Agroup of five top travel agents from the UAE were invited to attend the 11th Philippines Travel Exchange (PHITEX 2011) organised by the Philippines Department of Tourism (DOT).

The event took place between August 30 — September 2 at the SMX Convention Centre in Manila and saw more than 200 foreign buyers from Japan, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Australia, North America, Canada, Europe, Russia, Middle East, India and the ASEAN countries attend.

In 2010, 3.52 million tourists visited the Philippines — a figure which DOT is aiming to increase to 3.74 million by the end of this year.

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As well as taking part in the Travel Exchange the five consultants from Abu Dhabi Travel Bureau, Al Tayer Travel, Kanoo Travel, MMI Travel and Sharjah National Travel and Tourism Agency (SNTTA) joined pre- and post-show tours to experience what the Philippines has to offer for the first time.

The trip included a tour of Manila, the capital of the destination and the arts, culture and entertainment centre of the Philippines. In Manila the group visited Fort Santiago; Casa Manila; the impressive Spanish-era San Agustin Church, the National Museum — the fascinating Museum of the Filipino which displays archeological treasures and the rich cultural heritage of the Filipinos; and the National Arts Gallery.

The packed day touring Manila also included a walking tour of Rizal Park located in the heart of the city; lunch at the famous Manila Hotel (the oldest hotel in the city) and of course a spot of shopping at the SM Mall of Asia.

Following a busy day spent networking at the SMX Convention Center in Manila; the agents then had four days to explore the rest of this incredible island destination — visiting Davao, and the famous beach destinations of Cebu and Boracay.

The group first flew to Davao, the largest city outside of Manila, in the south of the Philippines. Here they checked out the idyllic Pearl Farm Beach Resort — a former cultivation farm for luxurious south sea pearls; took a tour of Sul Orchids — one of the largest orchid farms in the Philippines and the Philippine Eagle Centre, home to 36 Philippine Eagles, 10 other species of birds, four species of mammals and two species of reptiles as well as picking up some souvenirs at Tribu K Cultural Village.

After two days in Davao the group flew to Cebu. After a tour of Cebu city they flew to Kalibo via Manila. The group had a tour around Piña Village and then transferred to the idyllic paradise that isc Boracay Island — home to some of the Philippines best beaches.
They transferred to Boracay Island via Caticlan Jettyport where they enjoyed a welcome dinner at the Fridays Boracay Resort.

After a packed itinerary, the agents spent the final day on a island hopping tour, kicking back and enjoying the island life.

Bhuwan Basnet, supervisor, Sharjah Branch, Abu Dhabi Travel Bureau summed up the whole trip by saying: “The Philippines is the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen. From the gentle rolling hills to the mountains, the lush vegetation, the streams and rivers, make for the most beautiful scenery I have ever laid eyes upon. It was by far the best trip I ever had.”