Returning to the worldwide scene with the most important delegation of tourism stakeholders up to now, the Philippines made an enormous comeback on the Internationale Tourismus-Börse (ITB) 2023 Convention in Messe Berlin, Germany on 07 to 09 March 2023, spearheaded by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and its marketing and promotion arm, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines.
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco led the combined group of 26 co-exhibitors from the private and non-private sector consisting of 40 delegates attending the event. TPB Chief Operating Officer Margarita Nograles and other DOT officials also joined the Secretary. The Philippines is predicted to spotlight the country’s tourism developments and product offerings to over 160,000 visitors expected to attend the world’s largest travel and tourism trade fair.
The Philippines’ participation on the ITB Berlin goals to strengthen the country’s global tourism campaign through partnership opportunities with various tourism private sectors, including tour operators, online travel agencies, latest online distribution platforms, travel web sites and communities, journalists, and influencers, amongst others.
“The ITB Berlin holds great opportunities for the Philippines to showcase to the world its award-winning destinations reminiscent of Boracay, Cebu, Siargao, and Palawan, and in addition to incorporate Banaue, Intramuros, and South Cotabato, amongst others. We also look ahead to giving the world a view into our distinct and diverse culture, in addition to the country’s best asset: the heat and hospitality of the Filipino people,” said Secretary Frasco.
“Our participation is pursuant to further positioning the Philippines as a tourism powerhouse in Asia, and hopefully the world within the years ahead,” she added, also citing that the ITB attendance will help fastrack the recovery efforts by the DOT of the pandemic-hit industry.
The Philippines booth on the ITB Berlin featured the country’s wealthy culture and sustainable tourism through the artistic works of T’nalak weaver Myrna Pula of South Cotabato and Yakan Weaver and Entrepreneur Angelita Pichay Ilul of Zamboanga. Furthermore, visitors got a taste of Philippine coffee and chocolates through Kape de Filipina, a brand offering products meticulously grown by farmers and communities within the Philippines.
The DOT and TPB hosted a cocktail reception for international buyers, Philippine sellers, and industry partners on the second day of the convention, where they were treated to traditional Filipino cuisine by Ayan, a Filipino street food restaurant based in Berlin, and live performances from Lapu Lapu Arnis de Abanico, Songwriter and Singer David Mercado and Princess Virtudazo.
“What we’ve got showcased on this 12 months’s ITB is only a glimpse of our country’s wealthy culture and wide selection of tourism offerings, curated to bring more ideas and inspiration to advertise the Philippines as a meaningful and purposeful destination. We’re greater than able to welcome you to our home. Come visit to witness, firsthand, the Philippine Experience,” enthused TPB COO Nograles.
This 12 months, more tourism stakeholders joined the Philippine delegation to reintroduce the country as a world-class tourism destination, reminiscent of Airtrav Philippines, Araw Hospitality Inc., Amorita Resort, Annset Holidays, Inc., Baron Travel Corporation, Blue Horizons Travel & Tours Inc., Bohol Beach Club, Chroma Hospitality Inc. (Crimson Hotels & Resorts), Club Agutaya Inc., CTPH lifestyle & Travel Services, Divaishnavi International Inc., El Nido Resorts, Evasion Tropicale Travel and Tours, GI Philippines Corp., Intas Destination Management Inc., Marsman Drysdale Travel Inc., MyTRIPS Travel and Tours, Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, Rajah Tour Philippines, Sharp Travel Service, Sarah Lea Travel and Tours, The Funny Lion, Total Exhibit & Expo Solutions, Inc., Travelexperts, Inc., Travelite Travel and Tours Co., and the Philippine Retirement Authority.
Negros Occidental bags Green Story Destination Awards
Two Negros Occidental cities brought honor to the country through the Green Destinations Awards on the ITB Berlin 2023 after being recognized for his or her inspirational sustainable tourism practices and efforts.
Sagay City bagged the People’s Alternative Award and ranked 2nd under Nature and Scenery Category with its entry, “Mangrove Forest Protection through Community-based EcoTourism Project”. Town’s Suyac Island Mangrove Ecopark, positioned contained in the Sagay Marine Reserve, is the primary fully community-based ecotourism site in Sagay, that provides an unparalleled experience and allows travelers to attach with nature and native culture.
One other pride of Negros Occidental, Bago City’s entry “Reviving the Majestic Diversity of Bago Watershed” was awarded third among the many finalists under Environment and Climate Category. Bago City’s Watershed plays an important role in steering the wheel of the economy of Negros Occidental by supplying water to about 19,000 hectares of agricultural areas. To guard, conserve and rehabilitate the watershed, the town government mobilized its resources and strengthened community involvement through Integrated Ecosystem Management Approach (Ridge to Reef Environmental Management).
The celebrated Green Destinations Story Awards on the ITB Berlin showcases essentially the most inspirational initiatives for sustainable tourism development from stories submitted to the yearly Green Destinations Top 100 Stories competition.
With the long-term goal of securing increased arrivals, receipts, and investments for the country, TPB annually participates within the ITB Berlin, which provides the Philippine travel trade a possibility to network with relevant decision-makers from latest and existing tourism markets across Europe, America, and Asia.
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