HEADLINES

A Quarterly Newsletter of the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines JULY-DECEMBER 2019

The Sustainability of
BORACAY
Responsible
Marketing for
Sustainable
Tourism
MICECON 2018:
Sweetened
in Bacolod

HEADLINES EDITORIAL BOARD
Editor-in-Chief
ARNOLD T. GONZALES
Office of the Deputy Chief Operating Officer for
Marketing and Promotions
Assistant Editor
MA. NEDALIN L. MIRANDA
Marketing Communications
Associate Editors
NERISSA DF. JUAN
OIC - Domestic Promotions
TERESITA D. LANDAN
Domestic Promotions
Central Information Unit
LEAH MARIE C. SY
MARIVIC M. SEVILLA
HEADLINES is a quarterly newsletter
published by Asianmantra for the
Tourism Promotions Board (TPB)—an
attached agency of the Department of Tourism
(DOT).
Tab le of Cont ent s
04
-
COVER STORY
The Sustainability Of
16 MICE
- MICECON 2018:
Boracay Sweetened in Bacolod
06 COO DIRECTIVES 18 CORPORATE NEWS
- Responsible Marketing - Christmas at Kidzania
for Sustainable Tourism - Community-based
Tourism Awards
08 DOMESTIC TOURISM Recognition Of
PROMOTIONS Sustainable Community-
- Domestic Tourism based Tourism
Re-energized Destinations In The
- Baguio’s Cool Creative Philippines
Festival - The WTTC Report:
Tourism’s Contribution to
10 INTERNATIONAL TOURISM the Philippine Economy
PROMOTIONS
- “IT’S MORE FUN” 20 EVENTS CALENDAR
Campaign
Refreshed at ITB-Berlin
- Selling To Korea
- Pahiyas Festival at WTM
- Beach Holidays Still
Popular at ATF

For inquiries regarding ad placement, you

may e-mail Mr. Miguel A. Lopez of Corporate
Planning and Business Development at
miguel_lopez@tpb.gov.ph

4th Floor, Legaspi Towers 300

Roxas Boulevard,
Manila Philippines 1004 COVER PHOTO:
Tel Nos: +63 2 5259318 to 27 BORACAY Re-Opening
Fax No: +63 2 5216165 / +63 2 5253314
page 4
Email: info@tpb.gov.ph
Website: www.tpb.gov.ph
 Cover Story
THE SUSTAINABILITY OF T
BORACAY
he island of Boracay, the Philippines’
premier tourist destination, contributed
over 20% of the total income generated
by the tourism industry in 2017.
However, this contribution came at
a price: pollution marred the crystal-
clear waters and wetlands of the island,
forcing Philippine President Rodrigo
Duterte to order a six-month closure
and rehabilitation in April 2018.
The Boracay Inter-Agency Task
Force (BIATF), composed of different
government agencies, undertook
rehabilitation and recovery activities in
seven (7) key result areas during the
six-month closure: training, livelihood
and employment assistance; health
and sanitation; decongestion; easing
traffic flow; enforcing rule of law in
the island; engaging stakeholders in
a communications strategy; and the
crafting of a Boracay Action Plan.
With the reopening of a cleaner island
in October 2018, the BIATF has become
the Boracay Inter-Agency Rehabilitation
Management Group (BIARMG), which
is tasked with implementation of the
Boracay Action Plan or Phase 2 of
Boracay’s rehabilitation.
The BIARMG plans to implement 233
projects worth P25.27 billion, with bulk
4 HEADLINES
of funds provided by the private sector
for the continued rehabilitation of the
island.
Some of the private sector partners in
the “adopt-a-wetland” program are
Energy Development Corporation for
wetland 2; San Miguel Corporation
for wetland 3; Aboitiz Equity Ventures
for wetland 4; Boracay Tubi System
Inc. for wetland 6; and JG Summit
Petrochemical Corporation for wetland
8. Only five out of nine wetlands in
the island were found as the rest of
the wetlands are still occupied by
illegal settlers. Work in the wetlands
includes cultivation of forests and reef
sanctuaries as well as conducting of
livelihood activities for the locals.
The BIARMG, spearheaded by the
Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR), is vice- chaired by
the Department of Interior and Local
Government (DILG) and the Department
of Tourism (DOT), with other crucial
government agencies as members,
namely the DPWH, DOJ, TIEZA, DTI,
DOLE, DSWD, PNP, the Province of
Aklan, and the Municipality of Malay.
The DOT has reported an 11% increase
in tourist arrivals in Boracay for Holy
Week 2019 over the same period
in 2018. To-date, the DOT lists 347
compliant DOT accredited hotels.
Regulation of tourist arrivals and number
of persons allowed to stay in the island
are being closely monitored in line with
sustainable tourism efforts. Tourists
were advised to confirm reservations
with DOT accredited hotels, to be
allowed entry into the island.
To improve the livelihood of the local
community as part of sustainable
tourism efforts, the DOT is working with
hotels and resorts in Boracay to stock
their bathrooms with soaps crafted
by the Boracay Ati Tribal Organization
(BATO) and has partnered with Technical
Education and Skills Development
Authority (TESDA). To offer free skills
training for Boracay residents, the DOT
has also launched the #MoreFunForever
campaign, which includes not only
economic initiatives for the locals, but
also visitor engagement to actively
become more responsible for keeping
Boracay clean.
At present, local government ordinances
prohibit activities on the beach areas,
like entry of motorcycles and tricycles,
eating, using of glass bottles on the
beach, partying, mounting of umbrellas,
deckchairs and tables, building of
sandcastles, and other activities that
could cause damage and pollution to the
white sand and blue waters of Boracay.
JULY-DECEMBER 2019 5
 COO Directives
RESPONSIBLE
MARKETING
for Sustainable Tourism
The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB)
has anchored their 2019 marketing
programs on strategies and promotional
activities that support the balance
between income and employment
generation,with conservation of local
culture and ecosystems.
In line with the National Tourism
Development Plan’s thrust and with the
Department of Tourism’s overarching
theme of sustainable and responsible
tourism, TPB Chief Operating Officer
(COO) Marie Venus Tan announced
that the TPB will pursue the following
strategies for 2019 that will translate
to various international and domestic
marketing initiatives:
• “Strengthening MICE” will entail
going after the big international
association conferences
like World Travel and
Tourism Council, World
Tourism Organization,
UNESCO Creative City,
iMap Websolutions, and
South by Southwest Music
Film Interactive, as well as
organizing local events like
“Philippines 500” an activity that
connects the country to the
celebration of the Quincentennial
Circumnavigation of the World
and invite Spanish-speaking
countries to visit the Philippines.
• “Soft power” Tangible cultural
representations of the Philippines
that lead to niche marketing
will allow tourists to experience
6 HEADLINES
ƌĂŶĐŚŽƵƚŽĨ^d/Ed/KE ĚƌŝǀĞŶŵĂƌŬĞƚŝŶŐ
ƚŽǁĂƌĚƐDKd/sd/KEZ/sEƐƚƌĂƚĞŐŝĞƐ
Focus on people’s /EdZ^d
EŽůŽŶŐĞƌŚĂƌĚƐĞůůďƵƚ^K&dWKtZ
h/>KEĐƵůƚƵƌĞ͕ŐĂƐƚƌŽŶŽŵLJ͕ƐƚƌĞŶŐƚŚ;ƐŵŝůĞƐͿ͕
ĂŶĚĞǀĞƌLJƚŚŝŶŐƚŽĚŽĂďŽƵƚ&ŝůŝƉŝŶŽǀĂůƵĞƐ
ĂŶĚŽƵƌ hE/YhEd/KE>^^d^͘
our unique Filipino culture that
supports creative economy and STRATEGIC MARKETING DIRECTIONS
local artisans.
• “Product Enhancement” aims to
provide experiential activities to HIGH EXTENDED OPTIMAL
tourists allowing them to interact SPEND STAY EXPERIENCE
with local communities and partake
in an authentic cultural immersion
of each destination.
• “One Country One Team
1 2 3
Approach” will include coordination
with other agencies on bringing
local Philippine crafts and products
to the international arena.
• “Going Beyond Geographical
Boundaries” means exploring ACTION PLAN
non- traditional travel fairs with high
attendance of global influencers.
D/ZE/E'
• “Cross Branding” will involve
in-store retail tie-ups with global dŽďƌŝŶŐďĂĐŬ
brands, which have promoted the
Philippines or aspects of Philippine
culture, like Oris, Hertz, Christian
WŚŝůŝƉƉŝŶĞƐĂƐƚŚĞ
“premiere M.I.C.E
destination” in Asia
3
Ed//Wd/E'
&hdhZsEd^ 4
Louboutin, Jewelmer, etc. ĂƉŝƚĂůŝnjĞŽŶ
ǁŽƌůĚĞǀĞŶƚƐ
• “Business Development” aims
2
to entice foreign film producers to
use the Philippines as location for DZ<d/E'
KDDhE/d/KE
their films or series, as well as air or
stream Filipino teleseryes in ASEAN
markets like Malaysia, Indonesia,
and Thailand.
ĚǀĞƌƚŝƐĞ ƚŽ Ăůů ŵĂƌŬĞƚƐ
ŝŶ ĐƌŽƐƐͲŚƵďƐ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ
'K'ZW,/
>Kd/KE 1
ǁŽƌůĚ͘ &ŽĐƵƐŽŶŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚ
Aside from booth participation in the ,ĞĂǀLJ ŽŶůŝŶĞ ĚŝŐŝƚĂů ƉůĂƚĨŽƌŵƐ ĚƌŝǀĞŶƐƚƌĂƚĞŐŝĞƐ
usual travel fairs, the TPB will also
ĂŶĚ ŽĨĨͲůŝŶĞ ĂĐƚŝǀĂƚŝŽŶƐ ƚŽ ĚƌĂǁ
organize consumer promotions in malls
ƉŽŝŶƚ ŽĨ ƐĂůĞƐ͘
in Korea, Japan, and China.
JULY-DECEMBER 2019 7
 Domestic Tourism Promotions
Domestic Tourism
RE-ENERGIZED
The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), thru its Domestic Promotions
Department, initiated two regional travel fairs in 2018 to enable tourism
businesses to tap into the huge Philippine domestic travel market. The
two regional travel fairs were held in Davao on 16-18 August 2018 and in
Bacolod on 25-28 October 2018.
DAVAO
The Davao Travel Fair, the second
regional travel fair organized by the
TPB, attracted a crowd of 20,000
visitors plus 48 sellers from Luzon and
Visayas who showcased booths and
table-top exhibits and 21 buyers from
Mindanao who participated in business-
to-business meetings.
8 HEADLINES
Aside from selling local tour packages
to the consumer public, the travel
fair featured a gender sensitivity and
tourism forum, offered games and
prizes to the public, and recreated
the Kadayawan Street Parade for the
participating sellers and buyers.
Sellers reported that the top queried
destinations were Palawan and Cebu/
Bohol. Good business leads for beach
holidays, adventure / sports tourism,
cultural tours and ecotours were also
generated.
BACOLOD
The Bacolod Regional Travel Fair, held
in October 2018, attracted 44 sellers
from Luzon and the Visayas, and 21
buyers from Mindanao. Co-sponsored
by the City of Bacolod, the event, which
was patterned after Davao’s, coincided
with the city’s Masskara Festival where
TPB participated with a float featuring
travel fair mascots, “Biya-hera” and
“Biya-hero.”
The fair’s buyers and sellers experienced
firsthand Bacolod’s travel offerrings
including a tour at Bongbong’s
Pasalubong Center to create a local
delicacy called piaya and a trip to
the JKN Fruit Farm to pick fruits like
lanzones and rambutan.
Feedback from the sellers indicated
that Palawan and Boracay topped
the preferred domestic destinations
of Bacolod visitors and activities
like beach holidays, cultural tours
and ecotourism were the most
requested.
Both the Davao and Bacolod
regional travel fairs aimed to
increase the volume of domestic
travelers and tourism expenditure
by offering a variety of new domestic
tour packages that would entice
Filipino tourists to travel locally.
BAGUIO’S ENTACOOL 2018
CREATIVE FESTIVAL
Living up to its reputation as a “Creative
City” Awardee of the UNESCO and
a member of the UNESCO Creative
Cities Network, Baguio City hosted
the ENTACool 2018 Baguio Creative
Festival last 10-18 November 2018.
The eight-day creative festival on arts
and crafts featured demonstrations of
local crafts and folk arts such as silver
making and weaving in culture hubs all
over the city; the “Talastasan Series on
Art and Creativity”, an eight day seminar
on local culture and artistic heritage
of Baguio held at the University of the
Philippines (UP) Baguio, a fashion show
Opening of the ENTACool. 2018 Baguio Creatives Festival at Forest Bathing – with showcasing local weavers; visits to art
presidents from different tourism associations and other stakeholders. museums and galleries featuring works
of local artists; and the inauguration
of a new tourist activity called “Forest
Bathing”.
A project of the DOT Cordillera
Autonomous Region (CAR) and the TPB
Domestic Promotions Department, with
the support of UP Baguio, ENTACool
2018 Baguio Creative Festival is a step
towards the integration of crafts and
products into a destination’s sustainable
tourism economy. The festival likewise
strengthened Baguio’s position as a
center of creativity, being only the 6th
ASEAN city to be allowed membership
into the prestigious UNESCO Creative
Cities Network.
The TPB announces the availability of new regional brochures, based on the regional ENTACool 2018 Baguio Creative
classification of the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2016-2022. Produced by
the Domestic Promotions Department of the TPB, with technical assistance from the DOT Festival not only unified the creative
regional offices, the sleek new regional brochures provide an overview of what attractions sector of the Cordilleras, but also
await tourists in each of the twenty NTDP regions, as well as the activities possible, popular provided another reason for domestic
products for shopping, and local gastronomical delights. tourists to rediscover Baguio.
JULY-DECEMBER 2019 9
 International Tourism Promotions
“IT’S MORE FUN”
CAMPAIGN REFRESHED AT ITB-BERLIN
The launch of the refreshed “It’s More Fun in the Philippines”
brand campaign of the DOT was the highlight of this year’s
Philippine participation at the Internationale Tourismus Borse
(ITB) held in Berlin, Germany last 6-10 March 2019.
DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat also showed a video
of Boracay before and after the rehabilitation to showcase
Philippine government initiatives towards sustainable tourism.
The launch featured a video presentation with memes in
German using photographs of various destinations in the
Philippines to illustrate how the German market can join in the
refreshed “It’s More Fun” campaign.
10 HEADLINES
During the event, the Philippines displayed a 253 square The Philippine coffee experience area offered a newly roasted Cordillera
meter booth designed by the award-winning Filipino coffee beans, served by coffee scientists from La Union, to entice trade visitors
designer, Kenneth Cobonpue. The booth was composed of to visit the Philippine booth.
four individual stands, which represented the sea, mountain,
city, and ethnic highlands. The image of the sea was evoked
by LED screens showing Palawan and a long “beach”
space, while the city feel was done with trees, a coffee
bar, and meeting places dotted with Cobonpue’s Yoda
chairs and Chiquita stools. An area showcasing the
different kinds of weaves from Luzon, Visayas, and
Mindanao was provided for, with live demonstrations
(continue reading page 12)
The facade of the Philippine
main stand where co-exhibitors
(private exhibitors) conducted business-
to-business sessions during the ITB trade
days. It featured a wall of LED screens
with a moving image of Palawan to show
the sea while the tan carpet represented
beach sand. Overhead were cloud lamps
and a roof bearing small wood and A live demonstration of Philippine weavers and their works of art: from Luzon is Irene Bimuyag, a weaver
metal houses on stilts with lights that from Kalinga (left photo); the Visayas representative is Mercy Apatin, a Buri banig maker (middle photo); and
were programmed to change color such from Mindanao is Myrna Ampatin, a T’boli weaver.
as reddish-orange or yellow, warm white
light during daytime and blue in the
evening.
JULY-DECEMBER 2019 11
 International Tourism Promotions

(from page 10)

of Philippine loom weaving from organizations were represented by a
Kalinga, buri banig weaving from the contingent of 56 people this year.
Visayas, and T’Boli handweaving from
Mindanao. The TPB and the DOT Frankfurt Office
also worked with media organizations,
As crowd-drawers for the Philippine like the International Media
booth, samples of Philippine cuisine, Marketplace, FVW Travel
like adlai, laing, adobo, kinilaw, Magazine, TTG-ITB How
etc., were served during the fair, Daily, and Travel Weekly
accompanied by short talks explaining Asia, to gain wider
the Filipino dishes available for tasting. publicity exposure for the
Coffee from the Cordilleras, Negros Philippines at the 2019
Occidental, and Davao, paired with ITB.
coconut milk as cappuccinos and with
chocolate from Davao as mochas, were The 2019 ITB
also a big favorite among the visitors to was visited by
the Philippine booth at the ITB. 113,500 guests and
participated by 10,000
Philippine participation at the 2019 exhibitors from 181
ITB was organized by the TPB with the countries, making it
DOT head office and the DOT Frankfurt still the world’s leading
Office. Twenty (20) Philippine tourism travel trade show. Secretary Puyat delivered her opening
remarks followed by a video presentation
featuring memes in German and photos of
various Philippine destinations.

International launching of the refreshed

Department of Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, It’s More Fun in the Philippines campaign An awarded musical theatre Percussionist group from
along with COO Marie Venus Q. Tan, Margarita Patricia Valdes, at The Reed Berlin and film actress, Joanna Ampil Bacolod, Gruppo Tribale
PDOT-Frankfurt Office Tourism Director, led the Philippine
delegation which was composed of 10 tour operators, nine
hotels/resorts plus the Philippine Retirement Authority.
Apl.de.ap of the multiple Grammy-award
winning pop group Black Eyed Peas

12 HEADLINES JULY-DECEMBER 2019 13

 International Tourism Promotions
SELLING TO
KOREA
The 2018 Philippine Business
Mission to Seoul, Korea, organized
by the TPB with the DOT, took
place in November 2018 with the
participation of forty (40) members
of the Philippine tourism private
sector.
Composed of 33 resorts and
hotels, four airlines and three tour
operators, the Philippine private
sector sellers met with more than
200 Korean travel agents that
offered adventure travel, general
leisure/holiday vacation tours,
culture & heritage tours, incentive
travel, and cruise during the
business meetings. The sessions
provided the Philippine delegation
with the opportunity to renew ties
with their partners in the Korean
travel industry, as well as apprise
them of new Philippine products
and local industry developments.
Now on its 10th year of
implementation, this year’s sales
mission had “Christmas in the
Philippines“ as a theme, and
showcased Philippine fiesta cuisine
by award-winning Filipino Chef
Claude Tayag during the reception for
the Korean travel agents and Media
members. The new digital marketing
tool, “Augmented Reality” was
introduced and Filipino musicians
serenaded the Korean guests at
the Philippine dinner. Philippine
Ambassador to Korea, H.E. Raul
Hernandez, delivered the Welcome
Remarks for the evening, while the
Korea World Travel Fair Chairman,
Mr. Jung Mok Shin, gave the Opening
Remarks.
14 HEADLINES
Business to Business Meetings
PAHIYAS FESTIVAL AT WTM
The colorful “kipings” of the Pahiyas
Festival attracted visitors to the
Philippine booth at the 39th World
Travel Market (WTM) in London last
5-7 November 2018.
The 370 square meter stand of the
Philippines featured the provincial
destinations of Bacolod, Banaue, Bicol,
Bohol, Cebu, Palawan, and Siargao.
Seventeen (17) Philippine tourism
companies, dealing with the United
Kingdom and Europe, transacted
business at the booth during the day,
while the afternoons were filled with a
Mabuhay Cocktail Reception, featuring
The Philippine Pavilion featuring the Pahiyas Festival.
a Filipino flair bartender; servings of
Filipino delicacies and ice cream; and
traditional dance performances by the
group “Lahing Kayumanggi”. A MICE
presentation on the Philippines for
invited buyers was also held at the
booth to increase business leads for
the Philippine delegation.
Visitors to the Philippine booth gave
positive feedback on the closure of
Boracay, as a sign of the country’s
efforts towards sustainable tourism.
The WTM reported almost 89,000
visitors over the 3-day period of the
travel mart.
BEACH HOLIDAYS
Still Popular at ATF
Beach holidays were still the most sought after Philippine
product by international buyers from the sixteen (16) private
sector sellers from the Philippines who participated at the
ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2019, held last 14-18 January
2019 in Ha Long, Vietnam.
The Philippine seller delegates, who met their contacts
at the official appointment sessions of the ATF and at the
Philippine booth, confirmed that after beach holidays,
conference/convention and diving were the two other
tourism products that the buyers inquired about from
Philippine sellers. A total of 388 contacts were reportedly
made by the Philippine government and private sector
sellers at the event.
The ATF 2019 Philippine delegation, headed by the DOT
Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, was composed of
Bluewater Resorts, Seda Hotels, Canvas Boutique Hotel,
Adventure International Tours, Inc., Okada Manila, Pan
Pacific Travel Corporation, Best Western Ivywall Hotel,
Waterfront Hotels and Casino, Flyeast Philippines, Subic
Bay Metropolitan Authority, Plantation Bay Resort and Spa,
Marsman Drysdale Travel Inc., Movenpick Resort & Spa
Boracay, Uni-Orient Travel, Inc., Ang’s Tour, Inc., Philippine
Airlines, and government officials from the DOT and TPB.
The yearly gathering was graced by tourism leaders from the
10 ASEAN countries, who held their own tourism meetings
and conference, with discussions centered on the theme
“Power of One”.
The TPB organized the 270 square meter-Philippine booth
participation at the ATF 2019 and hosted a late night Philippine
function, featuring Philippine entertainers, on 17 January
2019 for the ASEAN government meeting delegates, buyers,
and selected media. This has been the 38th consecutive year
that the Philippines has participated at the ATF as a member
of the ASEAN region.
Brunei Darussalam will host the ATF in 2020 with the theme
“Together Towards a Next Generation of Travel” and is
expected to attract some 1,600 participants.
JULY-DECEMBER 2019 15
 MICE MICECON 2018 SONG
MICECON 2018: Sweetened in Bacolod MICECON 2018 Plenary Session at the SMX Convention Center
MICECON! It’s happening!
I’m on track, ahead in everything
Travel, tourism, all I need to know
The best minds in the business:
KNOWLEDGE ON THE GO!
Bacolod SINCE 2010, we’ve been on a quest
A Night of Magic and MICEtery, the A journey shared with the very best
And now before the year comes to an end
themed farewell dinner hosted by TPB at We set our course…
The Ruins, capped off MICECON 2018 in Because once again: IT’S HAPPENING!!!
the City of Smiles
Meetings. Incentives Travel. Conventions
Exhibitions and Events.
The Philippines’ own MICECon
The most exciting Conference!

Integrating two events

By PACEOS, and by MITE Philippines
The four-day conference was spearheaded by TPB Chief Operating In Subic, in Cebu
Officer Marie Venus Q. Tan (center) and Bacolod City Mayor Evelio MICECON 2018 Speakers, Delegates, In Davao, then in Clark!
“Bing” Leonardia (third from left). Others in photo are (L-R) Bacolod City Performers and Secretariat Group photo Manila now Bacolod
Councilor Em Ang, DOT Region VI Director Helen J. Catalbas, Bacolod during the Closing Ceremonies of the City Vice Mayor Ed Familiaran, City The best from ‘round the globe
City Administrator John Orola, DOT Assistant Secretary Roberto Alabado MICECON 2018 at the SMX Convention Councilor Cindy Rojas, City Councilor Networking and connections
III and DOT Policy Formulation and International Cooperation Division Center, Bacolod City Em Ang, City Mayor Bing Leonardia, TPB A priceless treasure trove!
Chief Alex Macatuno. COO Marie Venus Q. Tan, DOT Asec. Robby
Alabado III and City Administrator John O. YES, WE COME FROM ALL OVER
The conference delegates tried their hand at conducting an Orolla during the Mardi Gras sa MICEKara, BUT FROM THIS DAY ON, WE MOVE AS
orchestra as Maestro MICE Conductors during the Coffee Break on a Mardi Gras-themed hosted dinner at the ONE!
Conference Day 1 New Government Center Grounds Following... OUR ROADMAP!

The well-attended MICECON! It’s happening!

MICECON Breakout MICECON Delegates with the 3D Letters We’re on track, ahead in everything
#MICECON2018 Travel, tourism, all we need to know
Session on We are All in With the roadmap in our hands,
Sales: Success Strategies MICECON HERE WE GO!
for Selling Ideas / Products
/ Services / You with Ms. And in twelve years we will get there
Susan Sarfati, CEO of High Coz MICECON once again
Performance Strategies at Vintage Negros, the Province of Negros Brings you the finest Speakers…
MICECON 2018 Speakers and Moderators / Facilitators with TPB Resorts Negrense Occidental’s hosted themed dinner, was And the ROADMAP we present!
COO Marie Venus Q. Tan (center) attended by MICECON 2018 Speakers, DOT
Officials, The Province of Negros Occidental MICECON! It’s happening!
Awarding of winners of the best dressed Officials, the City of Bacolod Officials and We’re on track, ahead in everything
delegates (based on the daily themes) for MICECON delegates. Travel, tourism, all we need to know
the two-day conference with DOT Assistant With the roadmap in our hands,
Secretary Howard Lance Uyking (far left) MICECON HERE WE GO!
and MICECON2018 Conference Convenor MICECON HERE WE GO!
Ms. Teresita de Luna-Landan (far right).

The Bacolod Girl’s Home Foundation

at the factories of Merzci Pasalubong and
Bong-Bong’s Piaya and Barquillos

Masskara Festival Dancers from

Barangay Pahanocoy of Bacolod and
MICECON 2018 First-Time Attendees Session. MICECON newbies with Ms. Teresita de Luna-Landan, Officer-in-Charge of the MICE Department, MICECON 2018 Speakers and Delegates at the Special Gruppo Tribale during the MICECON
and Ms. Jing Lagandaon, Chairman of the Philippines Association of Convention/ Exhibition Organizers and Suppliers, Inc. (PACEOS). Pre-Conference Tour and CSR Activity with representatives 2018 Opening Ceremonies at the SMX
from the Holy Infant Nursery Foundation Convention Center Bacolod
16 HEADLINES JULY-DECEMBER 2019 17
 Corporate News
CHRISTMAS AT KIDZANIA
The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) under its Turismo Pamasko sa mga Bata, an annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Project, sponsored 30 children from Autism Society Philippines (ASP) and brought them to Kidzania Manila last 17 December
2018.
The program, which started in 2014, involved bringing children with challenging circumstances to a chosen place to experience
the joys and the cheers of the Christmas season.
Recognition Of Sustainable Community-Based
Tourism Destination In The Philippines
The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) is encouraging
community-based tourism stakeholders to think green with
the launch of TPB’s “Sustainable Community-Based Tourism”
(SCBT) Recognition Program.
In line with TPB’s direction of “Green Marketing Approach in
Tourism”, the SCBT aims to identify the best sustainable tourism
sites and attractions in the country; recognize sustainability
efforts and achievements of LGU’s, NGO’s, and the private
sector; elicit commitment of the tourism industry stakeholders
in implementing sustainable tourism-related initiatives;
18 HEADLINES
THE Tourism’s
WTTCContribution
REPORT:
to the Philippine Economy
The World Travel & Tourism Council
(WTTC) study “Travel & Tourism
Economic Impact 2018 Philippines”
reported the direct contribution of
the tourism industry to the Philippine
economy in 2017 to be PHP1,377.7
billion (USD$27.3 billion) or 8.7% of
total GDP for said year. This is expected
to increase by 6.2% to PHP1,463.6
billion in 2018. The direct contribution is
expected to grow by 5.7% per annum
between 2018 to 2028, to PHP2,547.8
billion by 2028, equivalent to 9.1% of
total GDP by 2028.
The direct contribution of travel
and tourism to the GDP reflects the
spending on tourism within the country
by residents and visitors for business
and leisure travel purposes, as well as
government spending directly linked
to tourism services. It is calculated
to be consistent with the economic
activity generated by the different
sectors of tourism, such as airlines,
hotels, airports, travel agencies, and
other leisure or recreation facilities and
services.
But, the WTTC recognizes that the
tourism industry has a wider impact
showcase developed unique tourism products of the country;
inspire tourism stakeholders to share sustainable tourism
best practices; and attract investors for the development of
TRAVEL & TOURISM
designated green tourism areas and attractions. ECONOMIC IMPACT 2018
PHILIPPINES
The SCBT recognized destinations must have the following
elements of tourism: ecotourism; cultural tourism; adventure
tourism; and farm tourism.
The best sustainable tourism sites will be recognized during
the Philippine Travel Exchange in October.
on the economy due to its “multiplier
effect.” The industry’s total contribution
includes indirect effects of tourism to
the food and goods supply industries,
employment, infrastructure investments,
and other government spending (roads,
security, sanitation services, etc).
The WTTC estimated the total
contribution of the tourism industry in
2017 to PHP3,347.6 billion, or 21.1%
of GDP and is expected to grow by
5.9% to PHP3,546.2 billion in 2018.
It is forecasted to rise by 5.8% per
annum to PHP6,240.6 billion by 2028,
contributing about 22.4% to the GDP.
In terms of employment, the tourism
industry directly generated 2.348
million jobs in 2017 or 5.8% of total
employment. This figure is expected
to grow by 6.6% in 2018, producing
2.503 million jobs. By 2028, the WTTC
calculates jobs directly generated by
the tourism industry to rise to 3.220
million at a growth rate of 2.6% per
annum between 2018 to 2028.
Overall, total employment benefits of the
tourism industry was 7.796 million jobs
in 2017 (19.2% of total employment in
the country) and is expected to increase
to 8.280 million jobs in 2018. By 2028,
The tourism industry is expected to
support 10.540 million jobs as total
employment contribution on a growth
rate of 2.4% rate per annum over a ten-
year period.
In terms of revenue as a dollar earner
for the country, visitor receipts from the
tourism industry amounted to PHP379.7
billion in 2017, a figure equivalent to 8.0
% of total exports for the said year. By
2018, this is expected to grow by 3.4%
and the country is projected to attract
6,745,000 international tourist arrivals.
By 2028, international tourist arrivals
are forecasted to reach 10.650 million
generating a total expenditure of
PHP665 billion, or an increase in visitor
receipts of 5.4% per annum between
2018 to 2028.
Capital investment-wise, the tourism
industry attracted PHP95.1 billion in
2017. This is expected to grow by 4.5%
in 2018 and become 5.2% per annum
between 2018 to 2028, resulting in a
capital investment figure of PHP 164.5
billion by 2028.
JULY-DECEMBER 2019 19
Events Calendar
INTERNATIONAL PROMOTIONS DEPARTMENT TRAVEL FAIRS, CONSUMER EVENTS, BUSINESS MISSIONS,
DOMESTIC PROMOTIONS PROGRAMS, MICE AND SALES PRESENTATIONS (JULY - DECEMBER 2019)
EVENT DATE / VENUE PROJECT OFFICER
PHILIPPINE TOURISM DESTINATION INVENTORY – SAMAR 04-07 July 2019 Alberto B. Gadia
Email: alberto_gadia@tpb.gov.ph
Tel: +632 5259318 loc 247
ASIA DIVE EXPO (ADEX) BEIJING 12-14 July 2019 Hannah Yabyabin
New China International Exhibition Center, Beijing, China Email: hannah_sarmiento@tpb.gov.ph
Tel: 63 2 525-9318 loc 233
PHILIPPINE TOURISM DESTINATION INVENTORY – SARANGANI / 15-20 July 2019 Alberto B. Gadia
SOUTH COTABATO Email: alberto_gadia@tpb.gov.ph
Tel: +632 5259318 loc 272
PHILIPPINE TOURISM DESTINATION INVENTORY – SORSOGON 02-06 August 2019 Alberto B. Gadia
Email: alberto_gadia@tpb.gov.ph
Tel: +632 5259318 loc 247
PHILIPPINE LEISURE AND MICE BUSINESS MISSION 13-16 August 2019 Leisure: Reimark Mendoza
TO MALAYSIA AND SINGAPORE Kuala Lumpur, Penang Malaysia and Singapore Email: reimark_mendoza@tpb.gov.ph
Tel: +632 5259318 loc 290
James A. Sy
Email: james_sy@tpb.gov.ph
Tel: +632 5259318 loc 290
Natashia Blanquisco
Email: natashia_blanquisco@tpb.gov.ph
Tel: +632 5259318 loc 225
Jasmin Parra
Email: jas_parra@tpb.gov.ph
Monica Sta. Ana
Email: monica_staana@tpb.gov.ph
Tel: +632 5259318 loc 290
MARKETING EDUCATIONAL SEMINAR @ CEBU 19-23 August 2019 Rona Jean N. Olaivar
Email: rona_olaivar@tpb.gov.ph
Tel: +632 5259318 loc 247
5TH REGIONAL TRAVEL FAIR 22-25 August 2019 Michelle S. Alcantara
Cagayan de Oro City Email: michelle_alcantara@tpb.gov.ph
Tel: +632 5259318 loc 242
PHILIPPINE TRAVEL MART 30 August - 01 September Nicole Evangelista
SMX Convention Center, Pasay City Email: nicole_evangelista@tpb.gov.ph
Tel: +632 5259318 loc 242
BUSAN INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL FAIR 05-08 September 2019 Andy Pagaduan
BEXCO, Busan, Korea Email: andy_pagaduan@tpb.gov.ph
Tel: +632 525-9318 loc 233
MODE TOUR TRAVEL MART 05-08 September 2019 Anjella Calzado
Seoul, Korea Email: anjella_calzado@tpb.gov.ph
Tel: +63 2 525-9318 loc 233
IMEX AMERICA 10-12 September 2019 Charisse Fajardo-Lacson
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA Email: charisse_fajardo@tpb.gov.ph
Tel: +632 5259318 loc. 223
Mary Ann Caramat
Email: maryann_caramat@tpb.gov.ph
Tel: +632 5259318 loc. 222
CHINA-ASEAN EXPO (CAEXPO) 12-15 September 2019 Gemma S. Isic
Nanning, China Email: gemma_isic@tpb.gov.ph
Tel: +632 5259318 loc. 290
PHILIPPINE BUSINESS MISSION TO SOUTHERN CHINA 16-22 September 2019 Gemma S. Isic
Chengdu, Chongqing and Shanghai, China Email: gemma_isic@tpb.gov.ph
Tel: 5259318 loc. 290
PATA TRAVEL MART 18-20 September 2019 Monina Valdez
Astana, Kazakhstan Email:monina_valdez@tpb.gov.ph
Tel: +632 5259318 loc 290
Alace Delas Alas
Email:patricia_delasalas@tpb.gov.ph
Tel: +632 5259318 loc 290
PHILIPPINE BUSINESS MISSION TO THE UNITED KINGDOM 23-27 September 2019 Nerissa Cruz
England, Wales, Scotland Email: neri_cruz@tpb.gov.ph
Tel: +632 5259318 loc 287
IT & CMA 24-26 September 2019 Jasmin Parra
Bangkok, Thailand Email: jas_parra@tpb.gov.ph
Tel: +632 5259318 loc. 228
Sherdoll Bayona
Email: sherdoll_bayona@tpb.gov.ph
Tel: +632 5259318 loc. 222
Grace La Rosa
Email: grace_larosa@tpb.gov.ph
Tel: +632 5259318 loc. 237
PHILIPPINE BUSINESS MISSION TO AUSTRALIA 01-04 October 2019 Micaela Ochoa
Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane,Perth, Australia Email: micaela_ochoa@tpb.gov.ph
Tel: +632 5259318 loc. 290
LUXPERIENCE 07-10 October 2019 Micaela B. Ochoa
Sydney, Australia Email: micaela_ochoa@tpb.gov.ph
Tel: +63 2 5259318 to 27 loc 290 / 5257320
ITB ASIA 16-18 October 2019 Monica Sta. Ana
Sands Expo and Convention Centre Marina Bay Sands, Singapore Email: monica_staana@tpb.gov.ph
Tel: +632 5259318 loc 290
PHILIPPINE TRAVEL EXCHANGE 19-28 October 2019 / TBA James A. Sy
Email: james_sy@tpb.gov.ph
Tel: +6325259318 loc 290
Trixia Medina
Email: trixia_medina@tpb.gov.ph
Tel: +632529318 loc 290
PHILIPPINE BUSINESS MISSION TO NORTHERN CHINA 20-26 October 2019 Hannah Yabyabin
Tianjin, Hebei and Zhengzhou, China Email: hannah_sarmiento@tpb.gov.ph
Tel: +632 5259318 loc. 233
MICECONNECT 2019 21-23 October 2019 Sherdoll Bayona
Venue TBA Email: sherdoll_bayona@tpb.gov.ph
Tel: +632 5259318 loc 222
Charisse Fajardo-Lacson
Email: charisse_fajardo@tpb.gov.ph
Tel: +632 5259318 loc 223
MARKETING EDUCATIONAL SEMINAR @ BUTUAN 21-25 October 2019 Rona Jean N. Olaivar
Email: rona_olaivar@tpb.gov.ph
Tel: +632 5259318 loc 247
TOURISM EXPO JAPAN (JATA) 24-27 October 2019 Leanne Madrilejos
INTEX, Osaka Japan Email: leanne_madrilejos@tpb.gov.ph
Tel: +632 525-9318 loc 233
DIVE BIRMINGHAM 26-27 October 2019 Nerissa Cruz
Birmingham, England, United Kingdom Email: neri_cruz@tpb.gov.ph
Tel: +632 5259318 loc 287
WORLD TRAVEL MARKET 04-06 November 2019 Nerissa Cruz
London, England United Kingdom Email: neri_cruz@tpb.gov.ph
Tel: +632 5259318 loc 287
DIVING EQUIPMENT AND MARKETING ASSOCIATION (DEMA) SHOW 13-16 November 2019 Orlando, Florida, USA Wendy A. Fajardo
Email: wendy_fajardo@tpb.gov.ph
Tel: +632 5259318 loc. 234
IBTM WORLD 19-21 November 2019 Teresita De Luna-Landan
Barcelona, Spain Email: baby_landan@tpb.gov.ph
Tel: +632 5259318 loc. 242
Natashia Blanquisco
Email: natashia_blanquisco@tpb.gov.ph
Tel: +632 5259318 loc. 225
DIVING RESORT TRAVEL (DRT) EXPO HONG KONG 13-15 December 2019 Alace Delas Alas
Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Hong Kong patricia_delasalas@tpb.gov.ph
Tel: +632 5259318 loc. 290

For more information, visit our website: www.tpb.gov.ph