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THE tourism industry of the island-province of Guimaras was given a platform to open up to the Southeast Asian market through the efforts of the 2016 Department of Tourism (DOT) Western Visayas Tourism Business to Business (B2B) Mission in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.
Together with MG Travel and Tours, the very first DOT-accredited tour operator in the province, the new marketing endeavor was led by Cyril Beltran, chairperson, Committee on Tourism of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan; Judy Bulquiren, Tourism Support and Services, Provincial Tourism Office head; and Jaypee Kein Entredicho, Public Information and Relations Division, Office of the Governor head.
Regional Director Atty. Helen Catalbas led the participating local government units from Guimaras, Capiz and Bacolod City, as well as the 16 tourism-related establishments from the travel and tours sector.
Catalbas presented the product portfolio of the region, which includes nature-based; leisure and entertainment; cultural; MICE; health, wellness and retirement; diving and marine sports; sun and beach; cruise and nautical; educational; and culinary tourism.
After the marketing talks and dialogues, Guimaras sealed four contracts on-the- spot with participating B2B companies – two travel and tour companies in Singapore and two from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The four companies will promote Guimaras as a tourism destination in the National Association of Travel Agents Singapore Member and Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents fairs.
After the mission, one company from Bangkok also agreed to the terms of B2B to market Guimaras as well as other destinations in Western Visayas and the Philippines, while nine other companies will have ocular visit before starting the marketing efforts.
Many of the participating companies also inquired about establishments in Guimaras with Halal certification, hotels with star ratings, local and cultural destinations, stable internet connections, and diving and marine sports.
Peace and order situation is also of high importance for the clienteles according to some companies as it provides security and safety for tourists and excursionists.
Special tour packages were also requested for the province. This includes biking with guided tours, English study tours, community-based tourism experiences, and sports tourism, among others./PN
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