Grand Philippine tour with Phitex 2016
The recently concluded Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX) 2016 saw delegates from 35 countries meet with Philippine sellers who introduced them to the Philippines’ best offerings in terms of travel and tourism products and services.
The highlight of the event was a series of business-tobusiness sessions between foreign buyers and local sellers. This year, the number of sessions was increased to 40 as compared to 28 in the previous years. This aimed to broaden their chance of in- teraction and encourage more in-depth discussions on tourism and trade opportunities.
Delegates were given an opportunity to actually experience what the Philippines has to offer in a series of fun and exciting tours. Organized by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), these tours were conducted as part of the most important annual travel trade event in the country.
Delegates from Denmark, Russia, Germany, China, the US and Brazil visited the historical walled city of Intramuros, UNESCO World Heritage Site San Agustin Church, San Agustin Museum and enjoyed a brief cultural show at Casa Manila.
The group also inspected the city’s established, emerging and newly-opened luxury hotels and properties includited ing Manila Hotel, New World Hotel, Makati Shangri-la Hotel, Fairmont Hotel, Marco Polo Ortigas, Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila and Conrad Manila.
The delegates also vis- Ilocos; discovered exotic and breathtaking sceneries in Southern Luzon; and explored the Puerto Princesa Underground River in Palawan, recently hailed as the Best Island in the World.
They had a taste of the unique spicy cuisine of Bicol; took selfies with the tarsiers and visited the Chocolate Hills in Bohol; toured historical landmarks in Cebu; and experienced nature, culture and adventure in Davao.
“TPB organized the tours because there is no better way to market the Philippines than to let these delegates experience it first-hand,” said PHITEX deputy secretary general Susana del Mundo.
Now on its 15th year, PHITEX continues to further strengthen the tourism industry in the country by promoting the best of the Philippines worldwide.