The Philippines is poised to shine at the World Travel Market (WTM) 2023, scheduled from November 6 to November 8, 2023, at the ExCel Convention Centre in London, United Kingdom. The Department of Tourism (DOT) and its promotional arm, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, will showcase the country’s destinations, tourism circuits, and attractions.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco will lead the Philippine delegation to WTM 2023, accompanied by TPB Chief Operating Officer Margarita Montemayor Nograles and around 20 private sector tourism stakeholders. This delegation aims to spotlight Philippine tourism, establish crucial connections between Philippine tourism providers and international buyers, and generate interest in hosting international events in the diverse and beautiful islands of the Philippines.
WTM London, renowned as the foremost platform for travel and tourism, attracts thousands of tourism professionals from around the world. In 2022, the event welcomed over 35,000 tourism professionals from 184 countries. This year’s event is expected to be 20% larger, featuring new exhibitors from various regions worldwide, including prominent participants from the UK.
Secretary Frasco remarked, “Our participation at the World Travel Mart will market and promote the Philippines as a global destination with diverse and unique offerings, from our award-winning beaches and dive sites, world-renowned mountain landscapes, immersive heritage sites, and vibrant cultural traditions, to tourism communities that cater to the preferences of every traveler.”
She added, “This global exposure also helps us attract more investors who can enhance our portfolio of tourism gems, aligning with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s vision to position the country as a tourism powerhouse in Asia.”
A Dazzling Showcase of the Philippines
The Philippine Pavilion will showcase a captivating array of destinations, including Intramuros, honored as Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction at the 29th World Travel Awards, symbolizing the rich cultural and historical heritage of the country. Palawan, a gem among the Philippines’ islands and ranked 6th in Asia according to the 2023 Condé Nast Traveler’s (CNT) Top 10, will prominently feature in the pavilion. Other tourism gems like the enchanting Chocolate Hills in Bohol, the Philippines’ first UNESCO Global Geopark, and Siargao, recognized as one of Asia’s top islands for the 2023 CNT Readers, will also be showcased, highlighting the pristine beauty of the Philippines.
The Philippine Pavilion will not only display the country’s stunning destinations but also its most valuable asset—the Filipino people. The delegation plans to demonstrate Filipino hospitality and talent, offering a glimpse of the country’s unique culture. From talented performers to skilled weavers, mixologists, and baristas, Filipino talent is poised to leave a lasting impression on the world.
“Traveling is already a life-changing experience, but it becomes even more powerful when accompanied by memorable interactions,” stated TPB COO Nograles. “Our weaving demonstration, which will narrate the story of the Cordilleran weavers, aims to do just that, inspiring awe through the appreciation of tradition and an age-old craft. We hope this will encourage those who have yet to visit the Philippines to embark on that journey.”
In the age of the Internet of Things (IoT), the Philippines is well-prepared to offer a more digitized experience. The Philippine Pavilion will immerse attendees in a captivating experience, featuring virtual tours of Philippine destinations on a video wall. It will also provide a sneak peek of the Travel Philippines App, serving as a guide for travelers eager to explore their dream destinations. The app will be complemented by DOT-accredited tour guides who can craft personalized itineraries to make travelers’ dreams come true.
The design of the Philippine Pavilion ingeniously blends natural materials with the Solihiya, a traditional Filipino pattern symbolizing unity, strength, and resilience. This unique pattern will prominently feature in the stand’s architectural elements and decor, creating a visually striking and culturally immersive ambiance. Visitors will also have the opportunity to ride bamboo bikes for touring the Intramuros complex and try on traditional costumes like the Filipiniana or the Barong Tagalog.
The Philippines extends a warm invitation to the world to join in this extraordinary experience. Learn more about WTM London 2023 here: https://www.wtm.com/london/en-gb.html
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