Tour Operators in Barcelona Get the Latest Updates on PH Tourism in Tourism Networking Event

Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro and Consul Raisa Mabayo meeting with Department of Tourism officials Gerard Pangan, Jane Salabit, Josie Andaya and Rhea Ison. (Barcelona PCG photo)

BARCELONA, 30 January 2023 – Trending Philippine tourist destinations, as well as policy and infrastructure updates, were presented to 50 tour operators and travel agents in Barcelona in an event held on 23 January 2023 at the SB Glow Hotel. The Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona was on hand to assist the Department of Tourism (DOT) in the event.

Mr. Gerard Panga, Tourism Attaché of the DOT’s London office welcomed the participants and provided updates on the plans and programs of the PH government for the tourism sector under the new administration, as well as other developments in the Philippine tourism industry.

Barcelona PCG, represented by Cultural Officer Bernardo Bagalay spoke of the shared historical and cultural heritage between the Philippines and Spain and how visits of Spanish tourists to the Philippines would be made more meaningful and memorable because of this connection. Mr. Bagalay encouraged participants to become partners of the Philippine government in providing the Philippine experience to Spanish tourists, and reminded them that the Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona would always be ready to assist and collaborate with them in their promotional activities.

Presentations on the Philippines were made by Maria José Garcia Rodriguez of Comunicación Iberoamericana, DOT’s marketing representative in Spain; Ms. Margarita Valdes of Blue Horizons-Diethhelm Group; and Matt Poonin of Travelite Travel and Tours. One-on-one sessions among the PH team and tour operators followed, where the latter expressed strong interest in collaborating to promote PH’s tourism programs.

Before the event, a coordination meeting was held at the Consulate between Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro and team, and the representatives from the DOT Head Office to discuss the DOT’s plans to promote tourism in Post’s jurisdiction. END

Left photo: Cultural Officer Bernardo Bagalay delivering his message to Spanish tour operators. Right photo: DoT-London Tourism Attaché Gerard Panga giving his welcome remarks. (Barcelona PCG photos)

Left photo: Maria José García Rodríguez of Comunicación Iberoamericana. Center photo: Matt Poonin of Travelite Travel and Tours. Right photo: Margarita Valdes of Blue Horizons - Diethelm Travel Group. (Barcelona PCG photos)

Participants to the Philippine Tourism Presentation and Networking Event. (Barcelona PCG photo) 

For more information, visit https://barcelonapcg.dfa.gov.ph/ or https://www.facebook.com/PHinBarcelona/.