HSMA’s 2nd Sales & Marketing Summit to spotlight hospitality trends, address travel industry woes
The Hotel Sales and Marketing Association (HSMA), the premier organization of hotel sales and marketing leaders in the Philippines, is set to stage the second Sales & Marketing Summit this month......»»
Travel agencies group warns about cheap, illegal operators
The Davao Travel Agencies Association (DTAA) has issued a warning about unregistered and illegal travel and tour operators in their area. These operators have been found to be offering travel and tour services without proper licensing, leading to issues such as lack of refunds, scheduling problems, and other travel arrangement discrepancies. Pia Partoza Montano, a travel agency owner and Vice-President for the Travel and Tours Sector of DTAA, emphasized the prevalence of these unauthorized operators, particularly in inbound tourism, and the challenges in monitoring and regulating them due to their large numbers. Montano also highlighted the potential risks associated with using these unregistered agencies, as they may offer cheaper rates but could lead to problems in case of incidents. To address this issue, the Department of Tourism-Davao (DOT-Davao) has introduced a QR code system to help the public verify the legitimacy of travel agencies by accessing data on authorized and registered operators. The DOT-Davao encourages travelers to transact with accredited enterprises to ensure the quality and reliability of their travel arrangements. Currently, there are at least 109 registered travel and tour agencies in Davao City under DOT-Davao's accreditation. The DOT-Davao also provides information on the requirements for registration and renewal for travel agencies on their official website. This warning serves as a reminder for the public to be cautious and discerning when engaging with travel and tour operators to avoid falling victim to unauthorized and illegitimate services......»»
Partners in the hospitality industry
Travel, tourism, lodging, recreation, food and beverage are all partners in the hospitality industry, and sales and marketing is a very important component that drives and ensures the growth and success of the sector......»»
Agoda Reveals: Khao Lak, Seoul, and Perhentian Island are the Top Destinations for Slow Travel
With slow travel being one of the most talked about travel trends, digital travel platform Agoda shares the top Asian destinations for slow travel for longer stays. Thailand’s Khao Lak takes the crown as the tourist destination where travelers spend the most time. Searches for slow travel have grown threefold in the past five years, […].....»»
10th ID bashes Canadian gov’t for travel advisory vs Mindanao
The 10th Infantry Agila Division (10ID) of the Philippine Army criticized the Canadian government for issuing a travel advisory against all parts of Mindanao, which includes their area of responsibility. Major Mark Anthony Tito, spokesperson for the 10th ID, emphasized that the regions under their jurisdiction are peaceful and free from terrorism and violent threats, contrary to the Canadian embassy's advisory. The division oversees 12 provinces, seven cities, and 72 municipalities in various parts of Mindanao. Tito expressed bewilderment at the basis of the travel advisory, asserting that the Canadian government lacks awareness of the actual situation on the ground. He highlighted the peaceful nature of the entire Davao Region throughout 2023, with no recorded incidents of terrorism or insurgency. Despite the exclusion of Davao City from the advisory, Tito noted that the region would still be impacted. The Canadian embassy's advisory warned its citizens to avoid visiting Mindanao due to ongoing terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, high levels of violence, and encounters between rebel forces and government security authorities. Specific provinces and regions were singled out for caution or non-essential travel, including Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen, and Eastern Mindanao. Contrary to the advisory, the 10th ID has been actively weakening and eliminating guerilla forces within its jurisdiction as part of the Philippine Army's efforts to establish an insurgency-free zone. In fact, on October 27, 2023, the Davao Region celebrated its first anniversary as an insurgency-free region in the Philippines. This dispute has led to other related stories, including the Chamber's intention to engage in discussions with the Canadian government regarding the travel advisory, as well as refutations from the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and celebrations of the Davao Region's insurgency-free status by the Regional Peace and Order Council. In summary, the 10th ID vehemently opposes the Canadian government's travel advisory, citing the peaceful and secure nature of the regions under their jurisdiction, and highlighting the significant strides made in eradicating insurgency in the Davao Region......»»
Tech Trends in 2024 for Small Businesses
Staying abreast of technological trends for the sake of your business is paramount for entrepreneurs aiming to thrive. While many small business owners still want to do everything the traditional way, technology is undoubtedly here to stay and be a catalyst for success. This new year is the perfect moment to implement tech trends that […].....»»
Two Costly Marketing Missteps Small Businesses Must Avoid
Marketing is a crucial tool for any small business looking to grow its customer base, increase revenue, and establish a foothold within its industry. However, many businesses make common marketing mistakes that can hinder their progress and ultimately lead to missed opportunities. Here are two such missteps that small businesses must avoid at all costs. […].....»»
Agoda’s Eco Deals Survey: 4 in 5 Travelers Care About More Sustainable Travel
As Pinoy travelers venture to explore new horizons, they are increasingly mindful of the potential impact of their choices. According to a survey conducted by digital travel platform Agoda, 92% of Filipino travelers care about more sustainable travel. Respondents highlighted that financial incentives, the availability of sustainable travel packages, and clearer guidance on sustainable travel […].....»»
The Mental Wellness Odyssey: Unveiling Travel’s Transformative Power
In our hectic world, travel transcends leisure, impacting mental health beyond its scenic and cultural appeal, as supported by scientific evidence. Escape Stress: Travel breaks routine, offering a refreshing respite from daily demands, reducing stress. Joyful Exploration: Experiences, not possessions, bring happiness. Travel’s thrill and diversity elevate joy. Mindful Journey: Travel promotes mindfulness, offering moments […].....»»
PH Embassy in Spain spearheads study tour for Pinoy restaurateurs, hospitality workers to Salon Gourmets
PH Embassy in Spain spearheads study tour for Pinoy restaurateurs, hospitality workers to Salon Gourmets.....»»
Real Hospitality
Offer hospitality to one another . . . use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. — 1 Peter 4:9–10.....»»
Game developers generate $2.4 million in export sales
Game developers generated $2.42 million in export sales from the country’s first Game Development Summit organized by the Department of Trade and Industry......»»
Philippines to showcase tourism offerings at Arabian Travel Market, Seoul Int’l Travel Fair 2024
The Department of Tourism and its marketing arm, Tourism Promotions Board, are set to lead the delegation who will spotlight Philippines' tourism offerings in back-to-back travel and trade events this month......»»
Vehicle sales rev up by 23% in February
Vehicle sales accelerated by more than a fifth in February from a year ago, supported by automotive firms’ marketing efforts as well as stable interest rates......»»
Bunye: Real estate market trends
Bunye: Real estate market trends.....»»
Lab-grown proteins, edible containers, and other food innovations we’ll eat in 2024
San Miguel Foods Culinary Center recently presented “Food Forward: A Taste of 2024 Food Trends” hosted by Paolo Abrera and chef Llena Tan-Arcenas, who saw these trends at the 2023 Thailand Food Expo, as well as from SMFCC’s research and observations......»»
Australia: Spotlight Rights at Summit with ASEAN
(Sydney) - Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese should focus on human rights concerns and democratic backsliding at the upcoming summit with Southeast Asian leaders, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today. Albanese will host leaders from nine of the countries making up the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at the ASEAN-Australia Special Sum.....»»
Government, stakeholders’ cooperation vital for tourism development – travel agency
The Philippine government and private tourism stakeholders should keep cooperating to promote and develop the country’s tourism industry, according to travel agency Rajah Travel......»»
Philippine coconut exporters secure $10.98 Million in sales at Anuga Trade Fair
10 Philippine coconut exporters secured approximately $10.78 Million in potential sales and $200,000 in actual sales, after their successful participation in the Anuga Trade Fair held in Cologne, Germany earlier in October......»»
Vehicle sales seen to reach 500,000 units this year
Vehicle sales in the country may hit 500,000 unit sales this year, driven by new models and production as well as better economic performance......»»
‘Pinas kasado sa peace summit ni Zelenskyy
Bumisita sa Malacañang si Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy upang personal na imbitahan si Pangulong Bongbong Marcos sa inorganisa nitong peace summit sa Switzerland sa June 15-16. The post ‘Pinas kasado sa peace summit ni Zelenskyy first appeared on Abante......»»