The Department of Tourism and attached agency the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines booked an initial P260 million worth of negotiated sales from more than 300 business meetings during the three-day Internationale Tourismus-Börse in Berlin.
Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco underscored the strong demand for Philippines as a destination of choice in the world’s largest travel and tourism trade fair, boosting the country’s positioning as a tourism powerhouse in Asia.
“We brought the biggest Philippine delegation to the ITB Berlin 2023 with the intention of showcasing the best of the best of our country and our culture, and to reintroduce to the world our greatest asset: the warmth and hospitality of the Filipino people. The optimism and excitement with which all of this was received shows the world that the possibilities are endless for the potential of Philippine tourism to transform under the Marcos administration,” she said.
The Philippine delegation to the ITB included tour operators, online travel agencies, travel websites and communities with 26 co-exhibitors.
TPB chief operating officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles noted the positive outcome of the Philippines’ participation in ITB Berlin strengthened the country’ position to be a world-class tourist destination.
“We are proud to bear witness once again at how ITB continues to live up to its reputation for being the largest travel trade show in the world. I am so happy to share that the Philippines truly championed in giving the world a view into our distinct and diverse destinations, culture and heritage in this momentous event,” she said.
During the event, two cities in Negros Occidental, Sagay and Bago won the Green Destination Story Awards for its inspirational initiatives for sustainable tourism.
The international event highlighted the Philippines rich culture and sustainable tourism like the weavers’ hand-loom products which are passed down from generations to generations to preserve its tradition and heritage. Products like the T’nalak of South Cotabato and Yakan of Zamboanga gained prominence at the event.
ITB Berlin News, the show’s official daily, selected the Philippines to be the site of its tree planting project for this year’s cause, through a sustainability partnership with Click A Tree. The site will be in Davao Oriental, Mindanao. Kaiser will be visiting the Philippines in September for the tree planting initiative.
The TPB participates annually in ITB Berlin to sustain travel trade opportunities for Philippine tourism stakeholders and network with relevant decision-makers from new and existing tourism markets across Europe, America, and Asia.