The ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2024 concluded on a positive note for the Philippines, generating over 400 million Philippine pesos in negotiated sales leads during its three-day business-to-business sessions held from January 24 to 26, 2024, in Vientiane, Laos. Led by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, the Philippine delegation comprised 15 local exhibitors from various sectors including the airline industry, hotels and resorts, tour operators/ destination management companies, and convention centers, facilitating networking and engagement with 79 international buyers.
“The remarkable turnout of the Philippine delegation at the business-to-business sessions surpassed our expectations and underscores the keen interest in the diverse tourism offerings of the Philippines. The fruitful exchanges between our local stakeholders and international buyers have not only fortified existing partnerships but also paved the way for promising collaborations. We eagerly anticipate reaping the benefits of these interactions throughout the year,” stated Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles, Chief Operating Officer of the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB).
The Philippine pavilion showcased the nation’s acclaimed destinations, including Intramuros, Palawan, and Cebu, alongside a captivating presentation of the rich cultural heritage of the T’boli people through traditional patterns from the t’nalak weave. Booth visitors were also treated to a taste of Antipolo, Rizal’s renowned Kaulayaw Coffee.
TPB and DOT organized a special event at the Grand Ballroom of Landmark Mekong Riverside Hotel to showcase Philippine cuisine and culture on the global stage. Additionally, they announced the Philippines’ hosting of the 36th Joint Meeting of the United Nations (UN) Tourism Commission for East Asia and the Pacific & the UN Tourism Commission for South Asia (36th CAP-CSA) and the 1st UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Asia and the Pacific in Cebu in June.
The gathering united delegates from various National Tourism Organizations, Philippine tourism stakeholders, international buyers, and media to savor curated flavors of Filipino cuisine by Chef Don Baldosano of Linamnam restaurant and enjoy an array of cultural performances by local talents.
Destileria Limtuaco & Co. Inc., the Philippines’ oldest distillery, proudly sponsored the late-night function, treating attendees to signature beverages such as Paradise Mango Rum, Manille Liqueur De Dalandan, Manille Liqueur De Calamansi, Intramuros Liqueur De Cacao, and Amadeo Coffee Liqueur.
Moreover, the Philippines received accolades at the ASEAN Tourism Awards, a prestigious program honoring excellence in tourism businesses and destinations within the ASEAN region.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco recognized the winners during the Philippine-hosted event, praising their dedication to not only the Department’s standards for the local tourism industry but also to the entire region. She remarked, “I extend my congratulations to all the winners of the ASEAN Tourism Awards, and I extend, especially my heartfelt congratulations, to my fellow Filipinos—our Filipino tourism establishments—who managed to clinch these most prestigious awards this evening. Truly, you are the pride of the Philippines.”
Among the notable achievements, Palawan-based property Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort was named the lead partner for “Enchanting Gastronomical Sabang Delights, Beach Forest and Caves” under the ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Awards.
Additionally, cities such as Baguio in Benguet, Ilagan in Isabela, and Tabuk in Kalinga were recognized as ASEAN Clean Tourist Cities.
Prime properties including Pearl Farm Beach Resort, Club Paradise Palawan, Bohol Beach Club, Seda Nuvali, and The Forest Lodge at Camp John Hay were honored with the ASEAN Green Hotel Award.
The ASEAN Meeting, Incentive, Convention and Exhibition (MICE) Venue Awards celebrated 15 Philippine venues for their top-notch facilities and exceptional performance across three categories: meeting room, exhibition hall venue, and event venue category.
Winners included Bai Hotel Cebu, Clark Marriott Hotel, Hilton Clark Sun Valley Resort, Princesa Garden Island Resort & Spa, and Seda Hotel Nuvali for the meeting room category.
In the exhibition hall category, accolades went to World Trade Center Metro Manila (Manila Exposition Complex), SMX Convention Center Manila, Cordillera Convention Hall by Baguio Country Club, Isabela Convention Center (ICON), and Iloilo Convention Center.
Lastly, recipients of the event venue category included Palacio del Sur by Marcian Group, Jpark Island Resort & Waterpark Cebu, Infinity Garden by Baguio Country Club, CAP-John Hay Trade and Cultural Center, and Princesa Garden Island Resort and Spa by Modern Asia, Inc.
With the momentum gained from this event, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) and Department of Tourism (DOT) are poised to enhance the Philippines’ reputation as a premier tourist destination in the ASEAN region.
