World Travel Mart stint seen to draw more tourists to WV
Tourism Regional Director Edwin Trompeta, who just arrived from the World Travel Mart in London, said the participating tourism establishments from Western Visayas are hopeful to capture a wider market worldwide.
Trompeta, who accompanied the establishment representatives at the World Travel Mart on November 8 to 11 at the Exhibition Center of London, said they were given an opportunity to hold a one-on-one talk with their clients from different parts of the world.
The participating establishments from the region were the Boracay Regency, Friday’s, Alta Vista, Astoria, and Jaunts and Journey’s Travel Agency.
Most of these establishments are based in Boracay island while the travel agency is from Negros Occidental.
Trompeta said he is thankful for the Filipinos based in London who actively helped organize particularly the Philippine Travel Exchange, which was a half day event allotted for the Philippines to interact with other travel agents and tour operators.
Aside from the tourism establishments from Western Visayas, the Philippine contingent also include the Shangri-La Philippines and Ayala Corp. that have now tourism investments all over the country.
Tourism Promotion
Meanwhile, Trompeta welcomed the proposal for Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao to help promote the country’s tourism industry because of his popularity in the world boxing arena.
As he is an international figure, his endorsement of the country’s tourism industry could really entice foreign tourists to come to the Philippines.
“If Pacquiao especially will do it for free then why not,” Trompeta said.
He added that it is very unfortunate that the new DOT slogan “Pilipinas Kay Ganda” has been panned by tourism industry critics and, thus, had to be pulled out.
Pacquiao offer to help promote the country’s tourism has been reportedly discussed during his courtesy call to President Benigno Aquino III after his arrival from the United States last weekend.*PNA
