Bad weather prompts Arroyo to cancel Siargao trip

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Cebu Pacific flies to Catarman, Calbayog, Virac, and Cauayan Offers P500 all-in seat sale and Manila-Osaka Zero promo fare

Friday, January 9, 2009

Tourism: One of RP’s brightest options to speed up economic development

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Tourism, now one of Southeast Asia’s major dollar earners, is among the Philippines’ brightest options to speed up its economic development and hasten the attainment of the goal to become a First World country in the next two decades.

There are a lot of things positively going for Philippine tourism. For one, Filipinos are natural tourism assets themselves — warm and hospitable and are largely at home with English, the world’s language of business.

Their being largely Christians also gives them instant affinity with Christians from the United States and several European nations, the country’s traditional markets.

The Philippines is never short of natural attractions, which are among the best in the world. Centuries of foreign rule has enriched its history and culture, which are now reflected in a wealth of historical sites and cultural festivals.

Some of the country’s major tourism destinations which annually receive more foreign visitors as well as those that show great potentials have been designated as priority areas by the national government and programmed for more intensive promotion and infrastructure development.

The tourism destinations are mostly found in Clark-Subic areas, Metro Manila-Tagaytay, the Cordilleras, Ilocos region, Cebu-Bohol-Siargao, Northern Palawan, Boracay and Davao.

Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano said the plan to fast-track the promotion and development of these different areas had earlier been identified and included in President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s 10-point “legacy agenda.”

The country’s identified target tourist markets are South Korea, Japan, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore for the short haul, and North America, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany and France for the long haul.

This year, DOT has targeted three million tourist arrivals. This figure is projected to increase to five million by 2010. The five million tourist arrivals will translate into more revenues for the country.

”Assuming each visitor spends at least US$ 1,000 here, then that’s as much as the $ 6 billion to $ 8 billion in overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) remittances that have been propping up the economy for years,” Durano said.

Tourist arrivals rose by 3.98 percent to 2,607,118 in the 10-month period from January to October this year, from 2,507,738 in the same period last year. North America (comprising of Canada, Mexico and the USA) remain the top sources of visitors to the country, with 559,484 arriving for the first 10 months, followed by Korea (515,394), Japan (305,543), China (140,685) and Taiwan (103,134).

Figures from the United Nations World Trade Organization (UNWTO) indicate that in 2020, tourist arrivals is forecast to rise to 1.6 billion from 843 million in 2006. In the Asia-Pacific region, tourism is forecast to rise to 397 million in 2020 from 167 in 2006. A 7.3 percent annual growth rate in intra-regional traffic is projected by the year 2020.

The ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region has also strong growth prospects. Arrivals in the region is forecast to increase to 136 million by 2020, while the growth in intra-regional traffic will rise to about 7.7 percent by the year 2020.

The beaches and the dive sites of Cebu, Bohol, Siargao, Palawan and Boracay are frequented by Koreans and Japanese. Laoag and Vigan are favorite destinations of the Taiwanese because of its proximity to Taipei and the availability of direct flights between Kaoshiung and Taipei and Laoag International Airport, aside from the various natural, cultural and historical attractions.

Mainland Chinese, on the other hand, prefer entertainment centers like casinos and world-class business and investment facilities and opportunities being offered by Manila, Tagaytay, Clark and Subic.

Cebu City, known as the “Queen City of the South” and center of business and trade in Central Philippines, is also the springboard of tourism in the Visayas. One of Cebu’s major attractions is the cross planted by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan on April 14, 1521.

The 1,268 haystack mounds popularly known as the Chocolate Hills are the main attractions of Bohol. Also of special interest is the Tarsier, the smallest primate found only in the province.

Siargao, situated in northeastern Mindanao, is Asia’s “surfers’ paradise.” Located there is the so-called “Cloud Nine” which is the best known surfing break. Siargao enjoys the world reputation of being on the “Top Surfing Waves.”

Metro Manila is the gateway to the “magical islands” of the Philippines. It combines the rhythmic cadence of the horse-drawn calesas with the pulsating beat of dazzling nightlife, high-tension discos, bards, restaurants and 24-hour diners.

Palawan is known as the Philippines’ last frontier. It has perfect spots for swimming, scuba diving and other water sports. El Nido beach is still the loveliest place where to commune with unspoiled nature’s beauty.

Boracay remains the favorite and number one tourist destination in the country. Its seemingly endless stretch of fine white sand beaches, clear blue waters and serenity are alluring characteristics of the island that attract many visitors from all over the world.

When in Laoag, don’t forget to visit the old churches and the preserved heritage houses in the Ilocos and relive the ambiance of the 18th century. While in Ilocos, visitors may also feel the heat of the sand dunes of Calayab, the “Sahara Desert of the North” and marvel over the beauty of Lake Paoay, visit and see the torture chambers in Sarrat and Bacarra as well as the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse in Pagudpud.

Davao is the biggest city in the world in terms of size. Its beauty and wealth is partly vested in its vast greenery and mountain ranges and virgin forests, fertile valleys and coastal planes.

While the DOT will spearhead the task of promoting these destinations, other national government departments will complement the effort by providing necessary infrastructures to make the tourist sites more accessible and pleasantly convenient. (PNA)

Mindanao 2020 regional gab draws strong participation

Friday, December 19, 2008

AROUND 150 regional stakeholders from the Caraga Region joined the Mindanao Economic Development Council (Medco)-led regional consultation in Butuan City recently.

The move is an integral part of updating the Mindanao 2000 development framework plan and an initial step in the formulation of the Mindanao 2020 Peace and Development Framework Plan.

The Mindanao 2020 regional consultation in Caraga highlighted the region’s peace and development imperatives as well as its remarkable economic performance for this year.

“The strong representation of Caraga bodes well for the region’s thrust in accelerating its socio-economic development and its commitment in integrating regional efforts into the Mindanao development agenda,” Undersecretary Virgilio Leyretana, chair of the Mindanao Economic Development Council (Medco), said.

Leyretana also noted the strong socio-economic performance of the region, as shown in the report of the National Economic Development Authority.

Neda-Caraga reported that it met its annual Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) target for the first time, with mining industry as the growth driver.

Improvement in telecommunications and barangay energization was also noted this year in the region.

Cellphone coverage is 100 percent in major highways, and various cellphone networks are now serving every municipality.

The report also revealed that around 97 percent of the region’s barangays are now energized.

A great improvement in road networks was also seen this year. Some of these priority projects, which are under the Mindanao Super Region, include the Surigao-Davao Coastal Road, Dinagat Island Road Network, and the upgrading of Siargao and Butuan airports, along with other projects like Strengthening Health Delivery Through Health Facility and Human Resources Development, and Sustainable Management of Coastal Resources, among others.

Regional consultations were also held simultaneously in other Mindanao regions.

“A comprehensive, updated, and long-term plan is more than timely and judicious given the unique needs and potentials of Mindanao,” Leyretana said.

He said that emerging development concerns, issues, and sectors like peace and security, information, and communications technology, policy reform and environment, among others, also need to be factored into this plan to make it holistic and multidimensional.

The formulation of the Mindanao 2020 Peace and Development Framework Plan will commence early next year.

The development plan will map out the necessary reforms over the next 12 years, prepare the island-economy for sustainable development, and assure Mindanawons a stake in the benefits stemming from socio-economic development.

The Mindanao 2000 assessment, which commenced in August 2008, is being supported by the Philippines Australia Human Resource Development Facility (PAHRDF), in partnership with the Development Academy of the Philippines sa Mindanao (DAP sa Mindanao), National Economic Development Authority (Neda), Regional Planning and Development Office (RPDO), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Regional Development Councils (RDCs), and the Regional Economic and Development Planning Board-Armm, Mindanao Lawmakers Association, and Mindanao Business Council (MinBC). (Medco)

DOT SF - Experience the Philippines

Monday, December 1, 2008

With over 7,100 islands, the Philippines has always been one of the favorite destinations for adventure seekers, nature lovers and tourists.  Having beautiful and breathtaking sights and attractions, it is not a surprise that foreigners and local tourists alike flock the country.

 

The Department of Tourism (DOT) in San Francisco is on the forefront to encourage, promote and develop programs that builds tourism in the Philippines as a major socio-economic activity to generate foreign currency and employment to spread its benefits to both the private and public sector.  One of the four (4) tourism offices in North America that undertake the marketing of the Philippines as a prime tourism destination, the DOT in San Francisco covers ten (10) states in northwestern United States namely Northern California, Northern Nevada, Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Colorado, Utah, Montana, Idaho and Wyoming and two provinces in Western Canada, namely British Columbia and Alberta.  The office is manned by Mr. Rene de los Santos (Tourism Director), Mrs. Ma. Debbie Gallano (PRO), Mr. Juan Gabriel Agcaoili (Administrative Officer) and Ms. Theresa Bautista (Tourism Assistant).

Projects and programs

Among the major programs the DOT undertakes to entice various types of visitors to the Philippines include participation in travel and tourism trade shows, exhibits and expositions, like the Seattle Travel Show, Bay Area Travel Show in Santa Clara, California, Morris Murdock Travel Show in Salt Lake City, Utah and EAT! in Vancouver, Canada.

The DOT also has developed an online educational module for travel professionals who want to specialize on Philippine travel and tourism by logging on to  www.travelagentacademy.com and undergo a short online training program in four modules.  Passing the exam will award a certificate of completion to the travel agent as a certified Philippine Specialist.

The distribution system of Philippine tour products has also been upgraded to meet the changing travel trends among North American travelers with the development of a website that is dedicated to the US market.  The new website, www.experiencephilippines.ph has a Travel Mall which features all possible Philippine tour programs being offered by tour operators and travel agents.   Prospective tourists can find travel bargains and other tourist information in the website and could instantaneously make reservations of their tours to the Philippines via its online reservation system.   

The Philippine Department of Tourism in partnership with the Philippine Consulate General and the Philippine Trade and Industry, undertakes an annual promotional tour to expand Philippine travel business and encourage travelers that have been to the country for a long time to revisit their homeland.  The Ambassadors, Consuls General and Tourism Directors Tour of the Philippines is done yearly in the month of July and has attracted hundreds of participants to join this special tour which is led by no less than the top officials of Philippine Embassies and Consulates.  Aside from visiting top tourist destinations, the participants have the chance to visit Malacanang Palace and have courtesy meeting with the Philippine President.

Other DOT programs include the Consumer Promotions, Publicity and Public Relations, and the department’s assistance to US and Philippine-based organizations for business and cultural missions.  

Major market segments

The Philippine Tourism Office in the United States concentrates its efforts in marketing the following market segments which the country has unique advantages.  

One of the major market segments actively being promoted among the North American traveling market is diving.  Having identified as the world’s epicenter of marine biodiversity, the DOT has actively promoted the country’s diving industry through the conduct of Philippine dive seminars and participation in diving shows like the DEMA Show, the largest diving show in North America.  Advertisements in dive magazines are also placed to heighten the interest of dive tour operators and travel agents, and divers on Philippine diving.  It also organizes dive familiarization trips to the Philippines for dive tour operators, dive tour leaders and underwater media people or photographers.   

There is a dive spot for every time of diver in the Philippines.  Among the popular diving sites are found in Anilao, Palawan, Puerto Galera, Dumaguete, Cebu, Bohol, Davao and Tubbataha Reef which was declared by UNESCO as one of the world’s heritage sites.   These sites teem with big fishes, marine turtles, nudibranchs, colorful reefs, World War II wrecks and underwater caves, which amaze every diver.

Another market segment is adventure, having hundreds of extreme escapes waiting for every adventurer from aquatic sports to hiking, and spelunking which satisfy to any kind of craving for adventure at very affordable budget, from accommodation, transportation and food.  Aquatic adventures include sea kayaking in Calamian Islands in Palawan where an enthusiasts can explore pristine, palm-fringed limestone islands or in famous destinations like Subic Bay and Boracay Island.  Other activities are white water rafting in Cagayan de Oro River or surfing in La Union, Zambales, Leyte or the internationally known Siargao in Surigao province.

Our country’s natural wonders offers soft to extreme adventures depending on the liking of every adventurer like mountain hiking in world famous Banaue Rice Terraces or mountain biking in the Cordilleras.  Rock climbing and cave exploration are also haven for enthusiast.  The St. Paul Subterranean River, the world’s longest underground waterway fascinates every adventurer while the caves in Sagada feature spectacular lime formations and hanging coffins.

Lastly, health and wellness and medical tourism has also been recently launched by the Philippine government offering its healthcare services to the world through its state-of-the-art diagnostic and medical equipment, competent medical practitioners and excellent medical services at a fraction of the cost in other countries.  Philippine hospitals and specialty centers offer a full range of health care services from health screening, cosmetic treatments and health management to cardiac treatments, bariatric surgery and other highly specialized procedures.  The caring and nurturing spirit of Filipino professionals makes the Philippines different from the rest of medical tourism destinations in the world.

DOT San Francisco has participated in the World Medical Tourism Summit and Conference held in San Francisco, California and assists medical institutions in marketing their products to Americans particularly the Filipino-American communities.

According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, the Philippine’s tourism campaign is rated as the best improved in Asia with a 15.79% annual growth rate for the period 2003 to 2007, the highest in Southeast Asia, and surpassing the 7 percent increase of tourist traffic recorded by countries in Asia-Pacific Region.  

From foreign tourist arrivals of 1.9 million in 2003, the Philippines managed to entice 3.1 million visitors in 2007. Correspondingly, the tourism industry has generated foreign exchange earnings amounting to more than $ 3 billion yearly, as each tourist spends an average of $1,000 during his stay in the country, i.e. computed from an average stay of 10 nights and $100 daily expenditures which were mostly spent in accommodation, food and beverage, tours, in-land transportation, entertainment and other incidental expenses.     

On the other hand, the United States has remained a top source of visitors for the Philippines, generating a total of 578,983 visitors in 2007.  This market accounted for about 20% of the country’s visitors and grew at an average of 9% over the period 2003 to 2007.  

Philippine tourism is expected to remain a top foreign exchange earner and job creation of our country in the coming years considering the major tourism infrastructure projects in the Philippines and the aggressive marketing campaigns being undertaken in major sources of foreign visitors like the United States.

For more information on the programs of the Department of Tourism, you may contact them at the Philippine Center Building, 447 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA 94108 with telephone number (415) 433-6666.

(With special thanks to Mr. Rene delos Santos and Mrs. Debbie Gallano for their assistance.)

source: asianjournal