DOT's 3.2 million tourists well in sight BY RENE MARTEL THERE's no stopping that dynamic duo of the Department of Tourism—Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano and Undersecretary for Planning and Promotions Edu Jarque. Having spent a mere overnight stay last weekend in Boracay—the crown jewel of the local sun, sand and sea market—to inaugurate the spectacular new garden wing of the paradise island’s undisputable No 1 resort, the Boracay Regency, the two were heading to foreign climes this week in their relentless quest to hit the 3.2 million inbound tourists mark by the end of 2007. Durano was off to South Korea—now unarguably the No 1 source of tourists to the Philippines, with something like 19,000 air seats booked each month from Seoul to Manila—for Korea’s biggest travel exhibition. On the other hand Jarque was going to Shanghai to attend a travel fair exclusively devoted to the latest hip trend in the global tourism market—spa and wellness. Talking of China, the Philippine pavilion was presented with the Best in Marketing Support award at the recent Guang-zhou International Travel Fair. The country’s 40-man delegation was cited for their professionalism and marketing savvy, the impressive and comprehensive marketing materials, the cooperation and enthusiasm of the government and private travel sector, the highly applauded performances of the Bayanihan National Folk Dance Company and the unique experience of hilot, or Philippine massage. The GITF is one of the largest international travel expositions in China. Held at the Guangzhou Jinhan Exhibition Center, this year’s event featured over 600 booths by exhibitors from 37 countries and regions. “The whole world is aiming at the China market, hoping to get a larger share of this fast-growing traveling population. The Philippines, besides having beaches, natural attractions and shopping areas, banks on a strong Chinese-influenced heritage and prominent Tsinoy community to present the country as conducive for leisure and ideal for investment,” explained Secretary Durano. China is currently the country’s fourth largest source of tourists and one of the top priority markets. A total of 133,585 visitors arrived during 2006, marking a 24-percent increase from 2005. Durano attributed the growth to the continued promotional activities that focus on high-yield areas such as Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou. The delegation to the GITF was led by Undersecretary Jarque, accompanied by DOT Team China members Pamela Samaniego, Gigi Liwanag and Marian Obispo. Guangzhou-based marketing representative Martin Pan, completed the department’s entourage. The Philippine booth occupied 72 square meters and carried the combined beach and water sports, and spa and wellness theme. The travel agencies who joined were CK & Phil. Travel Limited, Jeron Travel and Tours, Philippine Straits Travel and Yoyo Holidays Travel Service. Tourism establishments Badian Island Resort and Spa, Le Petite Paradis, Marco Polo Davao and Patio Pacific also participated. The Philippine Leisure and Retirement Authority was also present to promote the country as a retirement haven. The Bayanihan National Folk Dance Company took center stage at the three-day event, regaling the audience with daily performances. The group also delighted the visitors of the China International Online Travel Fair, which was held at the same time and venue as the GITF. A special area of the Philippine pavilion offered hilot, or Philippine touch therapy, to interested guests. Masseuses Joseph Macaspac and Josielyn Carel, courtesy of North Haven Spa, Baguio and Le Petite Paradis, Tagaytay respectively, provided a soothing break amidst the hectic exhibit halls. Another indication of China’s positive investment interest in the country is through air links. China Southern Airlines has increased its Guangzhou-Manila flights from three to five times weekly to support a growing demand from Chinese tourists and businessmen.