Philtoa sets ‘Fun Caravans!’ for 2015

The fun is far from over as the country gears up for “Visit the Philippines 2015.”

Launched by the Department of Tourism last September, the department clarified that the battle cry is not a replacement for the “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” movement. Instead, all the efforts affixed to “Visit the Philippines 2015” will sustain what they started in the preceding endeavors.

In line with this, the Philippines Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) has introduced “Islands Philippines Fun Caravans,” featuring five major caravan programs and three minor caravans designed to promote, reestablish and reinforce tourism activities across the region.

Actively contributing to national economic growth, PHILTOA forges national and global affiliations with tourism-related associations and organizations to enhance and promote domestic and inbound Philippine tourism.

The five major caravans are: Cordillera Heritage Warrior Caravan, which will encompass San Jose, Santa Fe, Lagawe, Banaue, Bontoc, Sagada and Baguio; Southern Luzon Kulinarya that will involve Alaminos, San Pablo, Nagcarlan, Liliw, Majayjay, Lucban, Tayabas, Sariaya and San Juan; Visayas Charm Caravan that will underscore Bohol, Cebu and Boracay; Bicol Express for Naga, Legazpi, Sorsogon and Misibis; and The Plains and Heights of Central Luzon Caravan, which will put the spotlight on Pinatubo, Tarlac, Baguio, Pangasinan and Subic.

Meanwhile, the minor caravans are: Rediscover Batanes for the grandness of Batanes’ plateaus; the Northern Palawan Eco Adventure Discovery for the lush islands, pristine coastlines and cobalt waters of the Calamianes Group of Island; and Hola, Zamboanga for the vibrant culture and diverse landscape of the province.

Each caravan is calendared in different months throughout 2015, lasting from three to seven days. PHILTOA president Cesar Cruz said the project is designed to provide flexibility in the choices of activities and accommodation in each destination based on the interest and affordability of the participants.

“The Island Philippines Fun Caravans will accommodate both foreign and local visitors, where they can choose to bring their own vehicles or avail of the caravan vehicle, of course only if the destinations can be accessed via land transportation. The participants also have the option to avail of the accommodations that will be announced prior to the trip – campsite, lodging houses, hostels or star-rated properties,” explained Cruz.

Cruz also shared that the caravans are meant to be interactive and participative, hence, there will be programs that will encourage them to interact with and immerse themselves in the local communities. Participants get a dummy passport which will be stamped by the participating local government unit, mini-trade fairs, a festive welcome reception and other community-based activities that will highlight the best spots and emerging lifestyle and travel trends in the municipalities included in the itinerary.

Visit www.philtoa.com for more information.