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Philippines’ top emerging business destinations named

By Michael Kho Lim, Contributor

08/08/2010

People who are fond of going to the more popular destinations of the Philippines like Boracay, Puerto Galera, Cebu, Davao among others are encouraged to travel to the equally beautiful but not much visited places in the country.

The Department of Tourism (DoT) and the Philippine Tour Operations Association (PHILTOA) recently announced their list of and awarded several cities across the country the distinction of being the “top emerging business destinations” of the year. To be considered under the list, the destination must meet all the criteria of having good accessibility, communication network, availability of meeting facilities and standard accommodation.

“These emerging destinations are perfect for corporate travelers and holidaymakers,” says PHILTOA president Cesar Cruz. “Each place has something unique to offer, and we’re hoping that more and more people understand the fact that the Philippines has what it takes to be one of the world’s premier travel destinations.”

Luzon

In the Ilocos region (Region I), the cities of Laoag and Dagupan are recognized for their heritage sites and beaches. Laoag is home to one of the biggest cathedrals in the country, St. Williams’ Cathedral, where the Sinking Bell Tower can be seen. On the other hand, Dagupan or the “land of the milkfish (bangus)” is also known for its historical landmarks and pristine beaches.

In the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), the La Trinidad Valley in Benguet is famous for its vegetable terraces that it earned the name “Salad bowl of the Philippines,” and later because of its magnificent strawberry fields gave it the title of “Strawberry fields of the Philippines.”

In the Cagayan Valley Region (Region II), Palaui Island of Sta. Ana, Cagayan is worth visiting for its rich ecosystem of bodies of water and diverse group of plants and animals. It was declared as a marine reserve in 1994 and perfect for people who love outdoor adventures such as snorkeling, diving, fishing, hiking, and camping.

In the Central Luzon region (Region III), Baler and Zambales are included in the list. Baler boasts of a rich history lying beneath the walls of the Baler Catholic Church, and is perfect for surfing because of Baler Bay’s nine-foot waves. On the other hand, Zambales is proud of its white sand beaches such as the Anawangin cove, and diving spots where 35 World War II Japanese ships can be found. One can also go on a mango tour and pick some of the sweetest mangoes available. The Guinnes Book of World Record awarded Zambales in 1995 for producing the sweetest mangoes in the world.

In the National Capital Region, Taguig City joins the list of the emerging destinations for its various choices of food, shopping and entertainment at the Serendra, Bonifacio High Street and Market! Market!

In the Calabarzon region (Region IV-A), the city of San Juan in Batangas is acknowledged for its numerous white sand beaches and diving spots. Meanwhile, Marinduque in the Mimaropa region (Region IV-B) is awarded for keeping its cultural traditions and world-class resort. It is known for the Moriones festival where locals march around the town in costumes and masks re-enacting the Roman soldiers during Biblical times. Marinduque is also home to the famous Bellarocca Island Resort and Spa.

In the Bicol region (Region V), the cities of Sorsogon and Naga complete the list for Luzon. Known as the “Switzerland of the East” because of its rolling hills and valleys, Sorsogon is also famous for its firefly tour and whale shark (butanding) interaction in the town of Donsol. On the other hand, Naga City in Camarines Sur is well-known for its historical churches and passion plays in the town of Buhi. Meanwhile, the CamSur Watersports Complex is praised for its world-class sports facilities.

Visayas

In the Western Visayas region (Region VI), Silay City is recognized for its preserved ancestral houses and for being the center for culture in the Visayas. It is the birthplace of National Artist Leandro Locsin and Hiligaynon playwright Miguela Locsin Montelibano, and home to the San Diego Pro-Cathedral.

In the Central Visayas region (Region VII), Dumaguete City is best identified with the region’s best universities such as Silliman University, nearby islands of Sumilon and Apo, and several white sand beaches and dive sites.

In the Eastern Visayas region (Region VIII), the city of Catarman in Northern Samar provides serenity to the traveler stressed out from the life in the metro. One can visit different lighthouses and churches, go hiking, island hopping, and whale and bird watching.

Mindanao

In the Zamboanga Peninsula region (Region IX), the city of Dapitan boasts of historical treasures of Dr. Jose Rizal and landmarks such as Talisay, Dapitan Bay, and the white sand beaches of Aliguay and Selinog Islands.

In the northern Mindanao region (Region X), Cagayan de Oro City is home to the Gardens of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village, Museum of Three Cultures, Monigue Cave, and Macahambus Adventure Park, where travelers can enjoy a lot of outdoor activities such as whitewater rafting, kayaking, rappelling and ziplining. Cagayan de Oro is also known as the “City of Golden Friendship” because of its very amiable people.

In the Davao region (Region XI), the Island Garden City of Samal offers paradise-like coves and beaches, not to mention great diving spots in Talikud and Ligid islands, the 224-hectare mariculture park, the bat sanctuary, and the Sanipaan Shoal.

In the Socsargen region (Region XII), the city of Sarangani presents a quiet paradise of fine white sand beaches such as the Sarangani Bay, various mystical caves, raging waterfalls and flourishing rainforests.

In the Caraga region (Region XIII), Butuan City is considered as the historical Mecca of the Philippines and home to several festivals such as the Abayan Festival, the Kahimunan Festival and the Adlaw Hong Festival. The city also boasts of the Butuan Regional Museuem, Agusan River (the deepest river that runs through the city), Cubi Cubi Beach, Tinago Beach, Mount Mayapay, and provides good access to the surfing capital of Siargao.

Lastly, in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), one can enjoy the thriving ecosystem of the coastal province of Tawi-Tawi such as natural zoos and paradise-like beaches.

Biyahe Exchange Program

All of the top emerging business destinations will be featured at the 21st Philippine Travel Mart that is slated to run from Sept. 3 to 5 at the SM Megatrade Halls.

This joint project of DoT and PHILTOA is part of the Biyahe Exchange Program, a one-on-one business matching program between corporate buyers and travel sellers where corporate incentive tours and meeting packages will be offered. There will also be special packages sold at “beyond the usual” discounted tour packages and will only be available during the 21st Philippine Travel Mart.

Daytrip tour packages include Manila jeepney experience (four hours, minimum of 10 persons, P500/person), Binondo culinary walking tour (four hours, minimum of 10 persons,P950/person), Hop on/hop off Pasig ferry cruise (four hours, minimum of 10 persons, P950/person), Batangas beach tour (eight hours, minimum of 10 persons, P2,200/person), spa indulgence (10 hours, minimum of 10 persons, P2,800/person).

Overnight tour packages include Cavite (minimum of 10 persons P2,500/person), Clark (minimum of 10 persons, P2,800/person), Corregidor (minimum of 10 persons P2,800/person).

Lastly, three days/two nights tour packages include Vigan (minimum of 35 persons, P4,500/person), Puerto Galera (minimum of 35 persons, P4,600/person), Pagudpud (minimum of 35 persons, P6,800/person), Bacolod (minimum of 30 persons, P10,000/person), Bohol (minimum of 30 persons, P10,500/person), Boracay (minimum of 35 persons, P9,500/person), Butuan (minimum of 30 persons, P10,900/person), Davao (minimum of 30 persons, P11,450/person), Iloilo (minimum of 30 persons, P9,900/person), Palawan (minimum of 30 persons, P10,500/person).

The event is also held in partnership with the Philippine Tourism Promotion Board, Philippine Airlines, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, Primer Group of Companies, Resorts World Manila, Smart Communications, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, Citibank, Jeepney Tours and San Miguel Brewery, with special support from participating properties: Patio Pacific Boracay, Marco Polo Davao, Two Seasons Resort Boracay, Shangri-La Mactan, The Legend Palawan, Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort, Boracay Tropics Resort Hotel and Hilton Cebu Resort & Spa.

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