Manny V. Ilagan, Officer-in-Charge at the Philippine Department of Tourism-Los Angeles conducts the Philippine tourism product presentation before at least 300 participants composed of travel agents, tourism industry vendors and buyers at the ASTA Trade Show in Scottsdale, Arizona on July 11, 2015.
LOS ANGELES – Abundant islands and beaches. Endless thrills and adventures. Great shopping destinations. Haven for relaxation. Exotic food. Friendly, kind and hospitable people. These are just few of the many reasons why “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” which the Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) highlighted at the recent travel agents’ trade show in Arizona.
PDOT was one of the featured presenters in the recently concluded “Fiesta in the Desert XII” trade show organized by the Arizona Chapter of the American Society of Travel Agents at the Doubletree Resort-Scottsdale/Paradise Valley, Arizona.
In his presentation, Manny Ilagan, Officer-in-Charge of Philippine Department of Tourism-Los Angeles showcased and highlighted popular destinations in the Philippines, especially Boracay and Palawan, including Cebu and Bohol and the endless choices of beaches and island destinations that are in abundance in the country.
DOT’s presentation also emphasized the diversity that the country can offer to the tourists – from adventure, shopping, history and cultural immersion, dining and entertainment, to conventions, meetings, exhibitions and other special events. The engaging video presentations on why “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” and “15 Ways to Have More Fun in the Philippines” were enthusiastically received by the participants. A travel agent from Colorado described the presentations are “very effective.”
PDOT in partnership with Philippines Airlines, Rajah Tours and AAVan Vacations also participated in the round-robin table consultations with mainstream American travels agents, vendors and buyers, where they exchanged information, ideas and identified the needs of the travel sector, as well as promote Philippine destinations to international travelers.
Further promoting Philippine destinations, Lloyd Coleman, Director of Sales of AAVan Vacations, presented and shared his very enjoyable personal experiences when he toured and visited Cebu, Bohol, Boracay and Palawan last year. Philippine Airlines’ Los Angeles Area Manager Marie Jemma Saranillo provided a very informative presentation of PAL’s routes to Manila from different gateways in the United States via its new fleet of B777-300 ERs.
For a more exciting participation, DOT hosted breakfast for the trade show attendees, while one round-trip ticket to the Philippines was raffled off courtesy of Philippines Airlines, and a two nights/three days FOC accommodation in Boracay courtesy of Rajah Tours.
With participants and attendees totaling at least 300 travel agents, vendors and buyers of tourism products of which 91 represents international destinations, ASTA’s Arizona Chapter trade show reaffirmed its role as a major business platform for the tourism industry.
The Department of Tourism’s participation at the Arizona Chapter of ASTA’s travel show is in line with DOT’s continuing campaign to increase inbound tourists to the Philippines from North America, specifically targeting Asian-American and mainstream American market.
Manny Ilagan of PDOT-Los Angeles was joined was Jemma Saranillo and Ricky Panis of Philippine Airlines, Lloyd Coleman of AAVan Vacations, and Jojo Clemente of Rajah Tours Philippines.