Following a successful year, the Philippines is gearing up to amplify its tourism sector with strategic initiatives. Having welcomed 5.4 million foreign visitors in 2023, the Tourism Promotion Board (TPB) Philippines is aiming for an ambitious target of 7 million arrivals in 2024.
In the spotlight are key events such as Connections Luxury Philippines 2024 and MICECON, but the real game-changer is the enhanced Travel Philippines App and the upcoming Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX) 2024.
Travel Philippines App: Clicks and Trips
The Travel Philippines app, of the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, serves as the official guide, seamlessly connecting users with the nation’s beauty. Beyond catering to travellers, the app is also a valuable tool for travel agents to seamlessly plan, organise, and enhance the travel experiences of their clients.
The app features comprehensive information categorised by destinations, attractions, activities and events, alongside a facts/trivia section. It also includes a list of DOT-accredited establishments, like hotels, restaurants, tour guides and travel operators, ensuring reliability.
The Travel Philippines app enables users to access destination information, build custom itineraries, and stay updated with travel news and exclusive deals.
Innovative features like the itinerary-builder section assist in planning journeys, while a dedicated photo and video section showcases picturesque landscapes across the country. The e-vault feature streamlines travel by allowing users to store scanned documents for convenient access.
The profile management function allows travellers to personalise their interactions with the app, while the “What’s near me” geotargeting feature provides real-time information on nearby attractions and services.
The addition of a travel updates carousel ensures users are well-informed about the latest developments, and the search tab simplifies the process of narrowing down specific information, places or activities that travellers are looking for. There’s also deeper information in the form of press releases and featured articles. Travellers can additionally look forward to exclusive deals and promos progressively being updated on the app, adding an element of excitement and value to their Philippine journey.
PHITEX 2024: The Power of Collaboration in Tourism
The success of PHITEX in uniting tourism players was evident in the 2023 edition, where two days of meetings resulted in the generation of 300 million Philippine Pesos. Photo Credit: TPB
PHITEX, a key fixture in the Philippines’ tourism events calendar since its inception in 1996, is poised for its significant 2024 edition from 3-5 September. Themed ‘The Power of Collaboration in Tourism’, PHITEX 2024 aims to unite the tourism industry for collective growth by hosting qualified international buyers and facilitating face-to-face business engagements with Philippine sellers.
Building on past successes, such as the remarkable 300 million Philippine Pesos generated during PHITEX 2023’s two-day meetings, the event has been a stalwart contributor to the industry’s growth.
TPB’s recognition with the National Tourism Initiative of the Year-Philippines award for PHITEX 2022 underscores its pivotal role.
TRAVEX facilitates face-to-face meetings between global buyers and Philippine sellers. Photo Credit: TPB
Central to the event is the Business-to-Business Networking Travel Exchange (TRAVEX), offering a platform for international buyers and Philippine sellers to engage in face-to-face and virtual business appointments. Post-tours provide a deeper understanding of the Philippines’ diverse attractions, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of the nation’s vibrant tourism landscape.
PHITEX 2024 offers a holistic experience, with tours like the Metro Manila City Tour. Participants can also explore the Philippine Travel Mart and Diving, Resort, and Travel (DRT) Show Philippines to be held on 6–8 September at the SMX Convention Center, maximising opportunities for a rich tourism experience in the capital city.
The adventure continues to the islands, with post-tours to selected destinations like Cebu, Anda, Iloilo, Guimaras, Siargao, Davao, Bukidnon, and Cagayan De Oro. These tours offer insights into both natural wonders and emerging properties.
Visit https://thephilippines.online/ to learn more about the Philippines’ burgeoning tourism scene.
This article is brought to you by Tourism Promotions Board, Philippines