23 February 2015 – For the first time in the 24 year-history of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Estonia, the Philippines participated in “Tourest 2015” - the biggest annual international tourism and travel trade fair in the Baltic States - from February 13 to 15.

More than 600 Estonians visited the booth of the Philippine Embassy, where the video of “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” was continously played. Among their frequently-asked questions were concerning the flights and airfare to the Philippines, recommended tourist attractions, and tour packages available.

Philippine Non-Resident Ambassador to Estonia Patricia Ann V. Paez and Principal Assistant for Economic Diplomacy Attaché Evelyn L. Vega manned the booth, answered inquiries, showed the contents of and gave away brochures of “It’s More Fun in the Philippines.”

Officers of some Estonian travel agencies discussed possible partnerships with Philippine Embassy officials to increase tourism traffic from Estonia to the Philippines. The travel representatives of the travel agencies are Mr. Sven Lookene-Managing Director of Reisi Ekspert; Mr. Leo Horvic - Member of the Board of Emeraude Travel; Ms. Marina Teetlok-Director of Indigo Travel; Ms. Riina Luik-Executive Manager of the newly-opened Boutique Travel Agency; and Ms. Tina Park-Chairman of the Board of the Estonian TV Travel.

The Philippine Embassy distributed to guests a list of Philippine travel agencies which specialize in the European market, bags marked “Philippines” from the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), Philippine dried mangoes from the Office of the Tourism Attaché based in Frankfurt, Germany and magnets featuring the jeepney, calesa, bahay-kubo, vinta and other iconic Filipino cultural objects. END