Travel agents from Europe set seminar in Boracay
Europe’s biggest tour consolidator Meier’s Weltreisen is coming to Boracay for its Far East Live Seminar (FELS).
Meier’s will bring in around 260 travel agents and counter staff from all over Germany and Austria to the main seminar in Manila and Boracay from May 3-8, 2007 with several pre tours starting April 28. After 19 years of successful Far East Live Seminar in different Asian countries, Meiers Weltreisen looks forward to celebrate its 20th FELS in the Philippines and Boracay. This was announced by DOT Regional Director Edwin G. Trompeta. It may be recalled that Dir. Trompeta attended the International Tourism Bourse (ITB) in Berlin early this month as a member of the negotiating team to bring in the Meiers FELS. Singapore who bidded for the FELS was beaten by the Philippines and was given the 2010 slot.
The FELS is the biggest incentive and educational event organized by Meier’s Weltreisen for travel agents and counter staff from 220 top selling travel agencies in Germany and Austria. The purpose is to provide basic and advanced training for all staff who are actively involved in selling holidays and tourist travel. During their stay, the participants will not only experience the facilities of the destination, they also get to know the people and the countryside.
A press group from Germany and Austria and travel trade press representatives are also joining the main seminar. The event is fully organized by Meiers Weltreisen including flights, land arrangements and main seminar with support from the Philippine Department of Tourism, DOT Region VI and Blue Horizon Travel and Tours. Boracay Shangrila Resort and Spa will be the main venue for the seminar.
Director Trompeta said that the Meier’s FELS is very beneficial in every aspect. The destination benefits immensely from this event. For example, the turn over to Vietnam, where FELS was held in 2006, tourist arrivals went up by 40%, Trompeta added. After the seminar, Khao Lak in 2007, Meier’s booking doubled the number in the area, Trompeta said.
In 2007, the Meier's FELS was awarded with the Willy Scharnow Prize for its perfect educational character. The award is given by the German Travel Trade industry for its best practice in cultural and educational exchange.
It is estimated that the Meier’s FELS will bring in initially P15 million in tourist revenue to the Philippines. (DOT-VI)