Vilma Mendoza, Mart Evers Travel & Tours; Rene De Los Santos, Philippines' Department of Tourism (DoT) & Jennylyn Santos, Rajah Tours Philippines
Rey Fortaleza, Reyfort Group; Faye Nalicat, Filipino Canadian Marketing Group; Consul General Frank Ferrer; Maligaya Travel's Nelson Rodriguez, his son & Rey Gamboa; and Amelia Chee, Goway Travel
Back row: DoT's Rene De Los Santos; Theresa Garces, PAL; Bless Diwa, DoT - Cagayan Valley Region & DoT's Susan del Mundo
Front row: Jose Mari Ponce, Cagayan Economic Zone; Consul General Frank Ferrer & Rosario Apacible, Mayor of Nasugbu Municipality
“Canada is an emerging market for the Philippines,” said Frank Ferrer, the Philippine Consul General for Vancouver.
Along with the Philippines’ Department of Tourism (DoT), a contingent of regional tourist organizations and inbound tour operators, Ferrer visited YVR, the 1st stop on their Canadian roadshow.
Held at the Four Seasons’ Park Ballroom, the event started bright and early with a continental breakfast. Our hosts were headed by San Francisco-based Rene De Los Santos, DoT’s Director – Northwestern USA & Western Canada, and Manila-based Susan del Mundo, Head of Marketing & Promotions for Europe, North America & the Philippines. Del Mundo introduced the “It’s More Fun In the Philippines” campaign, which was put on hold last year due to the aftermath of the earthquake and typhoon.
But despite those unfortunate events, 131,381 Canadians visited the country last year – a 6.2% increase over 2012. Forecasts for 2014 are expected to rise by 10-15%.
“Tourism is one of the growth sectors and is a good tool for environment protection,” Ferrer told the guests as he spoke about the Philippines’ excellent beaches (ranging from white to black sand) and its biologically diverse marine environment (endorsed by the Smithsonian Institute).
And what’s the destination’s best asset, according to Ferrer? “Our people,” he said. “Filipinos are known for their cheerfulness. Foreign visitors arrive as tourists and leave as friends.”
With an exchange rate of C$1 to 40 Philippine Pesos, the destination also offers great value. “See you there,” said Ferrer. “We can get your visa processed within a day,” he added with a smile.
The Philippines roadshow will make its way to Winnipeg, Toronto and Ottawa. For more information, please visit itsmorefuninthephilippines.ca.
