PH bags four major travel awards

By  Moises Cruz

December 6, 2023 

(UPDATE) THE Philippines bagged four major awards at the World Travel Awards 2023 held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on December 1 (Dubai Time).

For the first time, the Philippines received the Global Tourism Resilience Award for demonstrating "global leadership, pioneering vision and innovation to overcome critical challenges and adversity."

Department of Tourism Undersecretary Shahlimar Hofer Tamano and Assistant Secretary Rica Bueno received the Philippines' four awards from the World Travel Awards in a ceremony held in Dubai. PHOTO FROM DOT CENTRAL OFFICE 

Department of Tourism Undersecretary Shahlimar Hofer Tamano and Assistant Secretary Rica Bueno received the Philippines' four awards from the World Travel Awards in a ceremony held in Dubai. PHOTO FROM DOT CENTRAL OFFICE

As one of only five countries and destinations worldwide cited for this inaugural award, the Philippines and other "inaugural winners will serve as benchmarks for best practices in tourism resilience." The Philippines was also named the World's Leading Dive Destination and the World's Leading Beach Destination for the second time, defending the titles in 2022. For the first time, the Philippines was named the World's Leading City Destination for its capital, Manila.

"With these remarkable triumphs, the Philippines reinforces its position as an unparalleled destination, inviting travelers to explore our captivating shores, vibrant underwater realms and dynamic urban landscapes as they immerse in our culture and heritage, and create unforgettable memories with the distinct grace and hospitality of the Filipino people," Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said in a statement on Tuesday.

The 30th annual World Travel Awards seeks to recognize achievements in travel, tourism and hospitality industries.

DoT chief promotes Mindanao to tourists

By  Moises Cruz

November 27, 2023 20

DEPARTMENT of Tourism (DoT) Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco urged local and foreign travelers on Friday, November 24, to reconsider their assumptions about Mindanao and to explore the island's halal food and rich culture for a multidimensional tourism experience.

This is in line with the DoT-hosted event on Tuesday at the Dusit Thani Manila in Makati, entitled "Bismillah: An Evening of Faith, Love, and the Flavors of Mindanao," which celebrated the region's vibrant cultural unity and gastronomic richness.

The undertaking builds on Secretary Frasco's campaign to completely reopen Mindanao to tourism, which she identified as a priority of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. when he took office last year.

Frasco said the DoT's efforts to establish confidence within the region and raise knowledge about the security situation will also assist in persuading other countries to update or lift existing travel restrictions.

Secretary Frasco spearheaded the signing of a DoT agreement with the Department of National Defense (DND) and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in May of this year to work together to market the region as a peaceful and sustainable destination for domestic and international tourism.

"Beyond partaking of the delectable halal meals, this evening of faith, love, and the flavors of Mindanao is the start of something new that is opening your eyes and your palate to the possibilities that are endless in the promise that is Mindanao," Frasco said in her speech.

"As our President has said, Mindanao is the land of promise to be fulfilled," she added.

The highlight of the event was the unveiling of Mindanao's intricate and diverse halal cuisine to an international audience, where ambassadors, dignitaries, and officials from various foreign embassies in the Philippines were present to experience the flavor-filled odyssey through the vibrant tastes of the Mindanao Islands' cuisine and an invitation to their countrymen to come and visit Mindanao.

"In the pursuit of reinforcing the country's image as a halal-friendly destination, the Department of Tourism has pursued various programs and projects started in the previous administration and continued under our President's administration," Frasco said.

Meanwhile, DoT Undersecretary Myra Paz Abubakar sincerely thanked everyone in attendance and emphasized the value of cultural appreciation and exchange in building a more harmonious global society.

PH named as Asia's best cruise destination

By  Moises Cruz

October 17, 2023 1060

(UPDATE) THE World Cruise Awards has named the Philippines as Asia's Best Cruise Destination for this year, boosting the country's status as a developing powerhouse in the global cruise and tourism industry.

Held in Dubai last Sunday, the World Cruise Awards is an annual program that honors exceptional accomplishments in the cruise industry.

"This first-time recognition as Asia's Best Cruise Destination 2023 is a big win for Philippine tourism as it reflects a resounding global preference for our island destinations," Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said on Monday.

"The shared tourism governance between government and the private sector espoused by the Marcos Administration is bearing fruit. We are committed to maintain and enhance the Philippines' standing as an outstanding cruise destination in Asia and the world," Frasco said.

Other contenders for the award were India, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

As of October 16, the Philippines expects cruise liners to make 128 ports of call in 33 destinations. The ships are projected to carry about 101,000 tourists and around 50,000 staff members.

Frasco said the country's 7,641 islands offer "a wide array of cruise experiences, from exploring picturesque coastlines and coral reefs to immersing in local culture and traditions."

The Seaborne Encore, Silver Shadow, MSC Poesia, Queen Elizabeth, Norwegian Jewel, Coral Adventure, MS Seven Seas Explorer, MS Star Breeze, Silver Whisper, Oceania Cruises, Aidabella, and Blue Dream Cruise are among the arriving cruise ships.

"With Boracay, Palawan and Siargao having recently garnered Conde Nast Travel's Best Islands in Asia Award, the Philippines' recognition as Asia's Best Cruise Destination complements and reaffirms our status as a must-visit destination for cruise enthusiasts," Frasco said.

"We are grateful that the country's potential to offer exceptional cruise experiences is now acknowledged on a global scale," she said.

DoT reintroduces PH Tourism Awards

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

By Moises Cruz, Manila Times

THE Department of Tourism (DoT) relaunched the Philippine Tourism Awards (PTA) to promote the growth of tourism in the country and to encourage local government units to use tourism as a tool for economic development.

"The PTA aims to recognize tourism-related establishments and individuals whose seasoned expertise and commitment have innovatively and creatively projected the Filipino culture and the Filipino brand," Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco said.

The five main categories for the Philippine Tourism Awards are Institutional, Creative, Individual, Destination of the Year, and Special Awards.

Every category will have a matching subcategory.

The institutions that are deemed to be the greatest in their fields in knowledge, professionalism, and the caliber of their facilities and services will get Institutional Awards.

The purpose of the Creative Awards is to recognize the expertise and insights of people and organizations in their marketing, advertising and promotion activities while taking into account the originality and factual presentation of information.

Individual Awards are given to people working in the industry directly or indirectly who uphold high standards of customer and client satisfaction.

The Destination of the Year Award will be given to a specific travel destination in recognition of its commitment to the growth and marketing of the tourism sector via the collaborative efforts of the business and local government sectors.

The Special Awards, on the other hand, will be presented to an individual or a private entity that has advanced the interests of the tourism sector and whose contribution has improved travel in the Philippines.

Marcos pledges to reboot tourism

"Through the Philippine Tourism Awards, we will also be identifying the best practices of local government units, to further encourage them to adopt tourism as a means to stimulate the local economy and herald our distinct culture and heritage," Garcia-Frasco said.

The PTA marks the beginning of the tourism sector's resurgence as the country anticipates fewer travel and health regulations in the near future.