22 December 2016 – On a night recognizing tourism milestones in honor of New York and New Jersey based travel agents, air carriers, and partners who helped boost tourism to the Philippines in 2016, Consul General Ma. Theresa Dizon-De Vega joined Philippine Department of Tourism New York (PDOT NY) OIC Zeny Pallugna and Gateway Travel Tours (GTT), represented by Managing Director Eliza Chung and Sales Manager Rowena Lipa, in welcoming 80 guests to a year-end holiday party held at Evergreen Restaurant in New York City last December 19. Also present were Mr. Manny Ilagan of Majestic Vacation, one of PDOT-NY’s tour operator partners and Consul Felipe Cariño, Head of the Consulate’s Economic Section.
In her remarks, Consul General Dizon-De Vega said that the Philippine economy is among the brightest spots in the Asian region, registering a growth rate of 7.1% in the third quarter this year, the highest in Asia, and is poised to surpass the tourism goal of 6 million arrivals in 2016 after posting double digit growth compared to the same period last year. The Duterte administration has embarked on significant investments in infrastructure like roads, airports, and sea ports that is expected to provide convenience for more travelers, thus boosting domestic and international tourism and dispersing economic growth to the provinces and sub-cities, she added.
DOT Representative Zeny Pallugna noted the importance of growing partnerships between PDOT and travel operators, associations, air carriers, and agents that is helping push the Philippines as a destination among travel-savvy Asian Americans who are traveling to Asia for sight-seeing, shopping, and other travel experiences.
The Philippines remains a sought after destination, attracting people from different parts of the world because of its pristine beaches and islands – three of which, Boracay (#1), Palawan (#2), and Cebu (#5) were recognized in Conde Nast Traveler’s List of 2016 Best Islands in World – as well as its scenic dive spots and aqua sports and local food and attractions, Ms. Pallugna added.
The country’s flag carrier, Philippine Airlines, represented by its Country Manager Michelle Narvaez and Charisse Arboleda as well as representatives from airline partners such as Korean Air, Asiana, Delta, Qatar Airways, Eva Air, China Southern, and China Airlines graced the occasion and gave away several round trip tickets to the Philippines, the US, and Europe as raffle prizes to lucky travel agents that night.
The PDOT NY is intensifying its campaign to boost tourism to the Philippines among mainstream Americans. A key factor is supporting and entering into collaborative partnerships with airlines and travel operators and agents to push for the Philippines as a top destination by creating attractive and reasonable travel packages to Asia and the Philippines. END