With consumer confidence in Europe on an upswing, more and more travellers see this period as the best time to book their holidays for the year. Holidaymakers will be trawling through various magazines and will be attending travel shows to find their inspirations.

The Philippines Department of Tourism (PDOT) London is always on hand to inspire eager travellers to head to our welcoming islands. Browse this jam-packed issue to know more about our various promotional projects aimed at fostering greater awareness and visibility for the Philippines.

We have just had recent triumphs at trade shows at our other markets in Europe particularly Reiseliv in Norway and FITUR in Spain. At Reiseliv, PDOT London was able to strengthen travel trade relationships in this important region including Orkide Exspressen, Vikstore and Travelstorm to name a few. Future familiarization trips with journalists and media were also organized at the fair. While at FITUR, the Philippines experienced numerous achievements from the heightened interest from countless visitors to the stand.

If you still need more holiday ideas, then join us at our upcoming shows where you can choose from the best Philippine package offers from our travel partners.

PDOT London is delighted to report that the Philippines' recent participation at the Feria Internacional de Turismo (FITUR), the third largest travel trade fair in the world, was a complete success.

For the very first time, the Philippine stand was located at the very front of the Asia Pacific Hall. Interest for the Philippines was at an all-time high apparent by the sheer number of visitors and inquiries at the booth. Inquiries for honeymoon packages topped consumer interest followed by diving, liveaboards and family tours.

Joining PDOT at the stand were private sector partners from the Philippines, Annset Holidays and Manila Hotel. Edyfar Viajes, a ticketing agent in Spain and the Philippine Embassy in Spain also joined the booth. Our jubilant partners conducted as much as 60 productive meetings during the fair.

The travel trade in Spain signified strong interest in featuring the Philippines in their holiday packages with the likes of Vibrant Holidays, Voyages Marco Polo, Viagens de Mergulho and L&P Travel among others are already in the process of initiating their Philippines program. One agent from Stanley & Livingstone Travel Consultants even commented that El Nido in Palawan was his favourite place in the world.

In addition, response from the media was incredible as there were numerous journalists like Nacho Sayas who had been to the country before and now wants to return as soon as possible. Javier Ecija Roux of Casco Antiguo expressed his offer to do a documentary on dive safaris in the country.

Visit Us at Destinations 2011

Earls Court, London, 3-6 February 2011

Fancy a buffet lunch along Loboc River while being serenaded by a live band? Does navigating the longest underground river in the world arouse your curiosity? How about counting the islands on the horizon as you relax in your infinity pool after a spa session? Whatever your interest, visit the PDOT London booth (AP25) at the Destinations Show at Earls Court on 3-6 February 2011 to gain inspiration and travel ideas for planning your perfect Philippine holiday.

Philippine partners exhibiting at the fair, such as Audley Travel, Bamboo Travel, Dive Worldwide, Luxury Holidays Direct, Sanya Travel, Senses Holidays, and Silverbird among others; can offer the best tailor-made holiday packages to suit your desires. Even the most attractive flight offers from London to either Manila or Cebu will be presented by Cathay Pacific representatives at the Destinations Show.

See you there!!!

Our Facebook Philippines Tourism Page Gains 10.87% Increase in Fans since December 2010

The Tourism Philippines Facebook Fan Page catering to PDOT London markets is tremendously increasing in popularity. Just last December 2010, PDOT London reported that its fan base has already reached 5,565. A month later, at the end of January 2011, the figure has jumped to 6,244 fans which registered an astounding increase of 10.87%.

Insights for the page are also up, with its monthly active users at a high figure of 1,710, an increase of 32% from the previous month. Every article posted on the page receives about 3,000 impressions each time.

PDOT London wishes to thank you for your continued support!!!

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Massive Publication Releases by our Travel Writers

It is just the second month of the year, but the Philippines has already scored tremendous publicity appearing on mainstream magazines in the UK and Spain as a result of recently implemented familiarization trips.

The Hot Topics section of the January/February issue of Food and Travel Magazine featured Panglao Island of the Philippines alongside a striking full-page image of Eskaya Beach Resort's infinity pool.

Another article about the Philippines appeared on the Hot Spots section of ABTA Magazine's January issue, of which it featured the highlights and draws of the country's 7,107 islands along with a half-page image of the Banaue Rice Terraces.

In Spain, three mainstream magazines heavily featured the Philippines with articles running more than 5 pages each in their December 2010/January 2011 editions.

An impressive 9-page article written by Menana Munar with photos by Nacho Sayas appeared on Viajeros magazine this month. The article covered the facets, sights, cuisine and sounds of Manila and its districts.

Publication releases continued with another article entitled "Algo Salvaje" by Teresa Ricart, which comprised 5 pages of Yodona's December 2010/January 2011 issue. Teresa's article focused on island hopping in Palawan archipelago, covering El Nido and Coron, the country's "ultima frontera".

The longest article of the features this month, was a mammoth 14-page two-part write-up on T&A Magazine for El Nido and Cordillera. The article and photographs were done by Oscar San Martin Molina and Maria Ipinia, who both went to the Philippines last year to personally experience the country's attractions.

All told, awareness of the Philippines' attractions will continue to spread due to the unabated humongous exposure in UK and European travel publications.

Destination of the Month

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Manila

Manila - friendly, hospitable, warmly welcoming is the principal gateway of the country to its major destinations throughout its 7,107 islands. Manila is a combination of different elements defining its character as the central nerve of all the country's activities.

The metropolis successfully blends its heritage with modernity as both ancient and novel edifices such as skyscrapers and shopping malls encompass Manila. These are all surrounded by the cacophony of sounds of people of varied tongues, religions, styles and of everything else moving in the city.

Historic, bustling, awe-inspiring, Manila is a blend of cultures and flavours that offers an endless serving of places to see, sights to behold, and experiences to never forget.

Package of the Month

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Manila and El Nido Resort Holiday

Manila - Diamond Hotel

Situated along Manila Bay, the hotel offers 485 luxury rooms with large bay windows overlooking scenic Manila Bay or the sprawling city landscape. The Diamond Hotel is just ten minutes away from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, and within walking distance from the city’s major landmarks, shopping centres, business districts, embassies, museums and parks. Guests can enjoy a leisurely stroll along Bay Walk, and watch the magnificent sunsets.

The five-star hotel specializes in serving the needs of even the most discerning guests, and offers many superior facilities including seven onsite restaurants offering a variety of Asian and western dishes. Diamond Hotel Philippines has a full-service spa, a health club, an outdoor pool, a steam room, and a sauna. Wireless and wired high-speed Internet access is available in public areas (surcharges apply). Business amenities at this 4.5-star property include ... a business center and small meeting rooms. This Manila property has a coffee shop/café. For a surcharge, guests have access to an airport shuttle. Guest parking is complimentary. Event facilities consist of a ballroom and conference/meeting rooms. The staff can arrange wedding services, event catering, and currency exchange. Additional amenities include a fitness facility, valet parking, and a concierge desk.

Palawan - El Nido Miniloc Resort

Miniloc Island Resort is also set in a cove with a backdrop of sheer limestone cliffs. Reminiscent of a coastal village, Miniloc’s quaint charm is enhanced by its crystal clear waters teeming with tropical fishes. You need not go far to sample Miniloc Island’s interesting facets. The waters fronting the resort are rich in marine life. At the end of the pier, guests can snorkel alongside 3-foot long groupers and hundreds of sergeant majors, damsel fish, fusiliers, and other multi-colored tropical fishes.

All cottages, rooms and suites have floors made of antique wood, furnishing made of old wood from old Filipino houses and a full-height sliding glass doors that open up to a private verandah, and depending on the room, affords guests with views of the cove, the cliffs, the bay or the sunset. Each cottage, room and suite is air-conditioned and has a private toilet and shower with bath amenities and a hair dryer, a mini-bar, stereo system with CD player, and IDD telephone.

Inclusions:
• Return airfare on economy class flying including taxes
• 02 nights at the Diamond Hotel, Manila on bed & breakfast basis
• 08 nights at El Nido Miniloc on bed & breakfast basis
• Return airfare – Manila- El Nido – Manila
• Return airport transfer
• Airport assistance
*
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