DOT and PHILTOA Unveils the Philippines ’ Top Emerging Business Destinations for 2010

photos clockwise: REGION VIII Pintados Photo by Eric Dee; REGION I Bangui Windmills; REGION V Bulusan Lake; Region VII Sea Traffic; REGION VI Maskara Festival Bacolod Photo by Eric Dee; Region X World Class Endemic Bird Specie – Mt. Kitanlad Bukidon


Tired of going to the same vacation spot over and over again? Don’t deprive yourself of the joy of exploring new places to visit when you decide to take that much needed break.

Thanks to this year’s list of Top Emerging Business Destinations, there’s no need to think about the perfect destination where you can mix business with pleasure, relaxation and adventure. Recently, the DOT and PHILTOA awarded the most beautiful and popular cities and destinations in the Philippines , giving them the distinction of being “Top Emerging Business Destinations.” The Top Emerging Business Destinations is a part of the 21st Philippine Travel Mart, which is a joint project of PHILTOA and the Department of Tourism.

Awarded  emerging destinations are :  Laoag and Dagupan (Region I), for their heritage sites, and beaches;  La Trinidad Valley (CAR), for its magnificent strawberry fields, vegetable terraces and  cut flower industry;  Zambales (Region III), a multifaceted destination for beach holidays, Mango agri-tourism and sports adventure activities;  San Juan, Batangas (Region IV-A)  can easily boast endless beautiful beaches and stylized type of resorts; Marinduque (Region IV-B)  with its world class resort and rich cultural traditions; Sorsogon of Bicol ( Region V) which is synonymous to eco-tourism activities like whale interaction and firefly tour.

In Visayas:   Silay City (Region VI), for its preserved ancestral houses and rich culinary heritage and newly constructed world class airport; Danao in Bohol ( Region VII), the new eco-adventure mecca  complemented by nearby  white sand beaches and the nature’s wonders of the “Chocolate hills” and tarsier; The island destinations of Northern Samar ( Region VIII) with its pristine beach areas, rich flora and fauna and iconic natural land formation.

Down south : The Island Garden City of Samal (Region XI), for its paradise-like coves and beaches, eco-adventure sites and activities; Cagayan De Oro ( Region X), not only as gate way to the northern part of Mindanao but  also caters to city based-adventure  activities; Butuan  City (Region XIII) of Caraga is historical mecca of the Philippines with good access to Agusan marshlands and surfing capital of Siargao;  Sarangani (Region XII) can always pull a surprise with its beautiful coastlines, diverse cultural  heritage and aqua tourism activities; Dapitan City (Region IX) of Zamboanga del Norte, holds one of the historical treasures  of Dr Jose Rizal  complemented by its rustic surroundings and thriving aqua culture industry.

Good accessibility, communication network , availability of meeting facilities and standard accommodation in these areas are must criteria  to qualify as one of the top emerging destinations.     Corporate incentive tours and meeting packages will be promoted during the 21st Travel Mart which will happen on September 3 -5, 2010 at the SM Megatrade Halls.

“These places are perfect for corporate travelers and holidaymakers,” says Cesar Cruz, PHILTOA president. “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.”

Biyahe Exchange Program

The destinations will be featured at the 21st Philippine Travel Mart as part of the Biyahe Exchange Program, a one-on-one business meeting between corporate buyers and travel sellers where travel adventures, trips, and tours are offered to companies for corporate outings and company incentives. Corporate buyers are encouraged to attend the PTM to avail of great promos and deals to the top emerging business destinations in the Philippines today.

With so many fun activities and great travel deals in store for guests, the 21st Philippine Travel Mart is the perfect event for people who want to rediscover the Philippines . Special packages  sold at  “ beyond the usual”  discounted tour  packages will be available exclusively during the 3-day event to visitors.

The event is held in partnership with the Department of Tourism, Philippine Tourism Promotion Board (PTPB), Philippine Airlines, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), Primer Group of Companies, Resorts World Manila, Smart Communications, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), 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.