7 July 2014 - The Department of Tourism (DOT), led by Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr., conducted a tourism mission in Hong Kong from June 22 to 24.  The mission was composed of the following events: a briefing with the over 30 Philippine sellers on the Hong Kong tourism market and trends on June 22; sales networking mission and networking lunch with around 180 product managers from Hong Kong on June 23; and a gala dinner attended by more than 300 Philippine sellers, product managers from Hong Kong, Filipino community members, members of the media and other organizations on June 23.

The tourism mission aimed to relaunch the Philippines as a destination for the Hong Kong market and attracted more than 300 stakeholders from the travel and tourism industry.  Additionally, the initiative was teaser to DOT’s “Visit the Philippines” campaign in 2015.

The gala hosted by Secretary Jimenez, featured performances from Filipino artists such as Cris Villonco, The Ryan Cayabyab Singers and Ballet Philippines, as well as videos of tourism destinations in the Philippines.   

Tropical fruits from the Philippines, Philippine beverages from Destileria Limtuaco and San Miguel Beer, and snacks from Universal Robina Corporation and other Philippine companies were also served during the event.  Meanwhile, specially-designed travel luggages with the image of the Philippine sea turtle (pawikan) and luggage tags with various destinations in the Philippines were also given away to the guests as souvenirs. 

During his speech at the Gala Dinner, Secretary Jimenez highlighted the renewal of Philippines-Hong Kong friendship, and the various new tourism features the Philippines has to offer to the Hong Kong tourists such as the numerous old churches and natural wonders around the country.

Philippine Consul General Bernardita L. Catalla also encouraged the Hong Kong community to include the Philippines in their travel itinerary considering the varied experiences offered by the country’s 7,107 islands. END