May 29, 2009

RP Hailed as Asia's Most Popular Destination in World Trade Fair 2009


In the advent of wedding destination, the Philippines has just given soon-to-wed couples from all over the world a better reason why they should hold their special day here. More than its beautiful churches, beaches and sceneries, professional local wedding suppliers, and popular wedding culture, the country has recently been named as the most popular destination in Asia at this year's World Travel Fair (WTF) in Shanghai, China.

Held last April 9 – 11, 2009 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center, the Philippines was recognized as the most popular destination in Asia after a public vote and an evaluation process done by professional jurors from the Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administration and VNU Exhibitions Europe.

In a statement released by the Department of Tourism (DOT), Secretary Joseph ‘Ace’ Durano attributed the win to the country's competitive tour pricing, the remarkable progress of the transportation sector, and the Filipino's friendliness and hospitality to visitors.

Furthermore, Sec. Durano said, “the Philippines is one of the fastest growing destinations in China’s outbound travel industry, recording a 74% month-on-month growth rate in visa issuances for February of this year. We are also the nearest tropical beach country for the Chinese, as Manila is only 2 hours away from Guangzhou, while Cebu is only 3 hours away from Shanghai.”

DOT Undersecretary for Tourism Planning and Promotions Eduardo Jarque Jr. added that during last year’s World Trade Fair, the Philippines garnered the Best Leisure Destination for Boracay; Top 10 Island Getaways for Chinese Summer Travel for Bohol; the only Asian entry in the list of premier destinations in the acclaimed World Traveller Magazine; and Top 10 Most Searched Destination among Shanghai online users in Baidu, the biggest search engine in China.

Ms. Arlene Alipio, head of DOT Team China, disclosed that the outbound travel of China has been profitable for the country. Ms. Alipio cited that recent statistics from the China National Tourism Administration shows that the number of Chinese travelers reached 34.4 million in the first nine months of 2009.

Meanwhile, Turkey was awarded as The Best Leisure Tour Destination while Switzerland was hailed as the Most Popular Tourism Destination in Europe.

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Kasal.com thanks the following sources for this article:
Department of Tourism. RP is Asia’s Most Popular Destination, Makes mark in World Travel Fair 2009 (Posted April 17, 2009) Retrieved April 18, 2009 from
http://www.wowphilippines.com.ph/news/news2.asp?id=560

Philippine News Agency. RP: Asia's most popular destination. (Posted April 17, 2009) Retrieved April 18, 2009 from
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=199182&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=destination&andor=and&mdte_arch=4&ddte_arch=19&ydte_arch=2009

Manila Bulletin. RP is Asia’s Most Popular Destination. (Posted April 18, 2009) Retrieved April 18, 2009 from
http://mb.com.ph/articles/202838/rp-asia-s-most-popular-destination

ABS-CBN News. RP most popular destination in Asia. (Posted April 18, 2009) Retrieved April 18, 2009 from
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/04/18/09/rp-most-popular-destination-asia

Travel Biz Monitor. World Travel Fair names Philippines ‘most popular destination in Asia. (Posted April 18, 2009) Retrieved April 18, 2009 from
http://www.travelbizmonitor.com/world-travel-fair-names-philippines-most-popular-destination-in-asia-6112

Goode News Pilipinas. RP is voted Asia’s most popular destination (Posted April 19, 2009) Retrieved April 19, 2009 from
http://goodnewspilipinas.com/wp/?p=5032

May 7, 2009

FCAP Cooks up its 6th Taste of Manila


Soon-to-wed couples, foodies, and guests are in for a sumptuous treat this May 8 to 10, 2009 as the Food Caterers Association of the Philippines (FCAP) holds its annual Taste of Manila 2009 at the Megatrade Hall 2 of SM Megamall.

Now on its sixth year, Taste of Manila 2009 is a collaboration of the country’s leading food caterers, restaurateurs and canteen/food concessionaires. The event will present creative best table set- ups, sumptuous buffet, fashion show for the uniforms of their service crew, edible flower for salads and main courses, entertainment, and food tasting.

On May 8-9, 2009, Taste of Manila will highlight wedding set up and menu. On the other hand, the last day of the event will serve as FCAP’s Mothers Day celebration; with activities such as make-over for moms, pottery, painting, and a fashion show of wedding gowns and party outfits. Mothers and their families will be serenaded by a string chamber.

Last year, Taste of Manila generated a large attendance of over 13,000 in three days. This year will surely be bubbling with more exciting food presentation styles and buffet set-ups.

The Taste of Manila 2009 is supported by Manila Bulletin, KLG International, Inc., Kasal.com, and Evian. For more information, contact FCAP at (632) 371-4830, 410-0394, 0916-1400351 or 0908-4162730.