Tourism Destination Philippines Launched in Toronto

The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto lent support to the Department of Tourism as they launched the Philippines as a tourism destination for Canadians. Organized by the Philippine Department of Tourism New York, the launch was held at the Hyatt Regency Toronto on October 27. Some 80 travel tour operators and travel agents attended the event. Key sponsors were the Philippine Airlines, EVA Air, Go Way Travel Ltd., and Rajah Tours.

Philippine Consul General to Toronto Rosalita S. Prospero read the welcome remarks, where she indicated that the encouraging turnout of participants is a reaffirmation that stakeholders are looking at the Philippines with renewed enthusiasm. Consul General Prospero also added that while the Philippines has quite a number of destinations to brag about, what makes the travel to the Philippines more fun is the Filipino people’s joie de vivre.

Director Corazon Jorda-Apo of the Philippine Department of Tourism, the event’s keynote speaker, engaged the travel tour operators with her presentation of prime tourism destinations in the Philippines such as Manila, Bohol, Cebu and Palawan, among others. She also informed the participants of suggested itineraries and activities, including what were the best things to buy in each destination.

Mr. Steve Perkins of GoWay Travel, a regular visitor to the Philippines, shared his exciting and fun-filled experiences in the country. Philippine Airlines capped the program with a raffle draw of a return ticket to the Philippines, together with a tour package with accommodation, courtesy of Rajah Tours.

The launch is part of the Philippine Department of Tourism’s effort to step up the development of potential source markets.

The Canada market has significantly contributed to the tourism industry in the Philippines, ranking eighth among the country’s top source markets. In 2014, it posted an increase of 9.53 percent (143,899 arrivals) versus 2013’s arrivals of 131,381, constituting 2.98 percent of the total visitor volume.

Source: www.dfa.gov.ph