MECO targets Taiwan tourists for RP sites

MANILA, Philippines - The Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) in Taipei aims to position the Philippines as the world’s leading adventure travel site in Taiwan and its estimated half a million leisure divers. MECO is also focusing on other high-growth consumer segments such as honeymooners, corporate and incentive travelers, and upwardly mobile professionals. 

Antonio I. Basilio, MECO managing director and resident representative, said MECO will highlight this year the adventure sports and eco-tourism activities in the country beyond the traditional beach holiday packages.

“This will be the MECO Tourism Center’s priority, to market the Philippines a year-round eco-tourism and adventure sports destination. Outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers and sports-minded travelers will have all they can handle at our flagship destinations alone, including Cebu, Bohol, Boracay, Batangas and Palawan,” said Basilio.

Rene Reyes, MECO tourism director said MECO’s tourism marketing campaign would be a major come-on for about half a million leisure divers in Taiwan, including licensed and novice diving enthusiasts.

Another advantage of the Philippines is its proximity to Taiwan according to Reyes. “The Philippines is the closest international diving destination for the Taiwanese. Our dive sites are so diverse that visitors are compelled to make several trips to the Philippines to experience everything that we have to offer.”

Basilio said the country has numerous eco-tourism and adventure sites to offer Taiwanese and other nationals like the dive and snorkeling sites, with Cabilao Island in Bohol a favorite because of its amazing reefs and rich marine life. “Schools of hammerhead sharks are regularly sighted there.”

Another popular dive destination is Malapascua in Cebu which is famous for its white sand beach and beautiful coral gardens according to Basilio. “One of this area’s top dive spots is the Monad Shoal, an underwater plateau where regular sightings of manta rays and thresher sharks occur.”

Meanwhile, aside from targeting dive enthusiasts, MECO’s Tourism Center also has in place tourism programs for high-growth consumer segments such as honeymooners, corporate and incentive travelers, and upwardly mobile professionals.