Mae Escartin“It’s more fun in the Philippines”. It is one of the most repeated phrases in the country when it comes to tourism. Most of the local travelers, as well as foreigners, use this phrase to summarize their stay in specific places in the country.
Though the Philippines, especially Manila, was also reported globally because of its worst scenario in traffic and drug wars, many tourists still clamor to visit the country to experience different festivals and cultural celebrations, and learn the fuss on why those who already left chose the Philippines as one of their favorite destinations.
Source: Bernard Supetran
In a recently concluded Metro Manila Tourism Forum last February 9-10, 2017, held in Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, key persons such as Mayor Herbert Bautista (Quezon City Mayor), Dr. Mina Gabor (Chairperson of Travel and Tourism Committee, Automobile Association of the Philippines), Secretary Wanda Corazon Teo of the Department of Tourism (DOT), and representatives of marketing sectors of different companies and government agencies discussed the edge of the Philippines and Manila in other neighbour countries in terms of tourism. They also prepared presentations of tourism products that the country may sell especially to foreigners.
Different Tourism Products
Nature-based Tourism
Historians wouldn’t say that the Philippines is the “Pearl of the Orient” without their reasons, but one thing is for sure that in the country’s 7, 107 islands, there are a lot of hidden paradises.
Cultural Tourism
Aside from its natural picturesque places, Philippines also has a very rich culture. There are a lot of historical places that may entice visitors to put in their “places to go”.
Sun and Beach Tourism
Another tourist attraction in the Philippines is its beaches. Every now and then, locales discover new untapped beaches and/or island that may be available for public viewing. This may be a good focus since millennial, nowadays, prefer beaches and adventures in their bucket list.
Leisure and Entertainment Tourism
One may say that some of the best performers in the world come from the Philippines, that’s why other countries outsourced here to fulfill their entertainment industry.
Cruise and Nautical Tourism
According to Director Maria Corazon Jorda-Apo of DOT, the Philippines will be considered as one of the biggest players in the Asia Pacific cruising industry. One major advantage of the country is its proximity to megaports, especially to mainland China, Hongkong, and Taiwan.
Source: DOT Cruising Presentation
Diving and Marine Sports Tourism
Since the country is mainly consisted of islands, a large portion of it is water. And one of the most popular activities here are diving and snorkeling.
