Tourism secretary highlights gains from PEP Caravan

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Cristina Garcia Frasco sees the reward behind her Philippine Experience Program (PEP) Culture, Heritage, and Arts Caravan initiative which started from June 2023. 

“On the fiscal side, the Philippine Experience tour packages are now being sold by our tour operators, as well as online on Klook,” said Frasco Thursday afternoon at Mount Camisong in Itogon, Benguet. 

The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) is the 13th leg of the caravan and will explore Baguio, Mountain Province and Benguet from 23 to 25 October. 

“On the local side, the stakeholders have wider reach and market because they also have the chance to meet international audience,” she expressed. 

The local community’s stakeholders will also hold a discussion with national and regional tour operators for the business-to-business talk to empower local markets. 

Ambassadors, diplomatic, and consular corps from Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, and India are also present in the caravan. 

According to Frasco, the initiative will continue until next year. 

On the second day, the event will feature Festival of Festivals at the Session Road and will also explore the trending Northern Blossoms Flower Farm in Atok, Benguet. 

On its last day, the tour will be in Mountain Province before proceeding to Cafe Stella in Itogon, Benguet and back to Baguio Public Market.