different from the traditional perspective. This
is actually the best time for a local brand such as a tour operator, hotel
owner and a travel service to showcase what they got.
Pre – tour around Manila
The buying and selling of tourism
products didn’t just start in Marriott Hotel where this was held. Delegates
from US, Italy, Norway, Denmark, Germany, South Korea, Indonesia and Vietnam
had the chance to experience fun and exciting tours with hotel visits around
Manila. They went to Intramuros to get a glimpse of history during Spanish colonization
and Fort Santiago where Jose Rizal, our national hero spent his last days. They also had ocular inspections to some of
the city’s luxurious hotels such as New World Hotel Makati, Makati Shangri – la
Hotel, Fairmont Makati, Marco Polo Ortigas Manila, Shangri – la The Fort and
Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila.
Post – tour around Philippines
They say they save the best for
last and that is a trip to a few of our prime tourist destinations. Buyers had a chance to visit Ilocos for
heritage, Southern Luzon for exotic beaches, Puerto Princesa Underground River and the Bicol region – my
birth province which is currently off the radar for most of backpackers, the
famous Cebu and Chocolate Hills of Bohol. Four of my blogger friends were also
able to score an all – expense paid to Davao and Tagaytay right there and then
at the press launching! Unfortunately the dates are going to bump to my
Indonesia trip so I had to let go of it. Maybe next time, I can join them :)
This is PHITEX’s 15th year for tirelessly
promoting the Philippines in the global
tourism market. Let us support DOT Secretary Wanda Corazon Tulfo – Teo to all
of their great plans for our country.
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