Tramex turnout shows RP still a favored destination

CEBU, Philippines - Despite the gloomy global economy, the Philippines remains a preferred destination for regional congress and convention planners in Asia, which is evident in the rising number of foreign buyers that joined the Travel Market Exchange (Tramex).

A total of 52 foreign buyers registered in yesterday’s tourism related business-to-business (B2B) activity called Tramex jointly organized by Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation (PCVC), which is one of the highlights of the Philippine International Tourism Fair (PITF).

DOT chief Joseph “Ace” Durano affirmed the positive projection of the Philippine tourism sector despite the series of crises that beset the industry, most specifically the global threat of the influenza A (H1N1).

Tramex is a venue for sellers in the local tourism industry who are seeking new foreign markets for tourism destinations, products and services like resort-hotels, city hotels, tour operators, travel agencies via business matching.

“This year’s PITF is the most significant amid the challenges of the global crisis. The business generated in the event highlights that opportunities still abound. The challenges are mere veils. We need a sharp and perceptive vision to see through the veil,” said Durano in his brief speech during the formal opening of Tramex yesterday held at the Marco Polo Plaza Cebu.

According to PCVC executive director Danny Corpuz said the 51 foreign buyers attended this year’s Tramex, is a slight increase from 45 foreign buyers attended in 2008.

The foreign buyers include tour operators, travel agencies, retailers, corporate travel planners, specialized tour companies, incentive travel and wellness program organizers, and medical tourism intermediaries.

“Most of the foreign buyers this year are congress and convention planners,” Corpuz said, noting the huge potential of Cebu as a destination for international conferences and exhibitions due to the presence of international hotels and resorts here, apart from the province’s leisure hotspots.

Likewise, Durano stressed that tourism sector as among the most resilient industries, as signified by the increase in foreign and domestic arrivals, which grew a little over 10 percent in the first three months of this year.

“The increase in arrivals is a testament of the confidence by the international market to the Philippine market. These foreign buyers are out to send the message to their respective countries that the Philippines have now much to offer as a business and leisure destination,” he said.

This is the first time that DOT and PCVC decided to focus on inviting congress and convention planners around Asia, to boost the country’s potential as Meetings, Incentives, Convention and Exhibition (MICE) destination in the region.