Monday, January 23, 2006
ATF post tours draw foreign media, buyers
FOREIGN trade buyers and media are upbeat to join the Asean Tourism Forum (ATF) post tours in at least eight tourism destinations including Manila, Cebu, Bohol, Palawan, Boracay, Ifugao-Sagada-Bontoc, Legaspi, Sorsogon, and Cagayan de Oro.
Earlier upon their arrival, the delegates were given complimentary pre-show sightseeing tours in the city and the countryside.
These foreign buyers and media have registered for the post tours with the ATF Tours Committee as early as December 2005.
The delegates were also brought to Pearl Farm Beach Resort and Paradise Island Beach Resort during their pre-tours.
The ATF Secretariat noted an increasing numbers of walk-in buyers and media who are interested to join the tour trooped to the NCCC Mall to get their confirmation and get details on accommodation, how to get there, transport, and others.
The ATF post tour committee noted a total of 163 foreign buyers and 35 foreign media and at least 11 coordinators and tour guides who are joining the post tours.
The Palawan post tour has the most number of participants with 41 delegates.
The tour was divided into three groups and with two nights, three days accommodation in three popular resorts like El Nido, Legend Hotel, and Club Paradise.
Palawan known as the country's last frontier and has managed to preserve its fascinatingly natural habitat through the years is one of the preferences of ATF delegates.
The Cebu post tour on the other hand, scheduled on January 21 to 23 has 39 delegates divided into three groups with two days and three nights accommodations in three separate hotel and resorts namely Badian Island, Mactan-Maribago and Waterfront Cebu and Casino Hotel.
The tropical island of Cebu attracts many delegates with its pristine beaches, crystalline waters, and luxurious resorts, and all the frills of modern living.
Likewise, the two days and three nights trip to Bohol, has registered 12 participants including hosted buyers as well as accredited media.
The pristine beaches, coves, Chocolate Hills, whale watching, scuba diving, and tarsier watching are among the attractions that beckons Bohol.
To date, at least 38 delegates are joining the Manila and its environs post tour on January 21 to 22, which include a visit to Subic, Corregidor, Tagaytay, and Pagsanjan.
Meanwhile, a single group composed of 38 foreign buyers and media are joining the post tour for Boracay from January 22 to 24.
There are 31 delegates who are joining the post tour in Ifugao, Sagada, and Bontoc from January 22 to 25.
Other foreign delegates opted to see the tourist attractions in Legaspi-Sorsogon like the whale sharks in Donsol, the majestic Mayon Volcano, the Nahulugan Falls, Manta Ray Dive and culinary tours.
The Legaspi-Sorosogon post tour is scheduled on January 21 to 22.
Meanwhile, delegates who are adventure enthusiasts preferred Cagayan de Oro for its whitewater rafting and Camiguin Islands Tour, which is four days and three nights accommodation at Lauremar Resort. (adb/DOT-PIA)
For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (January 23, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
