Fun in the Philippines
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.
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.”
Top 5 things to do
1 Manila
This teeming metropolis offers up arts, culture, shopping and entertainment. Check out the fascinating Museum of the Filipino People for a unique insight into the Filipino culture.
2 Davao
The Philippines largest city outside Manila, Davao is the business, investment and tourism hub for the entire southern Philippines. Check out Pearl Farm Beach Resort — a former cultivation farm for luxurious south sea pearls; and Sul Orchids — one of the largest orchid farms in the Philippines.
3 Boracay
Just a tiny speck of an island about 9km long and 1km wide, Boracay is a palm-fringed, white-sand paradise where you will discover some of the best beaches in the Philippines; plus every water sport on offer.
4 Cebu
One of the most popular destinations for tourists in the Philippines due to its stunning natural resources such as countless white sandy beaches as well as historical sites, shrines and museums to visit.
5 Bohol
White sandy beaches, lush jungle interior, rice terraces and some of the best diving in the world makes Bohol island a top tourism spot in the Philippines. The island is famous for its Chocolate Hills — huge mounds of limestone. The Philippine Tarsier, considered the second smallest primate in the world is native to the island.
when to travel
The Philippines has a tropical climate with abundant rainfall.
JANUARY - FEBRUARY
Average temperature: 22C
MARCH - APRIL
Average temperature: 25C
MAY - JUNE
Average temperature: 26C
JULY - AUGUST
Average temperature: 25C
SEPTEMBER - october
Average temperature: 24C
NOVEMBER - DECEMBER
Average temperature: 23C
What the travel trade said...
Ifraheem Henry
Sr. Holidays Consultant
Sharjah National Travel and Tourism Agency
The destination is simply amazing. A country with more than 7,000 islands definitely has something interesting to offer. We visited Manila, Davao, Cebu and Boracay, and spent more time in Manila and Boracay than the others. I’m sure there is a lot of potential for both destinations.
Manila offers good shopping and places to visit while Boracay is an amazing white sand island which stands out from other islands with a very good night life. For me the highlight was Boracay. The white sandy beach is amazing with beautiful properties right at the beach front. In terms of hotels the Shangri-La and Crimpson in Cebu were beautiful, up-market resorts. I would sell this destination to families and honeymooners.
Niroshanna Mandalanayagam
Travel & Holiday Consultant
Kanoo Travel - Sharjah
This is one of the best evergreen destinations for all types of clients because of the hospitality of the people. I definitely believe the Philippines would be popular with clients from this region. The second largest population in the UAE is Filipinos, so the business travel and leisure travel will soon increase.
The Philippines is already really famous here in the UAE and I have been selling this destination for a long time. It’s the perfect destination for all types of client. When it comes to the highlight of the trip, I was really impressed with the hospitality and cultural performance in Cebu (it’s awesome). Accommodation in Manila and Boracay was outstanding.
Abbas Hussain Saifee
Travel Consultant
Al Tayer Travel
The Philippines has something to offer for all sorts of traveller. Filipinos are very warm, friendly, talented people and gifted in singing and dancing. The majority speak English, so language is not a barrier. I would like to say that my stay in the Philippines was very exciting and pleasant.
It was by far the best trip I have ever had. The highlight of the trip for me was the unmatched hospitality shown by the local people — the warm and friendly attitude of people wherever we went, the rich culture and especially the way in which they welcomed us at each place with garlands, welcome drinks and dance shows.
Bhuwan Basnet
Supervisor –
Sharjah Branch
Abu Dhabi Travel Bureau
I would like to take a moment to describe my general impression of the Philippines, the culture, the people, the landscape. I’ve not been to a lot of places, so admittedly, I have very little in to compare it to. That being said, I would like to express my opinion that the Philippines is the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen.
The gentle rolling hills, the mountains, the lush vegetation, the streams and rivers, make the most beautiful scenery I have ever laid eyes upon. The culture did not seem to be very different from back at home, but of course I only experienced the culture on a superficial level, as any tourist would. One thing you will not have to worry about is a language barrier. Filipinos learn English in school.
Where to stay
Movenpick Resort and Spa, Cebu
The Mediterranean-inspired enclave on its own private beach offers white sandy beaches and excellent diving. Room categories include deluxe, executive as well as Executive Spa Suites.
Discovery shores Boracay
The resort offers 88 contemporar suites. Guests can chill out on the island’s famous white sands (with beach butlers on call). The Terra Spa was recently voted one of the Top Hotel Spas by readers of Travel + Leisure.
Shangri-la’s Boracay Resort and Spa
Dramatically situated on a lush hillside within an eco-reserve, the spectacular luxury resort offers sprawling grounds, secluded beaches, and an impressive variety of restaurants and facilities.