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- Category: Top News
- Published on Tuesday, 05 February 2013 20:34
- Written by Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo / Special to the BusinessMirror
THE Department of Tourism (DOT) aims to generate P1.5 trillion in tourism receipts this year, up 15.4 percent from the P1.3 trillion the country was expected to have earned in 2012.
DOT Spokesman and Assistant Secretary for International Tourism Promotions Benito Bengzon Jr. told the BusinessMirror domestic tourists will likely spend some P1.3 trillion, accounting for 87 percent of the total tourism receipts in 2013.
About 44.1 million domestic tourists are seen traveling around the country this year, he said, as “secondary” destinations open up, with more hotels and resorts constructed to accommodate the booming local travel market, as well as an increase in carriers servicing these destinations.
Speaking to reporters at the launch of the 20th Travel Tour Expo (TTE) 2013 from February 15 to 17, Bengzon said most of the domestic travelers in 2012—expected to have reached 41 million—went to Boracay Island, followed by Cebu, Bohol, Davao and Puerto Princesa in Palawan.
“Boracay welcomed its 1 millionth visitor last October,” he noted, “while Puerto Princesa was the success story last year, becoming a top destination after the Underground River was listed as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.”
In the same press briefing, John Paul Cabalza, president of the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA), said that among the “emerging destinations” to be featured in the 20th TTE is Palaui Island in the Cagayan Economic Zone, Baler in Aurora province, Samal Island in Davao City and Danao in Bohol.
“Of the 510 booths this year, a good bulk will be local players,” he said. These new destinations, added Aileen Clemente, chairman of the 20th TTE, will be using the expo as “a dry run for their hotels, resorts and other establishments. They will see if there is a demand,” and from there, learn how to market themselves to the foreign markets.
The 20th TTE will be held at the SMX Convention Center from February 15 to 17. The BusinessMirror is supporting the three-day event, dubbed “Gateway to Getaways,” billed as the largest travel and tour products showcase in the country.
This year at least 240 companies will be joining the expo, with 510 booths, “the largest ever” number of exhibitors in TTE history, said Clemente. She said they aim to exceed last year’s 67,000 visitors.
The PTAA is targeting a 20-percent increase in sales during the expo to P372 million, from last year’s P310 million.
For his part, Cabalza said that among the noteworthy bargains during the TTE is a $55-three days/two nights-package in Bangkok and 40-percent discounts by a number of Boracay resorts. A Puerto Princesa hotel is also offering a P6,500 package per person that includes a trip to the Underground River and Honda Bay.
He added that airlines such as PAL and Cebu Pacific, will also be offering their new routes to Toronto and Dubai, respectively.
“These are the best rates for the peak season,” Clemente said of the bargains to be offered the public during the event.
One of the innovations in this year’s TTE, said Cabalza, would be a “24/7 listing of available air seats [for the different destinations].” Visitors can approach any of the participating travel agencies to get the best value air fares among the participating carriers.
He added that the Cathay Pacific/Asia Miles (Frequent Flyer Program) will be raffling off 92,000 air miles for one person every day, “which can take the winner to the West Coast or Europe.”
The annual Travel Tour Expo of the PTAA was conceptualized in 1994 to showcase the products and services of its members. Since then it has grown to be the ultimate destination for the most affordable travel deals and the prime marketplace for all destinations.
This year the PTAA is also launching its Travel Tour Expo Gateway to Getaways coupon book, a compilation of all discounts and freebies from participating exhibitors as well as two complimentary entrance tickets to the event. For the first time since it was launched 20 years ago, the TTE will live stream its activities to reach a wider range of visitors online.
Aside from local TV and film celebrities expected to grace the expo, Hello Kitty will also be brought in by the Japanese Embassy.
The expo is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on February 15 and 16, and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on February 17. A minimal entrance fee of P50 is charged regular visitors, while senior citizens get a discounted rate of P20.
The 20th Travel Tour Expo 2013 is organized by PTAA with the DOT-Tourism Promotions Board, featuring Solaire Resort & Casino.
Founded in 1980, the PTAA is an organization of national associations of outbound travel agencies and inbound tour operators. With more than 500 members nationwide, the PTAA fosters unity in the travel industry and promotes the welfare of its members and the traveling public.
In Photo: Tourism Spokesman and Assistant Secretary for International Tourism Promotions Benito Bengzon Jr. (second from left) says the department is targeting some 44.1 million domestic tourists this year, generating some P1.3 trillion in revenues for the country. Bengzon was at the press launch on Tuesday of the 20th Travel Tour Expo (TTE) 2013, which is spearheaded by the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA). Others in photo are (from left) Aileen Clemente, chairman of the 20th TTE; John Paul Cabalza, PTAA president; and Marciano Ragaza III, PTAA trustee. (Stella Arnaldo)
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