Another sure sign that our tourism industry is on its way up to pre-pandemic levels is the recent event hosted by Duty Free Philippines Corp. (DFPC). Coinciding with the World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) celebration of World Tourism Day, the state-owned commercial establishment invited to a sumptuous lunch at the Luxe Duty Free in the Mall of Asia complex the country’s leading tour operators, travel agents, and tour guides.
DFPC believes in the World Tourism Day’s goal of recognizing the opportunities brought about by the thriving tourism industry and in the realization that the world cannot go back to the old ways and procedures after the pandemic, hence the call to “Rethink Tourism,” UNWTO’s theme for this year’s celebration.
DFPC Chief Operating Officer Vicente Angala declared that the halt in travel due to the pandemic has greatly affected their operations, and the continuing shift in consumer trends and behavior has also led them to “rethink” their marketing strategies.
Angala also stressed that DFPC celebrates with the world as tourism opens up, keeping in mind the lessons learned from the pandemic. The crisis made them stronger and more resilient. Now, they want to show their loyal patrons that it will take much more than a pandemic to bring Duty Free Philippines down, and they will not waver in their commitment to serve the shopping needs of international travelers.
A leisurely chat with DFPC Assistant COO Dino Belmonte during the lunch event revealed that all their outlets are now in full operation. In fact, this would be the best time to go shopping for Duty Free items, especially at their flagship Fiesta Mall outlet in Parañaque City where several participating brands are offering up to 50 percent discount.
At the lunch event, a short Program proctored by Duty Free Philippines’ hardworking marketing team – Ma. Lourdes Malabuyo, Sheila Samarista, and Karen Tinio – showcased their enhanced Tour Group Program, much to the delight of the country’s leading tourism stakeholders in the audience.
The DFPC ladies also announced a very interesting offer – customers at their airport stores will receive special gifts if they proceed to the Fiesta Mall main outlet to continue their “pasalubong” shopping and can present proof of purchase in the earlier location. They also have an ongoing month-long Family Day Promo, in all their outlets, for those in the Travel Industry. A passport and company identification are required.
As for me, I excused myself immediately after lunch as I decided to look around the store for the latest colognes, my favorite luxury items every time I travel abroad. Sure enough, I left the building happily toting in my shopping bag the newest Calvin Klein and Dolce & Gabbana scents in the market. They were much cheaper than the ones sold in the major department stores.
To learn more about Duty Free Philippines and its offerings, visit facebook.com/dutyfreephils
YOUR MONDAY CHUCKLE
On a visit to my doctor, I was pleasantly surprised to find that he had installed taped music in the waiting room. As I sat there enjoying a piano recording, I overheard an old lady say to her companion, “Look at this young doctor…a crowded waiting room, and he’s in there playing the piano!”
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