The Philippines Department of Tourism (DOT) and its attached agency, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), have recorded an impressive estimate of Php 260 million worth of negotiated sales from more than 300 business meetings during the Internationale Tourismus-Börse (ITB) in Berlin. The 3-day networking event showcased the Philippines as a strong contender in the world’s largest travel and tourism trade fair. The successful participation of the Philippines in ITB Berlin strengthened the country’s position as a world-class tourist destination, and brightened the prospects for the local tourism industry’s recovery. The country’s delegation included tour operators, online travel agencies, travel websites, and communities with 26 co-exhibitors, showcasing the country’s natural beauty and rich culture to over 160,000 guests.
According to Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, the Philippines’ success in the event demonstrates the endless potential of Philippine tourism under the Marcos administration. The event highlighted the Philippines’ rich culture and sustainable tourism, including its weavers’ hand-loom products passed down from generations, such as the Tinalak of South Cotabato and Yakan of Zamboanga. Kape de Filipina’s coffee and chocolates, and Ayan’s delicious Filipino cuisine were also served to delight the guests.
In addition, two cities in Negros Occidental, Sagay, and Bago, won awards for their inspirational initiatives for sustainable tourism in the Green Destination Story Awards. Sagay won second place in the Nature and Scenery Category and the People’s Choice Award for its entry, “Mangrove Forest Protection through Community-based EcoTourism Project,” while Bago City’s entry, “Reviving the Majestic Diversity of Bago Watershed,” took the third spot in the Environment and Climate Category.
ITB Berlin News partnered with Click A Tree for its sustainability partner, and the founder of Click A Tree, Chris Kaiser, selected the Philippines for this year’s tree planting project. The site will be in Davao Oriental, Mindanao, and Kaiser will be visiting the Philippines in September for the tree planting initiative.
TPB annually participates in ITB Berlin to secure increased arrivals, receipts, and investments for the country, which provides the Philippine travel trade with an opportunity to network with relevant decision-makers from new and existing tourism markets across Europe, America, and Asia.
