Visitors get a taste of PH at World Travel Market

THE Philippines generated P436,970,868 in sales leads during the World Travel Market (WTM) 2024, which took place from Nov. 5 to 7 at London's ExCeL Convention Center.

The amount is more than P178 million higher than the previous year's participation.

«Today's travelers seek immersive experiences, evolving from years like seeing to a quest for authentic experiences, and this is precisely what we are able to offer in the Philippines,» Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco said on Monday.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

«We have focused on diversifying our tourism offerings,» Garcia-Frasco said.

The Department of Tourism (DoT) led a group of 22 private sector exhibitors, including tour operators, destination management organizations, and hotels and resorts, to the conference to showcase the Philippines as Asia's top tourism destination.

The event drew a large number of global industry executives, with the Philippine pavilion receiving attention from major media sources and tourist stakeholders.

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«Through the work of our tour operators and regional offices, as well as our engagement with our tourism frontliners, our tour guides, and our community-based tourism organizations, we are now able to offer experiential travel in the Philippines through tourism packages focused on cultural immersions, festivals, the creative arts, health and wellness, gastronomy, and other offerings,» Garcia-Frasco said.

Interactive booth activations, such as the Paoay Church photo booth, traditional hair threading demonstrations, Filipino coffee presentations, and snack samplings, as well as vibrant performances and fashion walks featuring the designs of renowned Filipino designer Randy Ortiz, gave visitors a taste of the Philippines' allure as a must-see destination.

The Philippines' participation at the WTM 2024 London lines up with developments in the UK outbound travel market, which is predicted to reach $90.46 billion by 2024, according to Future Market Insights.