Market gurus from 11 countries start Phitex '09

MANILA, Philippines - Market experts from 11 countries in Asia and Europe will kick off the Philippine Travel Exchange (Phitex) 2009 at the SMX Convention Center on Sept. 2, according to Tourism Secretary Ace Durano.

“They (experts) will serve as speakers at the Phitex seminar, the main highlight of the event’s first day, wherein they will discuss the present and future market opportunities in their respective countries that the local tourism industry can take advantage of,” Durano said.

Poised to benefit from these seminars are at least 192 delegates from 109 Philippine tourism-related companies participating in the event. Of the 192 local delegates, 137 are from hotels and resort establishments, 45 from tour operators, four from airlines and six from various others.

They will offer their products and services to a total of 199 foreign travel agents from 27 countries during the second day of Phitex 2009’s three-day run. 

The foreign buyers are coming from Australia, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, and Vietnam.

Organized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) through its marketing arm Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation (PCVC), Phitex is a yearly event designed to globally strengthen the country’s tourism brand and encourage local participants to promote affordable and competitive tourism packages.

“With the theme ‘Explore, Experience ... The Philippines is made to be traveled!,’ Phitex 2009 showcases the country’s unique attractions and destinations and the many exciting activities they offer,” said DOT Undersecretary Edu Jarque.

The event is supported by the Philippine Airlines, Philippine Tour Operators Association, Philippine Travel Agencies Association and the Hotel Sales Managers Association, with Sofitel Philippine Plaza, Pan Pacific Hotel, Traders Hotel, Heritage Hotel, Diamond Hotel and Hyatt Hotel & Casino as official hotels.