THE gospel of “fun” continues to spread worldwide, with the Philippines being declared as “Destination of the Year” at the recent 25th Annual TTG Travel Awards 2014.
“We would like to thank TTG for the invaluable support extended to our organization in our marketing-and information-dissemination efforts. As a trusted travel-trade publication, it has been a formidable partner throughout these years in bringing the Philippines closer to our markets,” said Tourism Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez Jr., as he personally accepted the award before Asia’s tourism professionals at a ceremony and gala dinner held on October 2 at the Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Center in Thailand.
The award comes as welcome news in the face of slackening visitor arrivals in the Philippines, and an advisory by the Chinese government warning against travel to the Philippines.
From January to July 2014, some 2.86 million foreigners, including Philippine passport holders who permanently reside abroad, visited the country, as per latest data from the Department of Tourism (DOT).
This figure was up 2.24 percent from the same period last year.
The East Asian region (China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Macau, Taiwan) accounted for some 47 percent, or 1.34 million, of visitors in the seven months to July. (See, “Visitor arrivals rose in July; China hits 5-month-high,” in the BusinessMirror, October 2, 2014.)
In his acceptance speech, Jimenez added: “This award belongs to all Filipinos. It is the Filipino people who have ensured the acceptance of ‘It’s More Fun in the Philippines’ as a true and accurate description of the participative and active role every Filipino plays in ensuring a successful and enjoyable visit to the Philippines. Again, the determination of the Filipino people, coupled with the support of our President, Benigno S. Aquino III, is our inspiration to build a brighter tourism future for the Philippines—an industry that is more profitable and more inclusive.”
Under the National Tourism Development Plan of 2011-2016, the DOT is targeting foreign visitor arrivals to rise to 10 million, and inbound tourism receipts to hit $8 billion by 2016. By that year, the tourism sector is projected to contribute at least 10 percent to the local economy, as expressed in gross domestic product.
The award is timely as the DOT gears up for its marketing campaign for Visit the Philippines Year 2015 (VPY2015), encouraging foreigners to enjoy “fun” events and activities that are an exciting mix of all the outstanding work of the Filipino people in painting and the graphic arts, cinema, performance art, such as music, dance and theater arts, as well as the unveiling of many more historic treasures, natural wonders and unforgettable adventures.
The Philippines will be hosting a series of international high-profile events next year starting with the Papal Visit in January, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Ministerial Meetings and Leaders’ Summit, Madrid Fusion-Manila, and a number of sporting events.
About the TTG Awards, a news statement from the DOT said “the Philippines was chosen as the region’s most outstanding destination in 2014 for distinguishing itself with its proactive steps and initiatives toward the development and promotion of the travel industry.”
The Destination of the Year is one of TTG Asia’s Outstanding Achievement Awards. Other categories include “Travel Personality of the Year,” “Best Travel Entrepreneur,” “Best Marketing and Relationship Effort” and “Best Trade Supporter.” The editorial team of TTG determines the winners in the different award categories.
Said awards are the brainchild of TTG Asia Media’s Travel Trade Publishing group, which has been recognizing the best of Asia Pacific’s travel trade since 1989. “The prestigious travel industry event marks an important time for the industry to recognize the exemplary organizations that raise the bar of excellence. The exclusive event honors stellar organizations and individuals in four categories: Travel Supplier, Travel Agency, Outstanding Achievement and Travel Hall of Fame,” the DOT added.
The TTG Travel Awards is among the most coveted and influential awards in the region’s travel industry. The signature trophy, a statuette of Hermes (Greek god of travel) is cast in solid pewter and plated in 24K gold, and weighs 2 kilograms.
Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo / Special to the BusinessMirror