Issue 40 – May 2022

by PDOT Team | 14 Jul, 2022 | Newsletters, Travel Industry Updates

Staycations are last season, long-haul is back
KAYAK reveals the key trends shaping Brits’ summer 2022 holiday plans

● Brits are making up for lost time by going much further distances than they were pre pandemic, with Manila, Philippines the most searched for this year’s summer holiday destinations
● Searches for summer travel have surpassed pre-pandemic levels by 30%, and with
demand rising, flight prices are likely to rise. Book six weeks in advance to get the best deal.
● Travellers are willing to compromise on luxury in order to still afford a getaway, with searches for 3-star hotels surging

FRIDAY 13 MAY, LONDON: Summer travel is back as KAYAK, the world’s leading travel search engine, reports international flight searches are up around 30% on pre-pandemic levels**, and Brits are making the most of it by travelling much longer-distances than they were in 2019. Flight searches for long-haul destinations have surpassed European breaks as the most popular choice of travel, while KAYAK reports no significant rise in searches for domestic summer holidays.

Seven of the Brits’ top 10 most searched summer 2022 destinations are long haul holidays – a stark difference from 2019 – with Asia the most popular. Manila, Philippines is the most searched for holiday destination, followed by Bangkok, Thailand. Additional newcomers to the 2022 top 10 list include Dubai, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Bali. Longer travel means extended holidays, and it seems people are making up for lost time, as the KAYAK data shows the average trip length has increased to 17 days from 14 days for pre-Covid summer holidays.

Philippines – Catching more MICE in 2022

Metro Manila, where the Philippines’ sprawling convention centres and international brand hotels are heavily concentrated, has always been the country’s favoured meetings and conventions site. As an option for large international conferences and gatherings, it relies on the scale of its infrastructure and, to a large extent, the charms of its onward destinations – mostly quaint coastal towns and white-sand islands surrounded by crystalline waters, an hour or so by plane.

The landscape has been changing due to the pandemic, but COO Atty. Maria Anthonette C. Velasco-Allones, who heads Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) marketing and promotions arm, has been undaunted in the past two years. She has been at the forefront of the industry in advocating digital transformation and in adapting to the demand for virtual, and now, hybrid events.

The pandemic may have altered convention formats as international border closures and city-wide lockdowns moved meetings online. But even as travel restrictions ease, convention organisers aren’t ready to let go of virtual participation, and the hybrid format has become a preferred middle-ground between full in-person gatherings and strictly online conferences.

The Philippines’ Department of Tourism itself set a template for future events with its hosting of the World Travel and Tourism Global Summit in Manila. The three-day hybrid event, which was held from 20 to 22 April, drew an estimated in-person crowd of 650 international delegates and 200 local participants, as well as 1,000 virtual attendees. Delegates who flew into the capital were booked across several official hotels ¬– Manila Marriott Hotel, Hilton Manila, Sheraton Manila and Hotel Okura Manila.

Source: M&C/Asia

DOT eyes medical tourism boost

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has plans to boost medical tourism in the country–and increase public awareness for such in the global market.

Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat said the pandemic-induced crisis brought into light the importance of medical travel and wellness tourism.

“We see so much untapped potential in the health and wellness industry. With world-class hospitals and facilities, skilled doctors and nurses, and the Filipino brand of hospitality, the Philippines is poised to become an attractive destination for medical tourism,” Puyat stressed.

“Currently, we have been implementing measures that will further develop the country as a medical tourism destination in a calibrated approach, including the development of an internal ecosystem and network of facilities in the country to accommodate concerns and issues surrounding this tourism product,” she added.

According to her, the DOT has developed a gold standard in approaching health and safety for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) events, following the successful hosting of the 21st World Travel and Tourism (WTTC) Global Summit in Manila last April, as well as institutionalizing health and safety in tourism activities.

Likewise, Puyat noted on the Department’s partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) and Makati Medical Center to attend to the medical needs of tourists.

She also cited the DOT’s ongoing coordination with relevant national government agencies and local government units (LGUs) to get tourism workers vaccinated against COVID-19, which has led to a 98% inoculation rate and helped restore confidence of people to travel to and within the Philippines.

Untapped potential

Juergen T. Steinmetz, a delegate in the recent WTTC Summit, shared his experience following the medical treatment at the Makati Medical Center for his left leg–which was diagnosed to be inflicted by a flesh-eating bacteria.

“It’s a secret to be revealed and in the making to come out and go viral. The Philippines will become the number one destination for medical tourism,” Steinmetz quipped in his recent article published by eturbonews.com.

“All the ingredients are here. Excellent world-class doctors and facilities, nurses that keep the standard for high-quality care around the world, and a beautiful country, wonderful beaches, good food, and exciting cities,” he added.

Steinmetz also noted the considerably cheaper medical costs in the Philippines compared to other countries.

Meanwhile, the DOT introduced its newly appointed director for medical, health and wellness tourism, Dr. Paulo Benito S. Tugbang.

Prior to his appointment, Tugbang led the Medical Travel and Wellness Tourism Program of the DOH and served with the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) Secretariat as the Technical Lead. Dr. Tugbang is a registered medical doctor, as well as a board top-notcher nurse and midwife.

Click here to read Steinmetz’ article on Philippines’ Medical Tourism: https://eturbonews.com/3067985/the-philippines-is-the-new-ultimate-medical-tourism-destination/.

Resorts World Manila’s hotel sales and marketing team gets citation

The latest award by the HotelBeds Group to RWM’s hotel sales and marketing team is one of the many recognitions it has received. The team has been touted as one of the best teams in the South-East Asia region and Korea by the IHG.

Home of the most hotel room keys in a single property, RWM has a world of thrills to offer tourists for both the international and local market.

For more information on RWM’s hotel offers, visit www.rwmanila.com and follow @rwmanila on Facebook and Twitter, and @resortsworldmanila on Instagram. Take your experience to the next level and download the RWM mobile app for free to get instant access to numerous discounts, freebies, and exclusive invites to RWM events.

Source: Manila Bulletin

DoT launches 2nd phase of sustainable tourism campaign

THE PHILIPPINES has launched the second phase of its sustainable tourism campaign aimed at promoting more eco-friendly travels and responsible tourists.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Department of Tourism (DoT) said the second phase called “Keep the Fun Going” builds on the “Save our Spots” campaign launched in 2019.

“The DOT has been integrating sustainable tourism principles in its projects, programs and policies, even involving tourists to be part of these efforts. Through the Save our Spots campaign, we aim to raise awareness about responsible travel and emphasize that every small act goes a long way to ensure that future generations will continue to benefit from and enjoy nature’s abundance,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said.

Activities under the new campaign include encouraging travelers to walk, hike, or bike more often; reducing waste by avoiding single-use plastics and always bringing reusable containers; promoting volunteerism in community restoration efforts such as planting, clean-up drives, and wildlife preservation; and motivating tourists to book in eco-friendly accommodations.

The campaign involves a “gamified experience” wherein travelers can participate through social media platforms and win prizes, including a free trip for two to Palawan, one of the country’s most popular destinations. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

Featured Product: Conrad Hotel Manila

Conrad Manila presents a Haven for Smart Luxury by Manila Bay

MANILA, Philippines – May 2022 – Conrad Manila presents guests with a haven for smart luxury by Manila Bay with 347 well-appointed guest rooms, dining and leisure options. The Hotel is owned by SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation, a subsidiary of SM Investment Corporation, and managed by Hilton Worldwide. It is strategically located at the forefront of the Mall of Asia complex, in the heart of the 42-hectare Bay City development, a destination earmarked as a shopping, leisure, and business hub. Conrad Manila is just 15 minutes away from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport via the NAIA expressway and only 7 km from Makati Central Business District area.

A recipient of the prestigious LEED Gold-Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and inspired by the shipping vessels that ply the bay, Conrad Manila’s architecture is both distinctive and intuitive. All guest rooms and suites feature motion sensors that adjust the air conditioning switches from energy-saving mode to cool, and automatically open the curtains with ambient lighting set to match the time of the day. Guests are also treated to heightened luxury with a 42-inch flat screen HDTV armed with an interactive IPTV menu, Wi-Fi and wired Internet access, Nespresso machine, Bluetooth-enabled entertainment technology and hydrotherapy rain showers. Suites and executive rooms offer picturesque bay or city views, with access to the Executive Lounge.

Located on the third level of the hotel is the outdoor swimming pool, inspired by the pristine coastal seas of the Philippines with its coral shape. Guests may also take advantage of the hotel’s 24-hour Fitness Center or the Conrad Spa. The luxurious Conrad Spa offers a unique pampering and relaxation experience that allows guests to unwind, escape and fully rejuvenate after a hard day of work, shopping, or enjoying the abundant recreational activities that Manila offers. It features six individual treatment rooms, (2 couples’ and 4 single rooms) with soaking tubs, private sauna and steam facilities. Choose from a variety of treatments and therapies specially designed with ESPA oils for an indulgent holistic wellness experience.

Conrad Manila offers five restaurants and lounges, namely:

Brasserie on 3 offers an eclectic mix of sustainable and organic dishes ranging from hearty to healthy dishes. The restaurant also features al fresco dining overlooking the bay, private dining rooms for intimate celebrations, and an exclusive Chef’s Table, where diners may enjoy a special tasting menu with a curated selection of organic wines.
China Blue by Jereme Leung presents a modern interpretation of the traditional Chinese cuisine, artfully curated by Chinese celebrity master chef, Jereme Leung. A pioneering concept in the Philippines, China Blue by Jereme Leung takes Chinese dining experience to new heights with its authentic cuisine, modern interiors, and floor-to-ceiling glass windows that offer panoramic bay views.
C Lounge is inspired by the city’s distinctive culture and lifestyle, where guests can enjoy a wide selection of beers, liquors, and locally-inspired cocktails. With a laidback vibe during the day, it transforms into a sophisticated destination bar at night. Its al fresco area offers guests an awe-inspiring visual of the Manila sunset.
Bru Coffee Bar showcases a tempting selection of hand-crafted pastry items and artisan confectionary. Guests may enjoy light and hearty snacks delightfully paired with specialty tea or fair trade coffee, or pick up tasty, grab-and-go items also available for pre-order.

Conrad Manila, recently recognized by the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) as the 2021-2022 winner for Green Hotel and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) Hotel, is the venue of choice for business, social events, and weddings. The hotel offers four contemporary event halls and two sophisticated pillar-less ballrooms, spanning more than 4,000 square meters, each fitted with state-of-the-art audio-visual technology, Wi-Fi and wired Internet access, drop down motorized screens and built-in LCD projectors alongside a dedicated team on hand to ensure all business meetings, conferences or social gatherings progresses successfully. For intimate al fresco events, the hotel boasts of a stunning 2,300 sq.m. outdoor garden venue that provides sweeping views of the city landscape.

The award-winning hotel is also a strong advocate of the Meet with Purpose campaign by Hilton Worldwide. Meet With Purpose promotes eco-friendly practices and offers balanced choices for meeting participants. Clients can enjoy healthy menus for energy-filled and productive meetings; choose from scent menus that create a more stimulating environment and increase productivity; and donate surplus pencils and notepads to the scholars of World Vision among others.

Conrad Manila is a part of the Hilton Honors®, the only guest loyalty program where guests who book directly through www.conradhotels.com have access to benefits including an exclusive member rate that can’t be found anywhere else, free standard Wi-Fi and popular digital tools available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors mobile app, where Honors members can check-in and choose their room at over 20 Conrad hotels worldwide.

The hotel was hailed as one of the “Best Hotels in the World” in the 2019 Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards, ranking 1^st in the Philippines, 3^rd in Asia and 45^th in the World. It sits atop the two-level S Maison, a high-end retail complex, and has direct connections via walking bridges to SMX Convention Center, the country’s largest convention space, and is adjacent to SM Mall of Asia, one of the country’s largest malls, as well as Mall of Asia Arena, a 16,000-seater indoor stadium where international shows, concerts and major sporting events are held.