The Philippines continues to attract and increase the demand for cost-effective destination conferences with its -class hotels, resorts, and convention facilities complemented by massive infrastructure projects, and the continuing efforts marketing efforts by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), the marketing and promotions arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT).
In line with this, the TPB made its first-time participation at the Incentives, Business Travel and Meetings (IBTM) Americas 2019 to continuously promote the Philippines as an ideal destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions/Events (MICE).
Held at the Centre Citibanamex in Mexico City, the newly launched MICE show by internationally renowned Reed Travel Exhibitions Group pooled an extensive gathering of MICE players from both IBTM North, as well as South Americas shows, allowing them to network with suppliers from all corners of the world.
To further maximize exposure for the Philippines, the TPB and PDOT in Los Angeles arranged for a MICE presentation with a succeeding press conference to familiarize all invited buyers with the Philippines and its broad MICE offerings.
The overwhelming reception of the Americas market to the Philippine participation promises much return for the government and its partner stakeholders in the coming years, so much so that the Philippines have reserved five slots for next year’s meeting.
During the last year’s IBTM, 12,500 business appointments were set and were attended by 785 buyers. Out of its 416 show exhibitors, 54% were international exhibitors, and only 5% of that is from Europe and Asia.
With only Japan and Thailand present from Asia in 2018, participation in IBTM Americas 2019 became of specific interest to the Philippines as a golden opportunity to market
the country and its private sector partners to the Americas. Additionally, the increasing arrivals to the Philippines from the Latin American market prompted immediate and strategic marketing activation from the TPB and the PDOT.
The Philippine contingent is composed of members from the TPB and the DOT, Sharp Travel Service, Intas Destinations Management, Inc., Annset Holidays, Corporate International Travel and Tours, Inc., and Rajah Tours Philippines.
TPB goes all out to reclaim the Philippines’ luster as an international event venue, and to prove that it really is more fun in the Philippines.
Certainly, the TPB shows no signs of stopping until it reaches and fulfills new heights for the Philippine MICE and Tourism Industry.
