The Pinoy traveler

There is no question, economic crunch or not, the Pinoy traveler remained unhindered in his/her travel plans in the previous year. It is interesting to realize how the Philippines fare well in the statistics of incoming tourists in neighboring countries.

We were invited by Tourism Malaysia when they presented a splendid road show entitled Media Night in the Marriott ballroom, gathering friends and would-be visitors from the different sectors – government, academe, media, travel agents, and their counterparts from the local Department of Tourism. Dances performed were reflective of the three main cultures that make up Malaysia: Malay, Indian and Chinese. Costumes were so colorful; some regal, while the tribal looked like our Mountain Province tribes.  Equally impressive was their master chef who demonstrated his prowess in making teh tarik, a typical Malaysian blend of sweet tea with milk made to froth by aeration pouring. He also amazed us with his dough spinning for roti (fragrant crispy Malay version of potato chips).

Highlight was the Tourism Director’s sharing, during his speech, of the significant increase in the number of Filipinos visiting Malaysia last year, as against the year before. This encouraged them to make that road show promoting their tourist attractions.

On March 2, we have another invitation. Singapore Tourism Board will host a media lunch at Radisson Blu San Martin Ballroom, hosted by STB Regional Director (ASEAN 1 & Oceania) Kenneth Lim and our good friend Sherina Chan, STB Area Director for the Philippines & Brunei.

The main reason for the invitation is to announce that “Singapore welcomes a record number of Filipino visitors in 2011. The number of visitor arrivals from the Philippines reached 678,000 last year, a 24% increase compared to 544,000 in 2010.”

Miss Sherina Chan further disclosed, “2010 was already considered exceptional year as the Philippines jumped two notches up from #8 to #6 in terms of international visitor generating markets. We are heartened by this continued growth momentum and warm support from Filipinos.”

I am sure, good news will also be coming from the Hong Kong Tourism Board if they manage to make a Cebu visit, as Hong Kong – Macau is a renewed destination to many Filipinos.

Budget airlines and the lure of lower airfares even from regular airlines have made traveling affordable to a wider scope among us. Whereas before only the upper level of society could afford to shop in Hong Kong, now I know of upper middle class families who go there for feasting on authentic Chinese cuisine, not just for the shopping.

We know that Singapore is a relatively safe destination for our children to spend a short holiday by themselves. And with added attractions like Universal Studios and the various sporty activities in the same island, Singapore has become a destination of choice among us.

Summer is coming, plan your trips well and travel safely!