DOT joins World Travel Market in London

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines is eyeing a piece of the over €2-billion tourism market in Europe as it prepares for the World Travel Market (WTM) on Nov. 3-6 in London.

In a statement, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said the WTM 2014 is a “must” to attend for tourism stakeholders and major players who need to do business-to-business meetings with their foreign counterparts in Europe while presenting a diverse range of destinations, tour packages and investment opportunities including networking opportunities.

The DOT said the WTM is a unique opportunity for the whole global travel trade to meet, network, negotiate and conduct business. More than 50,000 global travel professionals are expected to attend while some 5,000 international exhibitors are also seen to participate.

More than €2.2 billion of travel industry deals were generated during the event in 2013, the DOT said.

At the same time, the DOT is inviting local government units (LGUs) including private tourism stakeholders (local chief executives, tourism officers, destination managers, hotel and resort operators, inbound travel and tour operators), to participate in one of the world’s biggest travel expositions, particularly from the following Philippine destinations: Palawan (Coron/El Nido); Ilocos (Vigan/Laoag); Cordilleras (Banaue); Davao/Camiguin/Surigao (Siargao); Cebu/Bohol; Legaspi; and Manila/Makati.

Each participating LGU will be provided with a complimentary booth space allocation at 12 square meters, plus a slot to present a visual presentation on-screen, among other incentives.

The cost of putting up the design for the space allocation shall be on the account of the LGU at only P22,750 per sqm payable to the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB).

“They may opt to host one cocktail reception at the Philippine stand with TPB taking care of inviting guests and visitors. Traveling expenses, however, will be on pax account. Participation shall be limited to at least two delegates per company,” the DOT said.