London—The Department of Tourism (DOT), the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) and the country’s top destination managers lured buyers and cemented travel partnerships at this year’s World Travel Mart (WTM).
DOT Secretary Wanda Corazon Tulfo-Teo consolidated the efforts of the industry, leading a strong delegation to the WTM composed of owners and managers of travel/tour agencies and accommodation and transportation companies, as well as representatives from the local government and legislative bodies.
“It is very heartening to note that we continue to be supported by prime movers of the industry as well as by distinguished local executives and law makers who believe in the high value of this travel event. This is where all our presentations and meetings redound to bringing in good business, government revenues and employment for our people,” Secretary Teo said.
The Philippine participation at WTM provides a venue for the tourism establishments/co-exhibitors to conduct business-to-business meetings to establish and renew linkages with industry counterparts in Europe and from other key travel and tourism markets of the world that would catalyze new tourism business and tourist arrivals in the Philippines.
Occupying 366 square meters at the ExCel London convention centre, the Philippine pavilion accommodated the DOT and TPB, airlines, hotels and resorts and tour operators. The DOT was gung ho in promoting its best islands in the world, namely Boracay, Palawan and Cebu, which were voted as Top 1, 2 and 5 in the coveted list by readers of the US edition of the Conde Nast luxury and lifestyle travel magazine.
Other featured destinations included Batanes, Banaue, Ilocos, Manila, Bohol, Siargao and Davao, highlighting the heritage sites.
Meanwhile, Philippine Airlines, was the partner carrier and presenter, and the only airline which operates direct flight services to Manila from Europe via the London Heathrow Airport.
The three-day global event also featured the well-attended Thought Leadership Sessions, the institutional UNWTO and WTM Ministers’ Summit and the popular WTM Festivals where the Philippines will feature its Mindanao Tapestry.
This year’s WTM gathered around 5,000 exhibitors and more than 50,000 travel professionals.
