39th SKAL Asian Congress

It will be red carpet all the way for Skålleagues and their families and friends who will be attending the 39th Skål Asian Congress from May 27 to 30, 2010 in Cebu.

Hosted by Skal Club Cebu, at least 100 foreign stakeholders in the international tourism industry and 60 more of their local counterparts are expected converge in Cebu and take part in the said event.

Numerous activities have been lined up for the Skålleagues throughout the four-day affair. The Asian Board of Officers' Dinner will be held on May 26 at the Hilton Cebu Resort and Spa. Major activities and meetings will be held at the Shangri-la Mactan Resort and Spa. Golfer delegates will show off their strokes at the Asian Golf Tournament to be held on May 27 at the Mactan Airbase. Later, welcome cocktails and dinner will be served at Plantation Bay Resort & Spa. The President’s Meeting, set on May 28, will be held at the Hilton Cebu Resort and Spa. Finally, a Gala Dinner will be held on May 29 at Waterfront Hotel and Casino.

The Cebu Congress will, for the first time, include the Young Skål Forum. Young Skål members from Thailand, Hong Kong, the Philippines and other Asian cities are expected to participate and inject a new phase to Skål Asia. Another first for the Asian Congress is the Skål Tourism Awards for outstanding clubs and personalities to be conducted by the Asian Area and Skål International Philippines to be presented by Skål International Makati.

The 39th Skål Asian Congress is supported by Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, Duty Free Philippines, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) (formerly Philippine Tourism Authority), Department of Tourism, Cebu Pacific Air, Lapu-Lapu City Government, City of Cebu, Province of Cebu, Amadeus and Islands Group, and Islands Souvenirs.

For registration, visit the following websites www.skalasia.org, www.skalasiancongress.com or email skal2010cebu@gmail.com.

Local Skimmers Head out to CamNorte for First Ultimate Regional Skim and Skate Challenge

Witness top regional skimmers battle it out for skim supremacy with ingenious moves guaranteed to be served fresh, hot and deliciously spicy during the 1st Ultimate Uragon Regional Skim and Skate Challenge and Luzon Skim Jam slated on April 3 – 4, 2010 at Bagasbas Beach in Daet, Camarines Norte.

The event is when Bicolano and Luzon skimmers and skaters will gather to compete in one of the first ever regional skim and skate challenge held in one of Camarines Norte’s Skim havens. An almost two kilometer expanse of flat, fine grey sand conveniently located 10 minutes away from the bustling town of Daet awaits skim aficionados from all skill levels.

The skate event will be held in the Bagasbas Pavilion and an 8km, Mercedes-to-Bagasbas Push race will kick off after that. There will be different classes and division for amateur and expert skimmers and a longboarding competition during the event.

The 1st Ultimate Uragon Regional Skim and Skate Challenge and Luzon Skim Jam is supported by San Miguel Corporation, Provincial Government of Camarines Norte, Slick Surf Skimboards Pilipinas, Junior Chamber International (JCI) – Philippines, and Department of Tourism.

Registration fee is P300.00 inclusive of event shirt and 2 lunch stubs. For more information, contact Slick Surf Skimboards Pilipinas at (63908) 881-5075 or visit their website, http://slicksurf.multiply.com/.

Celebrating 25 Years of Solidarity and Hope for the Travel Industry

Founded in Feb. 21 in 1985, the Philippine IATA Agents Travel Association (PIATA) marked its 25th year with the induction of its 2010–2011 Board of Trustees at the New World Hotel.

Established in the precepts of forming an IATA travel agents association that would be responsive to the needs of its members and responsible to the public that it serves, PIATA is now the body that monitors and accredits travel agencies in the Philippines, ensuring that these agencies maintain and operate at the highest professional standards.

This year, PIATA’s thrust is centered on “Solidarity and Hope Amidst Challenges in the Industry,” stressing the importance of creating common goals for progress, even as the political, social, economical, and environmental landscapes change and affect the airline and travel industry.

Leading the PIATA Officers for 2010–2011 are (president) Ms. Helen Hao of Pan Pacific Travel Corp.; (vice president) Mr. Raymond Michael Tee of Horizon Travel and Tours, Inc.; (secretary) Ms. Marie Agatha Noel-Miguel of Morelia Tours and Travel, Inc.; (assistant secretary) Mr. Victor Carlo Romero of Elite Travel Center, Inc.; and (treasurer) Ms. Antonia Tee of Unipak International Travel and Tours.

The Board of Trustees, meanwhile, is composed of Ms. Aileen Clemente of Rajah Travel Corporation, Ms. Maria Benilda Cruz of First United Travel, Inc., Ms. Cynthia Limjap of Philippine World Travel Inc., and Mr. Marciano Ragaza of Travel Enterprises Corp.

DOT Opens MICECon 2010 to all Business, Industry Sector

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Joseph ‘Ace’ Durano has virtually opened the forthcoming conference on meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) to the entire business community as he invites all members of the corporate and entrepreneurial sectors to join the Philippine MICE Conference (MICECon) 2010 slated at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center on Feb. 4 - 7, 2010.

Sec. Durano said MICECON 2010 would orient corporate executives and entrepreneurs on the latest trends in this field, provide them with a lineup of competent foreign and local service providers, present to them the best practices worldwide, and acquaint them with the global network of MICE experts whom they could tap, thus enabling them to optimize the benefits they could derive from staging their own MICE-related activities anywhere in the world.

“MICECON is not just for the MICE sector of the tourism industry, but for the entire business community since it revolves around a marketing tool that is now being used extensively worldwide in pursuit of corporate and entrepreneurial objectives,” Sec. Durano explained.

This is the first time that a MICE event will be held north of Manila. Previous MICE events were staged in Cebu, Boracay, Davao, Bacolod and Batangas. The staging of this event in Subic is intended to develop and market the North as another MICE destination outside Manila. This is also the first time that the country’s two major MICE-related events – the Philippine Incentive Marketing Conference (Phil-Incentive) and the Philippine Asia MICE Forum – are brought together to form MICECON 2010.

Organized by the DOT and its marketing arm, the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corp. (PCVC), MICECON 2010 includes an Amazing MICE Race, MICE Leaders Forum, Educational Tracks for MICE Mates, MICE market seminars, business networking, and bid presentations of future MICECON hosts.

Aside from the seminars, workshops and business networking activities, MICECON 2010 also includes special events in three key northern destinations – Balanga for bird watching, Subic for the main conference, and Clark for the post-tour.

MICECON 2010 is supported by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Philippine Airlines, Philippine Tourism Authority, Provincial Government of Cebu, City Government of Balanga, Bataan, Provincial Government of Bohol, Victory Liner, Islands Philippines, Primer Group of Companies, Recreational Outdoor Exchange (ROX), WOW Jeepney Tours, Clark Development Corp., Clark International Airport Corp., Coltrans, Marriott Hotel, Travellers International Hotel Group, Annset Holidays, Inc., INTAS Destinations, Yellowbird Tours, Abacus International, Smart Communications, Inc., TTG Asia, Manila North Tollways Corp., Philippine Association of Convention/Exhibition Organizers and Suppliers (PACEOS), Movement of Incentive Travel Executives (MITE), Hotel Sales & Marketing Association (HSMA), National Association of Independent Travel Agencies Inc. (NAITAS), and Travel Café Philippines.

For more information on MICECON 2010, contact the MICECON Secretariat at (632) 525-9318 local 233 or 525-6110, email phil.MICEconference@gmail.com, cit@dotpcvc.gov.ph, or visit www.dotpcvc.gov.ph.

Manila Night Sky to Brighten Up during First Philippine International Pyromusical Competition

Every Sunday starting February 14, 2010, Valentines Day and Chinese New Year, the Manila night sky will brighten up as the best pyrotechnic experts take part in the First Philippine International Pyromusical Competition, scheduled from February 14 – March 14, 2010 at the SM Mall of Asia Grounds in Pasay City.

Present by SM Mall of Asia this annual event will put on a never-before-seen spectacle of lights and colors where the night sky and sea meet as staged by the world’s leading pyrotechnic experts from nine countries – Australia, United Kingdom, China, France, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, United States of America, and the Philippines.

This competition will not only pain the Manila sky with brilliant bursts of vivid colors, but will also be the venue to showcase the emerging artistry and evolving sophistication of Filipino fireworks technology. The Philippine International Pyromusical Competition will be imbued with the awesome fanfare and delightful displays of the world's leading pyrotechnic events, but done with that distinct Filipino flourish that will surely bring together eager audience from all over the region.

The Philippines will fire up the opening salvo of pyrotechnic artistry on February 14. As host country, the Philippines will not take part in the competition but will showcase its unique pyrotechnic presentation during the opening and closing ceremonies. Other countries will show off their entries during the following days:

• February 14 - Australia
• February 21 – United Kingdom and China
• February 28 – France and China
• March 7 – Singapore and Malaysia
• March 14 – USA

The 1st Philippine International Pyromusical Competition is in cooperation with Platinum Fireworks, Inc., and Department of Tourism. Official Residence is Traders Hotel Manila.

For ticket inquiries, call Ticketnet at (632) 911-5555 and Ticketworld at (632) 891-999. For more information about the event, contact Platinim Fireworks, Inc., at (63917) 926-4625, (63939) 317-5476, email platinumfireworks@gmail.com or visit the event website at www.pyrophilippines.com/.

RPDEV Launches Eco-Mismo Conference Roadshow

In a timely initiative to raise environmental awareness, the Ramos Peace and Development Foundation (RPDEV) launched “Eco-Mismo”, a series of conferences on new and productive ways of protecting the environment through sustainable tourism development across the country.

A landmark road show project by RPDEV Chairman and former president Fidel V. Ramos, Eco-Mismo comes in the wake of Typhoon Ondoy, which triggered the most devastating flood in the capital over the past 40 years. According to experts, the Ondoy phenomenon ran in line with an observed abnormal pattern of unusually extreme weather conditions likely to prevail should climate change remain unaddressed.

With the theme “Ecotourism and Eco-Productivity: Best Practices and Challenges”, Eco-Mismo aims to help the country position itself as one of the top destinations for eco-tourism and the pioneer in eco-productivity. It is expected to bring together key players and stakeholders in the environment and tourism industry. The initiative is expected to gather more than a thousand individuals from the government, tourism industry, academe, media, church, business, and youth sectors.

Eco-Mismo paves the way for a cross-section of industry players and multi-sectoral stakeholders to discuss problems and map out solutions on matters concerning eco-tourism, eco-productivity, and sustainable development.

The first leg of Eco-Mismo was held in Manila last October 8, 2009 at the Carlos Romulo Auditorium of RCBC Plaza in Makati City. World Wildlife Fund Philippines Vice Chairman Lorenzo Tan delivered a presentation on the dire effects of changes to global temperatures and precipitation, entitled “The Challenges of Climate Change and Tourism”.

The road show is slated to make major stops across key cities in the country: January 22, 2010 at the Marco Polo Hotel in Cebu City in Cebu; January 23, 2010 at the Bohol Beach Club in Panglao Island, Bohol; February 19, 2010 in General Santos City, South Cotabato Province; and February 20 at Isla Parilla Resort in Alabel, Sarangani.

The conferences will tackle specific areas that will facilitate public and private sector cooperation in streamlining eco-tourism’s strategic directions as a key contributor to the local and national economy. It seeks to promote green travel through eco-productivity -- a practical solution that pushes efficient and productive use of resources, environmental protection, and poverty eradication.

Aside from Tan, conference speakers will include former President Ramos, Department of Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Peter Favila, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Lito Atienza, as well as Asia Pacific Projects President Narzalina Lim; Cleanway Technology Corporation Chairman Herminio Esguerra; Ten Knots Development Corporation CEO Leigh Perez; and ABS-CBN Foundation’s Batay Kalikasan President Regina Paz Lopez.

Each of the provincial legs of Eco-Mismo conferences will concurrently feature a One Town, One Product (OTOP) exhibit under the DTI. The OTOP is a government program to promote entrepreneurship and spur job creation. Under the program, each city and municipality across the nation is to develop and promote a specific product or service that gives a competitive economic advantage to its locale.

Ultimately, Eco-Mismo hopes to provide a blueprint for tourism industry stakeholders in such areas as supply management, water resource management, energy efficiency, clean development mechanism, and solid waste management and community participation in sustainable development practices.

Eco-Mismo is in partnership with DOT and supported by DTI, DENR, Asia Productivity Organization – Development Academy of the Philippines and Asia Pacific Projects, Inc, in cooperation with Herma Group of Companies.

For more information about the event, contact the Ramos Peace and Development Foundation at (632) 8878964, fax (632) 8878966, email inquiry@rpdev.org or visit their website, http://www.rpdev.org.

North Tourism goes around the country

The provincial government of Pampanga again hosted the 2009 North Philippines Tourism and Travel Expo as part of its effort to enhance the promotion and preservation of the country’s tourism and cultural heritage. The three-day annual event was held on November 13-15, 2009 at the Event Centre of SM City Clark at the Clark Freeport Zone.

Arwin Paul Lingat, officer-in-charge of the Arts, Culture and Tourism Office of Pampanga (ACTOP) noted that the expo showcased the best of Philippines and Asia-Pacific tourism destinations, products and services.

With the theme “Go North, A Wellspring of Diversity”, the expo featured not only the significant dimensions of the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon and the Cordillera Administrative Region but the entire Philippines and its neighboring countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

Among the activities conducted were the Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) Band exhibition, Polytechnic University of the Philippines Banda Kawayan and Blue Island Band performances, North Philippines Festivals parades featuring Halamang Dilaw of Marilao, Bulacan; Ylang-ylang of Anao, Tarlac; Malatarlak of Tarlac City; Sibuyasan of Bongabon, Nueva Ecija; Caragan of Mabalacat, Pampanga and Ibon-Ebun of Candaba, Pampanga.

Other featured events are the longganisa showdown dubbed “Taste, Buy and Eat”, Sabutan fashion showdown by Aurora province and North Philippines fashion show.

The event was joined by exhibitors concerned with agri-tourism and leisure properties, airlines and air alliances, cruise lines, global distribution systems, golf course, hotels and resorts, medical tourism hospitals and clinics, national and local government agencies, retirement villages, spa resorts and destinations, theme parks and amusement centers, time share properties, tour operators and travel agencies, tourism boards, tourist transport operators, travel associations, books and publications and insurance.

Tourism Students Gathered for LTSP National Convention

At least 450 students enrolled in tourism and hospitality management courses in various universities, colleges, and schools from around the country gathered for the 2nd League of Tourism Students of the Philippines (LTSP) National Convention held last September 26 – 28, 2009 at the Cebu Grand Convention Center in Cebu City.

Organized by the Tourism Educators and Movers Philippines (Team Philippines), the three-day event aims to update students with the latest trends in the global tourism industry, integrate to them the culture of tourism, and involve and empower the tourism academic sector towards development.

In her welcome remarks, Department of Tourism (DoT) 7 Director Dawnie Roa challenged the tourism students to strive for excellence despite the current global financial crisis once they get employment in the industry. Dir. Roa added, ''The tourism industry will continue to soar despite the crisis and negative stories churned out by the media. Don't be distracted, just do your best and prepare yourself as you embark on the tourism industry in the future,''

Topics discussed during the convention included Basic Exhibition Planning, ASEAN 2015 and Mutual Recognition of Tourism Professionals, Bidding for an International Event, and Organizing an Exhibition. Speakers during the convention were LTSP President Xander Xim Sigua, National Association for Independent Travel Agencies (NAITAS) Chairman Emeritus Robert Lim Joseph, Premiere Events Plus Group, Inc., President Mr. Joel Pascual, and several others, who shared their experiences with the students.

''There are things that can be learned in schools and there are things that can be learned based on experiences of industry movers,'' he stressed. ''The convention, hopefully, will give the students a glimpse of the industry in reality,” said Mr. Joseph.

The 2nd LTSP National Convention is supported by the Department of Tourism, Cebu Provincial Government, Philippine Tourism Authority, and Philippine Airlines.

For more information about the event, contact the League of Tourism Students of the Philippines, Inc. Secretary General at (632) 510-5129 or (63921) 686-8944. Visit their website at http://www.ltsp.org.ph/

Philippine Tourism Boosted at 20th Philippine Travel Mart

Spearheaded by Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA), the biggest association of tour operators and allied members, the 20th Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) was held last September 4-6, 2009 at the MegaTrade Hall of SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.

PTM, the premiere and biggest travel, tourism and trade show in the country, has the most extensive coverage of the tourism and travel industry in the Philippines. It has a solid track record of bringing in thousands of local corporate buyers and consumers in a single venue for travel and tourism. It has also carved a niche in the international market as a prime venue for foreign buyers as a must-see, must-be event held in collaboration with the Department of Tourism.

PHILTOA, the main proponent behind the PTM, is the biggest association of tour operators and agencies that promote exclusively domestic and inbound tourism. It has a nationwide membership and has been at the frontier of Domestic tourism promotion, partnering with DOT, and its regional offices.

With “Beyond the Usual… Experience IT Here” as conference/exhibition theme, the main highlight of this year’s PTM was the Grand Vacation Sale ng Bayan, where exhibitors and participants offered beyond the usual, attractive discounts and special offers to consumers during the 3-day event. Reservations for travel and tour, hotel, transport (sea and air) were available to be purchased at lower rates but should be availed of or completed on or before November 15, 2009.

BPI credit card holders were entitled to 12-month instalment term promos inclusive of 3 day-2 night packages, complete with airfare, land transfers, hotel accomodations plus beyond the usual activities.

Aside from individual buyers, programs were also available for small and medium businesses to big corporations. The Corporate Buyers Program offered options for trips, tours and adventures geared towards corporate outings or even as company incentives to its employees.

Eco-tourism is one of the main pillars of this year’s efforts of showcasing beyond the usual in Philippine tourism and encouraging consumers to experience the Philippines in unusual ways. For this year, PTM has partnered with ABS CBN Foundation for their Kapit Bisig Para Sa Ilog Pasig project in launching another new innovation in Philippine tourism –thru the Pasig river travel cruise. The intent is to promote the Pasig river cruise as a tourism vehicle that ends in Escolta, tying it in with a walking tour of Binondo, cuisines galore from street foods to fine dining and tiangge shopping.

Entrance to the PTM exhibit was Php 50.00, while for senior citizens and students it was only Php 40.00.

An exciting line-up of special crowd-drawing events were conducted to ensure patronage from the different provinces as well as the greater Manila area consumers. Among this year’s events were the traditional Bituin ng Kasuotang Filipino, the traditional Best Cultural Presentation, Tourism Quiz Bee, seminar for students and practitioners in the travel industry entitled Biyahe-info, one-on-one corporate business meeting between sellers and corporate buyers entitled BiyahExhange, and an Eco-Chorale Competition which had two divisions, High School level and College level. A thanksgiving mass was given on the last day of the exhibit, and also the awarding of winners was done on the same day. The theme for the 21st PTM was also unveiled before the last day of the event ended.

The 20th PTM was sponsored by the Department of Tourism, Philippine Tourism Authority, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Philippine Airlines, PAGCOR, CLARK Freeport, Primer Group of Companies, Chase Technologies Corporation, Jeepney Tours, BPI Express Credit, Kapit Bisig Para Sa Ilog Pasig, ABS-CBN, ABS-CBN Foundation, Manila Bulletin, ANC, Expat Travel & Lifestyle Magazine, Travel Update Philippines, The Foreign Post, Travel Plus, Travelife, Good News Pilipinas!, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Homestyle Magazine, and Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission.

For more information on Philippine Travel Mart, contact the Philippine Tour Operators Association at info@philtoa.org, secgen@philtoa.org or visit the event website at http://www.philtravelmart.com.

Bigger and Better PHITEX 2009 All Set this September

The Department of Tourism (DOT) through the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation (PCVC), will spearhead the 9^th Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX ‘09) on September 2 – 4, 2009 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City.

PHITEX is an annual marketing event to strengthen the country’s brand image and to encourage participants to promote affordable and competitive tour packages. This year’s theme is “Explore, Experience... The Philippines is made to be traveled”. The country’s unique 7,107-island geography is ideal for those seeking adventure, diving, history, dining and shopping. DOT is spearheading the promotions to highlight some of the archipelago's unique island attractions that a traveler can explore and experience.

The main component of PHITEX is the Travel Exchange or (TRAVEX), where sellers of Philippine tourism packages meet up with international Buyers in one-on-one scheduled business appointments. In addition to TRAVEX, pre- and post-conference tours to key Philippine attractions and destinations are available for the Buyers to experience first-hand the beauty of the islands and the warmth of its people.

The Philippine Travel Exchange 2009 is supported by Philippine Airlines, OksPinoy, Inc., Philippine Tour Operators Association, Philippine Travel Agencies Association, TTG Asia Media Pte. Ltd., and Hotel Sales and Marketing Association International, Inc.

For more information, contact the Phitex 2009 Secretariat at 632) 525-7320 / 525-9318 loc. 270, 240, email phitex2009@dotpcvc.gov.ph or visit their website, http://www.okspinoy.com/phitex/

Tourism Educators Stage National Tourism Students Congress

The Union of Filipino Tourism Educators (UFTE) (formerly TESCU) held their Fourth National Tourism Students Congress last Aug. 29 at the De La Salle University Dasmariñas.

Aiming to increase the students’ awareness of their roles in the industry, the congress organizers selected three important topics to be discussed by distinguished guests. Keynote speaker Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan headed an in-depth discussion about tourism opportunities amidst global crisis.

Also gracing the event are Ms. Mae Castellano of Avon Cosmetics and Ms. Ivy de Borja, HR Manager of the Travellers International Hotel Group, with talks about image enhancement for better presentation and career opportunities in tourism and hospitality.

The highlight of the congress is the Tourism Skills Olympics, where the UFTE Cup was awarded to the school that edged out all other participants. Several contests were prepared to test the students’ tourism and hospitality management prowess, including tour guiding and tour packaging competitions, a tourism quiz bee, cultural dance presentations, and a poster/slogan making contest.

An estimated 1,000 students from tourism and HRM schools all over the country attended the event.

For inquiries and more information on the event, please contact Ms. Gracella Rebuena of the De La Salle University Dasmariñas Tourism Department at (02) 844 7832 loc. 3090.

3rd Philippine International Tourism Fair 2009

Businesses involved in travel and medical tourism industry are invited to take part in the 3rd Philippine International Tourism Fair (PITF) 2009 to be held on June 25 – 27, 2009 at the Marco Polo Plaza Cebu in Cebu City.

Organized by the National Association of Independent Travel Agencies (NAITAS) – Philippines Inc., and supported by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation (PCVC), this year's installment of the PITF carries the theme “Best Hospitality on Earth... Philippines”.

The PITF is the only annual travel fair event in the Philippines that provides business-to-business networking activity between foreign buyers and Philippine sellers, presents quality tourism products and services through corporate exhibition, and serves as a networking venue and business development exchange for the industry players, partners, and stakeholders.

Furthermore, the three-day tourism fair will provide opportunities for companies to market their products and services and enhance business image locally and internationally. Ultimately, the event seeks to promote and develop inbound and domestic tourism in the country.

Highlights of the 3rd PITF 2009 include the Travel Market Exchange (TRAMEX), corporate exhibition, product launching, marketing presentations, social business events, and various seminars and education sessions.

The TRAMEX, managed and supervised by PCVC, is a face-to-face, business-to-business networking activity where quality foreign buyers meet Philippine sellers in a total business generation environment. It aims to encourage foreign buyers from key travel markets to promote, sell, and include the Philippines in their tour programs. TRAMEX, slated on June 26, 2009, promises to generate maximum exposure of leading Philippine destinations.

For inquiries contact Philippine International Tourism Fair Secretariat at (632) 523-8375, 523-7504, 523-7501, email mailto:pitf_sec@yahoo.com?subject=Info%20on%203rd%20PITF or the PCVC Travel Trade Department at (632) 525-9318, 525-7320, email mailto:ttu@dotcpcvc.gov.ph?subject=Info%20on%203rd%20PITF

Download 3rd PITF 2009 Event General Fact Sheet 3rd PITF 2009 Registration Form

Event Program (as of June 6, 2009)

Day 1: 25 June, Thursday
From	To	Particulars	Venue
09:00	15:00	Registration of Delegates, VIPs, Trade/Corporate Visitors, & Media	Hotel Lobby
09:00	17:00	COREX: Whole day on-site corporate and marketing activities	3F Shanghai-Beijing Room, 2F Atrium, G/F Lobby
09:00	17:00	Hospitality Lounge is available for continued business talks
10:30	10:45	Ribbon cutting	Hotel Lobby
10:45	14:00	Opening Ceremonies and Mabuhay Luncheon hosted by the Provincial Government of Cebu	Grand Ballroom
14:00	17:00	Seminar on: “Understanding the Business Point of View of the Emerging Foreign Markets in the Philippines: India, Russia, Middle East” (Exclusive for Sellers only)	Manila Room A
14:00	17:00	Seminar on: “Leading (Cebu-Bohol-Boracay) and Emerging (Davao-Palawan) Philippine Destinations” (Exclusive for Foreign Buyers only)	Manila Room B
18:00	18:15	Assembly of all Buyers & Delegates	Hotel Lobby
18:15	18:45	Proceed to Marriott Hotel
18:45	19:15	Cocktails	Marriott Hotel Lobby
19:15	22:00	Welcome Gala Dinner hosted by Marriott Hotel & Ayala Center	Ayala Garden, Ayala Center
22:00	22:20	Back to Marco Polo Plaza
18:00	23:00	TRAMEX venue set up	2F Manila Room & 3F Hongkong Room
Day 2: 26 June, Friday
From	To	Particulars	Venue
09:00	17:00	COREX: Whole day on-site corporate and marketing activities	3F Shanghai-Beijing Room, 2F Atrium, G/F Lobby
09:00	17:00	Hospitality Lounge is available for continued business talks
09:00	17:00	TRAMEX: A whole-day intensive B2B networking, face-to-face between Foreign Buyers and Philippine Sellers with AM/PM light snacks	2F Manila Room & 3F Hongkong Room
12:00	13:00	Hosted Lunch for TRAMEX Delegates & Foreign Buyers only	Grand Ballroom
19:00	22:00	Farewell Dinner hosted by Marco Polo Plaza	Marco Polo Plaza Grand Balcony
17:00	22:00	TRAMEX Egress	2F Manila Room & 3F Hongkong Room
Day 3: 27 June, Saturday
From	To	Particulars	Venue
09:00	17:00	COREX: Whole day on-site corporate and marketing activities	3F Shanghai-Beijing Room, 2F Atrium, G/F Lobby
09:00	17:00	Hospitality Lounge is available for continued business talks
09:00	11:00	Seminar on: “M.I.C.E is Back”	Manila Room A
11:00	13:00	Seminar on: “Philippine Medical Tourism Global Competitiveness and Readiness””	Manila Room B
13:00	15:00	Seminar on: “Green Tourism vis-à-vis Climate Change	Manila Room A
16:00	16:30	Closing Ceremonies	Manila Room A