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.

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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.