TOKYO, JAPAN - In a parallel event to the 14th Philippine Business Mission (PBM) for tourism held in Japan, President Rodrigo Duterte met with leaders of the Japanese travel industry and invited them to invest in the Philippines, stating that now is the best time. The tourism and travel sector stand to benefit from the Build, Build, Build program, which has a number of ongoing transportation infrastructure development projects to achieve seamless travel to and around the archipelago.

The Philippine Business Mission delegation led by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (5th seated from left) and Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat (6th)

Organized by the Department of Tourism, the travel industry meeting with the President was a historic occasion, signaling the importance held by Japan as the country’s fourth biggest foreign tourist market.

The historic meeting coincides with the annual Philippine Business Mission organized by the Department of Tourism and the Tourism Promotions Board.  This year, the three-city PBM, covering Sapporo, Nagoya and Tokyo from May 27-31, 2019, takes pride in having a 38-company strong Philippine delegation.

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat earlier presented an economically viable tourism sector teeming with exciting investment opportunities in the areas of accommodation, transportation, leisure and recreation facilities, food and beverage and even infrastructure.  

The Japanese Association of Travel Agents (JATA) President, Tadashi Shimura, mentioned that under the leadership of Secretary Puyat, there have been focused marketing initiatives in Japan for Philippine tourism. He noted that in 2018, the 8.15% growth rate of Japanese arrivals to the Philippines was higher than the total Japan outbound rate of 6% and thanked the Philippines for supporting efforts to grow the Japanese market further.

Shimura also affirmed that Japan’s travel industry will help the Philippines develop and promote more destinations following Cebu and Manila and support the country’s advocacy on sustainable tourism. JATA will send 20 travel agencies to the Philippines to meet with local travel agents and explore possible areas of collaboration.

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arturo Tugade enthused that the development of new airports and expansion of existing gateways serve to attract many investment and business opportunities for airline companies and airport operators in Japan.

International air seats to the Philippines from Japan now total 3,250,264 as of March 2019.  The inbound traffic is expected to rise with Philippine Airlines’ introduction of Chitose-Manila thrice weekly flights last December, Japan Airlines’ daily service linking Haneda with Manila since February and the upcoming flights of Air Asia (Osaka-Manila, July 1), and Cebu Pacific (Narita-Clark, August 9).

Anticipating an upsurge of visitors, President Duterte cautioned, “We are receiving a lot of tourists now and soon, some areas might not be able to accommodate you for lack of facilities.  We suggest for those who are interested to go into business to participate in building resorts for your citizens.”

With the improved airports and seaports, inter-island travel will be easier, more comfortable and with more providers coming in, more affordable, the President added.  

The Philippines played host to 631,801 Japanese travelers in 2018, an 8.15% growth versus 2017.

With no less than the President in attendance, more business and investment leads are expected to yield reciprocal arrangements to further strengthen Japan-Philippine tourism relations.

 











Deadline of applications is on May 31, 2019 (Friday) at the close of business hours (5:00 PM, Philippine Standard Time). Complete documents must be sent to the Philippine Department of Tourism through dottourismresearchgrant@gmail.com with the following subject line “Surname – Research Theme”.Late and/or incomplete submissions will automatically be disqualified. 


The full DOT- Tourism Research Grant Mechanics and forms can be accessed through: www.tourism.gov.ph/microsite/tourismresearchgrant/. For inquiries, you may contact:


Mr. Alex C. Macatuno

Office of Tourism Development Planning, Research and Information Management

Philippine Department of Tourism 

5th Floor, New DOT Building, 351 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City

Trunk line: 4595200, Local: 506 or 512

Email: dottourismresearchgrant@gmail.com

***For emails, use the subject line: “DOT Tourism Research Grant_Surname – Subject”

Ceremonial exchange of tokens between DOT Secretary Romulo-Puyat and PATA CEO Mario Hardy

CEBU CITY - The Department of Tourism (DOT) joined the rest of the Asia Pacific region’s cause for responsible development of travel and tourism as it hosted the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Annual Summit in Cebu City.

“Together with PATA, we are firm believers of this year’s theme ‘Progress with a Purpose’, same in the belief that the agenda on sustainable development can be turned into a reality,” DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said.

This big-ticket event gathered close to 400 international and local tourism stakeholders including international thought leaders, tourism board officials, industry shapers, travel and tour operators, and the academe.

DOT Undersecretary Benito Bengzon Jr: The Philippine Department of Tourism will continue to support the goals and objectives of the PATA particularly with respect to advancing it sustainable development agenda

“The PATA Annual Summit is one of the best places to stay abreast with our peers in tourism, to get on the same page, and to inform ourselves with the latest analyses of this dynamic and multi-faceted industry,” Secretary Romulo-Puyat added.

The summit featured multiple insight presentations, panel discussions, committee meetings, and a youth symposium with discussions on sustainable destination branding, mainstreaming sustainable tourism global economy, current and future state of Asia Pacific tourism, facts and figures of the regional travel industry, BBC World News The Travel Show, data and insights for responsible development, and the sustainability of the Airbnb accommodation industry.

DOT Undersecretary Arturo Boncato Jr. sat down at the “Destination Management in Times of Uncertainty” panel session and shared the story of Boracay - its rehabilitation and journey to becoming the country’s model for sustainable tourism.

DOT Undersecretary Arturo Boncato Jr. sat down at the “Destination Management in Times of Uncertainty” panel session and shared the story of Boracay rehabilitation and its journey to become the sustainable tourism model of the Philippines

Meanwhile, Assistant Secretary Maria Rica Bueno discussed the challenges of advocating barrier-free tourism in the country highlighting DOT’s deaf tour guide training program in the “Accessible Tourism for All” panel session.

“We are extremely delighted to have this event in Cebu, a city with a very rich historical and cultural heritage, some of the most magnificent white sand beaches and among the friendliest and most hospitable people in this side of the world,” DOT Undersecretary Benito Bengzon Jr. remarked.

Delegates experienced Cebu City’s heritage tour with visits to the historical Magellan’s Cross, Basilica Del Santo Nino, Fort San Pedro, and Parian District.

DOT Assistant Secretary Maria Rica Bueno discussed the challenges of advocating barrier-free tourism in the country highlighting DOT’s deaf tour guide training program in the “Accessible Tourism for All” panel session

“PATA would love to come back anytime to the Philippines, the hospitality is wonderful, the places we get to visit are exceptional. We really appreciate the Philippines’ forward action on critical industry issues and the fact that they are moving sustainably and responsible tourism is something to be proud of,” PATA Chairperson Chris Bottrill said.

A silent auction, foundation charity dinner, Arnis demonstration, and insights lounge completed the four-day summit hosted at the “Queen City of the South”.

DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat: Let us continue to fuel the passion that drives sustainable tourism. Let us be catalysts that would ignite the fire among our peers, that there may come a time that we all glow brightly as heroes for sustainability


     

Photo by Jerome Kim

Puerto Galera’s unique marine life merited the intensive survey and exploration made by divers from France and Switzerland who participated in the recent 2nd Objectif Atlantide Underwater Investigation.


Mounted by the Department of Tourism - Dive Philippines in partnership with the French association Objectif Atlantide, two multiple record holder free divers went head-to-head against scuba divers to solve a mystery by exploring the unique marine life of Puerto Galera.


“In the Underwater Investigation, the participants followed clues that brought them underwater to take photos of species found around Puerto Galera. This experience teaches them that not only are there a lot of different species here, but also which kind they are,” said Objectif Atlantide founder Daniel Meouchy.


Winners of the DOT’s Objectif Atlantide Underwater Investigation


Team Scubaland’s Pauline Thomas and Aurelie Pineau emerged as this year’s winners, successfully defending their title from the competition’s first edition held in Cabilao, Bohol last year. The scuba-diving tandem bested 10 pairs of divers, including five-time world champion and four-time world record holder Arthur Guérin-Boëri and French national record holder Alice Modolo.


“Diving in the Philippines is very interesting because there are many species here. Every time we go into the water and come back to check our pictures, we learn a lot. It’s our second time to win the underwater investigation, so we’ll absolutely do it again! We need to keep our title,” shared Thomas.


Karine Cheurfa and Sophie Comminges of Team Esprit de la Plongée from Switzerland bagged the second spot while Hervé Pages and Martine Bonnevay-Aillaud of Team Têtes Bullées finished third.


The 20-strong scuba diving tandems of the competition


The Philippines lies at the heart of the so-called Coral Triangle, home to more than three-fourths of the world’s corals, and more than half of the world’s coral reef fish. With 2,248,400 hectares of coral reefs, 500 species of corals and 2,000 species of fish, the country is part of the most fertile part of the triangle.


At the heart of the Coral Triangle and at the skirts of the Verde Island Passage is Puerto Galera and its rich biological treasures, stunning seascapes, and scores of marine species. The island thus makes for a perfect environment to host 2nd Objectif Atlantide Underwater Investigation underwater exploration.


In support of the DoT’s efforts to promote sustainability in dive tourism and raise awareness for reef protection and conservation, the participants spent the week to observe, survey, and photograph the “underwater rainforest” of Puerto Galera.


Photo by Jerome Kim


“Puerto Galera is a feast for the most adventurous spirit; with this event, we hope the French diving community has discovered the wonders of the Philippines’ waters. We will take this great opportunity to showcase the unparalleled beauty of our reefs and call to protect the vibrant biodiversity of our waters to the international community,” said DOT Tourism Development Undersecretary Benito C. Bengzon, Jr.


The 2nd Objectif Atlantide Underwater Investigation was mounted in partnership with Objectif Atlantide, El Galleon Dive Resort and Asia Divers, and sponsored by Atlantis Dive Resorts and Liveaboards, Pier Uno Dive Resort, Resorts World Manila, and Belmont Hotels and Resorts.


The event was also supported by Plongeur.com, Subaqua Magazine, Chercheurs d'eau, PlongeeOnline.com, Plongee Infos, Plongez Magazine, Paradise-Plongee.com.

Record-high international tourist arrivals posted in the first quarter of the year present an encouraging sign that Philippine tourism is on the right track, the Department of Tourism (DOT) says.

The country welcomed 2,204,564 foreign visitors in the first three months of 2019, reflecting a 7.59 percent rise from last year’s 2,049,094 over the same period.

DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat said, “The DOT is working on enhancing our tourism products and tourism infrastructure to entice tourists to choose the Philippines as their next destination.”

South Korea remains the top source market with 519,584 tourist arrivals compared to last year’s 477,087.

The period also saw the Chinese market ranking second, posting a 463,804 total, 24.87 percent higher than the previous year’s tally of 371,429.

Meanwhile, Taiwanese visitors grew to 77,908 from 59,877 in 2018, posting the highest percentage increase of 30.11 percent for the period in review.

In third spot is USA, registering 293,780 visitors, up by 3.10 percent from last year.

Completing the top 12 markets for the three-month period are: Japan, 177,769; Taiwan, 77,908; Australia, 73,147; Canada, 72,352; United Kingdom, 53,402; Singapore, 39,484; Malaysia, 37,651; India, 36,275; and Germany, 33,725.

 

March Figures

For March numbers alone, the DOT reports a visitor arrival of 714,309 or an 11.13 percent growth versus the same month last year. Notably, France entered the top 12 for the month of March, posting 10,715 visitors, a 26.21 percent growth from last year’s March tally of 8,489 while Germany rose to 11th place with 11,075 visitors, sporting a 9 percent increase. It nudged India to 13th place, with a total of 10,086, up slightly with a 1.52 percent increase vis-a-vis 9,935 of last year.

Visiting Philippine passport-holders permanently residing abroad (not including overseas Filipino workers), otherwise known as “balikbayans,” totaled 14,610 as of March.

Sec. Puyat noted that the rehabilitated Boracay Island, touted as a model of sustainable tourism development, has attracted a growing number of visitors since reopening in October last year.

The DOT chief also credited improved connectivity for the upward trend in tourist arrivals to the country. 

The Department of Tourism (DOT), in line with its objective of promoting a culture of tourism research in the country is calling for research proposals for its 2019 Tourism Research Grant. The DOT is providing financial assistance to individual research in tourism. The grant aims to foster evidence-based planning, decision-making, and policy formulation. Conceptualized by the Office of Tourism Development Planning, Research and Information Management, this new program also seeks to develop a Philippine journal of tourism research studies and other related topics.


The grant is available to all Filipino graduate and postgraduate studentsfaculty members, and tourism practitioners currently enrolled or affiliated with any academic institution or tourism organization. Institutions, societies, universities, NGOs, and civil society groups are NOT eligible to apply. Also, officials and staff of the Department of Tourism and its attached agencies are NOT eligible to apply. 


Research proposals must be aligned with the DOT Secretary’s policy direction for the current year which are:

  1. Efficiency and effectivity of social media as a communication channel for sustainable tourism marketing and promotions
  2. Investments in green technologies by tourism-oriented establishments
  3. Ensuring the safety and security of tourists through mandatory accreditation of accommodation establishments
  4. Impact of travel advisories to the safety and security image of the Philippines as a tourist destination
  5. Impact of removing visa restrictions to the Chinese and Indian source markets
  6. Assessing the educational and dive products and markets
  7. Impact of the ASEAN MRA on the Philippine accommodation labor market

Submission of applications and proposals to the DOT-Tourism Research Grant Program commenced on May 2, 2019 (Thursday). Requirements include a duly accomplished application form, a research proposal with abstract and proof of enrollment, employment, or affiliation with their corresponding organizations or institution. 

 

Deadline of applications is on May 31, 2019 (Friday) at the close of business hours (5:00 PM, Philippine Standard Time). Complete documents must be sent to the Philippine Department of Tourism through dottourismresearchgrant@gmail.com with the following subject line “Surname – Research Theme”. Late and/or incomplete submissions will automatically be disqualified. 


The full DOT- Tourism Research Grant Mechanics and forms can be accessed through: www.tourism.gov.ph/microsite/tourismresearchgrant/. For inquiries, you may contact:


Mr. Alex C. Macatuno

Office of Tourism Development Planning, Research and Information Management

Philippine Department of Tourism 

5th Floor, New DOT Building, 351 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City

Trunk line: 4595200, Local: 506 or 512

Email: dottourismresearchgrant@gmail.com

***For emails, use the subject line: “DOT Tourism Research Grant_Surname – Subject”

 MAKATI CITY – The Philippines strengthened its tourism partnership with France through the signing of the summary record of discussion during the 1st Philippines-France Joint Working Group Meeting.

Department of Tourism (DOT) Undersecretary for Tourism Development Benito Bengzon Jr. signed on behalf of the country while the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Head of Tourism Promotion Department Clément Laloux represented the French delegation.

“Our meeting aims to discuss the plans and developments of the agreement to recommend programs, projects, and activities for the development of tourism cooperation between our two countries…As we are gathered here, may we continue to help each other to build and promote our respective countries,” Undersecretary Bengzon said.

French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Head of Tourism Promotion Department Clément Laloux (left) together with DOT Undersecretary Bengzon

The inaugural joint working group meeting between the two nations commenced following the signing of the agreement on tourism cooperation in Manila last February 2015.

“We are very happy to be here for this first joint committee on tourism. I think we both worked very actively to increase the number of tourists coming to the Philippines and coming to France. I’m sure that the French expertise of the French companies that are part of the delegation will take part in this development,” Laloux said.

Leading the Embassy of France in Manila delegation are His Excellency Nicolas Galey, French Ambassador to the Philippines and Micronesia, Deputy Head of Mission Christine Carole, Political Counsellor Quentin Biehler, Economic Counsellor Laurent Estrade, and Counsellor Camille Chabe.

Representing other French government organizations include  Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs International Development Officer Maud Hainry and Atout Franc Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Regional Director Morad Tayebi.

The French private sector was well represented by Aéroport de Paris Ingénierie Aviation Marketing Director Guillaume Arrigoni, Pomo Asia Sales Manager Benjamin Fauchier Delavigne, Club Med Regional Development Manager – East and South Asia and Pacific Sébastian Favre, PayinTech Country Manager – Philippines Brian Tessier, and Paris-Manila Technology Corp. President and CEO and member of the Tourism Congress of the Philippines Hubort d’Aboville.

“France is well aware of the huge potential of the Philippines’ tourism sector…Your beautiful and welcoming country can certainly attract many more tourists beyond the well-known destinations in Southeast Asia. As your slogan says, it’s always more fun in the Philippines,” Ambassador Galey shared.

Tourism Undersecretary Benito Bengzon Jr. signs the summary record of discussion during the 1st Philippines-France Joint Working Group Meeting

Among the agenda of the meeting covered were the destination promotion efforts and best practices, investment opportunities, air route connectivity and direct flight proposal, and the two-way tourism traffic.

“We have managed to attract almost 75,000 French tourists in 2018, hopefully with better coordination and closer cooperation it can finally reach 100,000,” Undersecretary Bengzon added.


A total of 74,389 French tourists visited the Philippines last year with 22,219 arrivals already for the first two months of 2019. This recorded a double-digit growth of 22.25% against the same period in 2018.

Conversely, over 86,000,000 Filipinos visited France in 2017 mostly on pilgrimage tours. 

France is the country’s thirteenth source market and is the top three for Europe following the United Kingdom and Germany. As of February this year, French tourists are also the ninth top spending tourist with PHP 896,158,004 expenditures or USD 17,171,049.

“Your beautiful and welcoming country can certainly attract many more tourists beyond the well-known destinations in Southeast Asia. As your slogan says, it’s always more fun in the Philippines.” -  His Excellency Nicolas Galey, French Ambassador to the Philippines and Micronesia (left)

The DOT targets 114,264 French tourist arrivals by 2020.

In order to attract more French nationals, the DOT conducts product and market research and development with training, webinars, e-learning and incentive programs for the French market, trade development and trade support via French travel agents familiarization trip, joint promotion campaigns, business-to-business workshop with Philippine travel trade and Central Europe roadshow, conduct of French media familiarization tours, and participation at major trade and consumer fairs including dive shows with the notable endorsement of French celebrity freediver Guillaume Néry as the Freediving Ambassador of the Philippines.

The French delegation also toured Intramuros, Rizal Park, Cultural Center of the Philippines, Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church, National Museum of Fine Arts, and the National Museum of Natural History showcasing Manila’s tourism products, park management, heritage conservation, and deep religious culture of Filipinos.