To kick-off 2019 on a productive and forward-looking note, the revitalized Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), the marketing arm of the Department of Tourism (DoT), ramps up its efforts to actively promote the Philippines as a major tourism destination, as it looks forward to a very busy year ahead.

All strategic programs for 2019 are anchored on the theme of responsible and sustainable tourism

The TPB Marketing and Promotions sector participates in numerous international events year in and year out, working hard in placing the Philippines on the global tourism map. This is also in keeping with the TPB’s goal for visiting tourists from key markets such as Europe, North America, Australia, Japan, China and Korea to enjoy an optimal travel experience, thus extending their stay and spending more time in the country. Foremost among these activities was its recent participation in the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF), a tourism summit held at Ha Long, Vietnam and the Boot show in Düsseldorf, Germany where the Philippines was recognized as the most preferred dive destination.

All strategic programs for 2019 are anchored on the theme of responsible and sustainable tourism — “a balance between business opportunities and social responsibilities” — as set forth by DoT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.

In particular, says TPB chief operating officer Marie Venus Tan, the attached agency aims to pursue sustainable tourism through community-based products; revitalize domestic tourism by way of a revived advocacy campaign and strengthen the country’s presence in the MICE (meetings, incentives, conference and exhibition) space.

For 2019, TPB has its calendar full as it makes its presence felt in the following significant events: MICE Arabia & Luxury Travel Congress and Dubai Sales Calls (February); the ITB Berlin (March); China Outbound Travel and Tourism Market (April); The Meetings Show UK (June); IBTM Americas (July); Hokkaido Overseas Travel Fair (August); PATA Travel Mart and IMEX America (September); ITB Asia (October) and The Global Meetings and Events Expo (IBTM World) Spain (November).

On top of these are the programmed domestic events such as the Philippine Travel Mart, Travel Tour Expo, The World Street Food Congress 2019, the Ilog Project, the MICE Buyers Invitational Program and The TPB-initiated regional travel fairs.

Additionally, the agency will conduct marketing educational seminars in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, to be participated in by regional tourism officers, officials from local government units and private sector tourism representatives.