MANILA – The Philippines may just be the next location for the next Hollywood big hit.
This, after the best-selling author, writer and executive producer of “Crazy Rich Asians” Kevin Kwan shared that he wants to make his next movie in the country.
Kwan made the statement on Thursday (April 21) at the 21st World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit at the Marriott Hotel Manila where he served as a speaker.
“It’s a country with so many amazing locations, cultures, flavors, and of course, people. This is my fourth trip [here] and it’s always a pleasure to be back,” the Singaporean-born American writer enthused of the Philippines.
“It’s always surprising—I never know what will happen, but it’s always a grand adventure,” added Kwan.
Award-winning film producer Lawrence Bender, who joined Kwan on the panel, shared further details on the latter’s creative project.
“One of the reasons why we are here is we want to make a movie here. [Kevin] wrote a script, and it’s like a love letter to the Philippines,” Bender said.
Both Kwan and Bender were in the Philippines upon on the invitation of the Department of Tourism (DOT) to become panel speakers for the WTTC Summit session on the impact of novels and film in boosting tourism.
The Kwan-led creative project based on the Philippines likewise reflected the author’s principles on storytelling and its possible effects on local tourism.
“In case of (bringing the spotlight to) the Philippines, absolutely… For me, it’s about showcasing cultures… telling stories that are authentic to the place, to really celebrate that place,” Kwan said. “You know, we did that with Crazy Rich Asians quite effectively. It boosted tourism [in Singapore,” Kwan said, noting that many of the film cast were “discovering” the country like tourists as it was their first time to visit.
Bender also emphasized that when film crews come to certain destinations to create their movies, the local economy also benefits from it.
“Of course, what we do is we come into an area to shoot. We hire local people, we bring in people, we rent hotels. People who are employed, they pay taxes. It’s a net positive for the economy,” he noted.
Thanking the Hollywood executives for sharing their first-hand experience on how films have positively impacted communities in shooting locations, DOT Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat shared her excitement with the prospects that film tourism may bring to the country.
“Film and literary works hold great potential to reach more people and show them how rich the Philippines is in terms of breathtaking destinations and diverse cultures. We hope these will in turn encourage more travelers around the world to visit and experience our country,” Puyat said.
“Given our expansive tourism portfolio, we look forward to having more film and TV projects shot here in the Philippines. Rest assured we have the guidelines in place to ensure their health and safety while filming in our destinations,” added the tourism chief.
With travel as a foremost source of creative inspiration for the two, Kwan looks forward to exploring the Philippines further and showing his favorite destinations to Bender, “hoping [that] he falls in love,” the author quipped.
Delegates of the recently concluded 21st World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit and domestic investors on Saturday (April 23) visited several investment locations in Central Luzon to learn more about viable business opportunities within the region.
Made possible by the Philippines Department of Tourism (DOT) through its attached agency, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), the day tour brought the Global Summit delegates to key areas of interest in Region 3 such as the Clark International Airport (CRK), Clark Development Corporation (CDC) MICE butterfly loop, the Clark TIEZA Tourism Enterprise Zone (TEZ), and New Clark City (NCC).
“With the launching of the new Clark International Airport as well as ongoing infrastructure projects such as rails and highways that make Clark more accessible, Clark is envisioned as the next tourism and business hub in Central Luzon and one of the country’s prime investment destinations. We are excited to take part in its rebirth,” TIEZA Chief Operating Officer Mark T. Lapid emphasized.
The investment tour began at CRK, an international airport covering portions of the cities of Angeles and Mabalacat within the Clark Freeport Zone in the Province of Pampanga. It has been nominated for the Prix Versailles awards, which recognizes the best architecture and design projects in the world. Other global airports nominated for the award were the Berlin Brandenburg Airport in Germany and the Athens International Airport in Greece. CRK is set to open by May 2022.
DOT Assistant Secretary for Product and Market Development and WTTC Global Summit Secretary-General Verna Buensuceso welcomed the delegates at the CRK, where a short programme was also organized to give the delegates an overview of the various investment opportunities being offered by TIEZA, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), CDC, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), and the Luzon International Premier Airport Development (LIPAD) Corporation.
Meanwhile, DOT Region 3 Director Carolina Uy emphasized the the compelling reasons why the Clark-Tarlac-Subic corridor is a notable tourism investment destination.
In response, Mr. Goeran Soelter, General Manager of the Clark Marriott Hotel delivered a testimonial on behalf of Marriot Hotels on the positive experience of their brand in locating within Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone. Likewise, the Public-Private Partnership Center (PPPC) also gave a presentation on the legal framework for PPP with foreign investors and legislation developments for PPP.
The group surveyed CDC properties available for investments and leasing opportunities and the Clark TIEZA TEZ, a 20-hectare greenfield property masterplanned to be an integrated tourism complex in Clark. It is anchored on a Premier Shopping Outlet supported by MICE facilities and an assortment of accommodation establishments complementing the new Clark International Airport by offering a tourism destination in close proximity to international gateway. TIEZA is currently looking for Joint Venture partners for the development and operation of the entire TEZ or selected tourism enterprises. Fiscal and non-fiscal incentives under Republic Act (RA) 9593 and the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act or “CREATE” as well as institutional and marketing support from agencies such as the DOT, TIEZA, and CDC await the prospective investors.
The WTTC delegates also toured the world-class facilities of NCC. Planned primarily as a new national government administrative center and sports hub, the NCC aims to be an environmentally sustainable, socially inclusive, economically competitive, culturally relevant, and technologically integrated community.
Local chief executive Governor Susan A. Yap of the Province of Tarlac expressed her support to the activity and pushed for the opening of the much-awaited Terminal 2 of the Clark International Airport.
In addition to the Investment Tour, several other trips to tourism destinations all over Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao for the WTTC delegates to enjoy and discover the best of the country.
The lineup of post-summit trips includes a culinary experience tour in Quezon province; a culinary, art, and eco-tour in Rizal; a culture and heritage tour in Bataan; and a tour around the Ilocos region.
El Nido, Boracay, and Davao tours presented the Philippines’ sun and beach tourism and nature and adventure tourism products. While a Southern Tagalog tour in Tagaytay and Batangas showcased the region’s health and wellness services and facilities.
Leaders of the global tourism industry praised the Philippines’ successful hosting of the 21st Global Summit of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) as it closed with high hopes for an industry battered by two years of the pandemic.
“I’m not often stumped for words, but I am now. Wow! What an amazing summit. We really have rediscovered travel,” said Julia Simpson, president and CEO of the WTTC, who considered the “extraordinary Philippine welcome” as her personal highlight of the two-day summit.
“That warmth, that passion, that generosity, that smile. I haven’t walked out one corridor without people saying to me ‘Good morning!’. It’s incredible. You live it. It’s not a show – it really is in your DNA,” she said after the closing ceremony.
In her closing speech, Simpson said the success of the summit was “testament that the country’s tourism industry is well on its feet.”
The summit, which gathered world leaders of the tourism industry, has given the Philippines the opportunity to showcase “how beautiful the country is,” Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat said on Friday.
She said the Philippines is now a top-of-mind destination for delegates, many of whom had decided to stay to savor the rest of the country where “we are setting an example of how to open safely.”
“This has been a wonderful global summit and, to echo your brand campaign, we certainly had lots of fun in the Philippines. This is an experience all the delegates of the Summit can definitely attest to,” WTTC Chairman Arnold Donald said in his closing address.
Gloria Guevara, special advisor of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism and former president and CEO of WTTC, said the Philippines “has exceeded all of our expectations. Thanks to the leadership of Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat before and during the pandemic, the Philippines has been successfully repositioned as a top destination and she delivered an impactful Summit. The Filipino hospitality has also made it memorable.”
Puyat thank the delegates and participants for the success of the summit and for their “outstanding commitment you have shown in support of the recovery and continued growth of the global travel and tourism industry.”
She said that as the pandemic forced the global tourism industry to raise its game and change the way it gets things done, “we have likewise put much effort into discerning the most effective combination between the enforcement of health and safety guidelines and personal convenience – the delicate balancing act of implementing measures to ensure everyone’s safety without placing unreasonable burdens on the traveling public.”
“Our shared hopes and dreams for the future are reflected in the policies we have developed, and the measures we have put in place to plan and realize this sector’s full and complete recovery,” Puyat said.
Citing the need for sustainable tourism, she said the summit also given way to “passionate advocates for responsible tourism, and for a greener environment.”
“Our destinations must not be allowed to go back to the old unsustainable ways of the past. Instead, we must move forward guided by strategic and evidence-based planning and aimed towards building further resilience,” she added.
To review the summit sessions, you may click this link
Day 1 https://youtu.be/0W3UZG2WGRI, Day 2 https://youtu.be/OaN–aSNnMU
Article Link: https://beta.tourism.gov.ph/news_and_updates/wttc-lauds-ph-successful-hosting-of-intl-tourism-summit/
Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat
Good afternoon.
At this point in the program, I acknowledge everyone with us today for your invaluable contribution towards the success of the 21st World Travel and Tourism Global Summit, as well as for the outstanding commitment you have shown in support of the recovery and continued growth of the global travel and tourism industry.
Throughout the various stages of this event, we have collectively endeavored to formulate solutions, and generously share our best practices and discoveries with one another.
We covered much ground over this three-day gathering, as we set to redefine our industry and encourage the rediscovery of travel amidst these challenging times.
Our shared hopes and dreams for the future are reflected in the policies we have developed, and the measures we have put in place to plan and realize this sector’s full and complete recovery.
We have likewise put much effort into discerning the most effective combination between the enforcement of health and safety guidelines and personal convenience – the delicate balancing act of implementing measures to ensure everyone’s safety without placing unreasonable burdens on the traveling public.
Without question, the pandemic has moved us all to raise our game, so to speak.
Now, and in the coming years, maintaining competitiveness and moving forward with the emerging trends in the travel and tourism sector, especially those driven by smart technology, will continue to be an important part of our discussion.
During the course of this Global Summit, we have also been lucky to have heard passionate advocates for responsible tourism, and for a greener environment.
Our destinations must not be allowed to go back to the old unsustainable ways of the past. Instead, we must move forward guided by strategic and evidence-based planning, and aimed towards building further resilience.
It has been extremely gratifying to see the world’s travel and tourism industry stand united to help secure the future of our planet.
More than just a sector that makes a significant contribution to the global economy, tourism can be an important tool for nature’s regeneration.
Just as how the hotel industry is making an impassioned push for greater sustainability – thus paving the way for the Hotel Sustainability Basics framework, we too can make a difference in whichever subsector or field we belong to, as long as we have the will and are guided by the right principles.
We have demonstrated our commitment to reshaping our industry for the benefit of all, rebalancing its old “business comes first” orientation to one that now places equity, accountability, and social responsibility as its priorities.
Let us continue on this path and spread the advocacy to our respective spheres of influence.
In connection to the spirit of unity and coming together, I wish to thank those among you who wholeheartedly supported this summit.
Without our partners and sponsors, this summit would not have been possible.
Thank you all for your generosity, encouragement, and support.
To our dear WTTC Global Summit delegates and participants, before you head back to your homes or travel onward to your next destination, we encourage you to experience, the many diverse charms and attractions of our country.
We may have given you a glimpse over the last three days, but there is still much more to see, hear, taste, and explore around our archipelago of 7,641 islands.
To our peers, colleagues, and partners in the travel and tourism sector, let us always remember that the world will continue to change, and new challenges will beset us.
What must remain constant is our passion to instigate positive change and to work towards our goal for a prosperous and just world, with travel and tourism as a major contributor.
With this, on behalf of the Filipino people,
I express my heartfelt thanks to the World Travel and Tourism Council, its members, and all who became part of this historic event.
Maraming salamat po!
Mabuhay!
Manila, Philippines– World tourism executives and scores of delegates from across the global travel and tourism sector gather in iconic Manila for the 3-day 21st World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit under the theme, “Rediscovering Travel”.
Earlier in the opening ceremony at the Manila Marriot Hotel, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat welcomed the WTTC delegates attending in person and online, saying the summit “marks the beginning of a new era” for Philippine tourism.
“Now is the time for us to revive our connections and engagement with people,” she said.
Puyat was joined on stage by WTTC Chair and Carnival Corporation CEO Arnold Donald and WTTC President and CEO Julia Simpson. On the opening day, the Philippines was lauded by the global tourism leaders attending the event on site.
“Here in Asia-Pacific, the reopening is just beginning. And I have to say I congratulate the Philippines and Minister Bernadette, a nation that showed determination and courage to reignite travel in this region,” Simpson said.
Puyat also served as one of the speakers during the summit’s first panel discussion titled Redefining Travel in a Changing World, sitting alongside Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths, Marriott International Group President Craig S. Smith, and The Global Rescue Companies CEO Dan Richards to talk about how travel and tourism sector continue to offer incredible experiences and drive social progress while still protecting health, preserving the environment, and responding to a rapidly changing landscape.
Smith shared that the sector is well on its way to recovery, sharing his surprise at how fast tourism–in the Philippines–has been bouncing back.
“I’ve never seen a recovery this fast: average rates, first time interest rates. Take the Philippines for example. We have five hotels in the Philippines and we have 15 hotels that are being opened. We want to create these jobs. And so with the help of governments like yours, we see a really bright future going forward that this collaboration is going to do,” remarked Smith.
With the country’s first-ever hosting of the WTTC summit held annually, Puyat emphasized how more communication and engagement between both the government and the private sector can accelerate recovery and sustain growth. She also noted that the Philippines has remained committed to combat the effects of the changing climate and promote green tourism.
According to the WTTC’s projection in its latest Economic Impact Report (EIR), travel and tourism in the Philippines will reach an annual growth rate of 6.7% in the next 10 years, exceeding its overall economy average growth rate of just 5.6 %. The EIR also projects that employment will grow annually by an average of 3% in the same period, generating 2.9 million new jobs that will account for 21.5% of all jobs in the Philippines. Simpson said that the latest EIR for the Philippines signals the astonishing recovery of the country’s Travel & Tourism sector.
Philippines Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat (center) engages in a discussion with The Global Rescue Companies CEO Dan Richards (leftmost), Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths (second from left), and Marriott International Group President Craig S. Smith (second from right), moderated by World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Ambassador and Journalist Kathleen Matthews (rightmost) during the opening day of the 21st WTTC Global Summit held at the Marriott Hotel Manila on April 21.
Article Link: https://beta.tourism.gov.ph/news_and_updates/wttc-astonishing-recovery-for-philippines-tourism-sector/
Exotic fabrics such as piña, tnalak, and inabel are hand woven textiles native to the Philippines. They are eventually tailored into wonderful dresses and wearables that are truly indigenous in the country, an exquisite representation of the fine culture that the Filipinos have developed through the ages.
Exhibited at the WTTC Summit are season’s harvests of the Philippines’ finest produce such as mangoes, pomelo, calamansi, avocado, dragon fruit, pineapple, native coffee beans, adlai grains, black rice, pili nuts, passion fruit, capsicum, mangosteen and lanzones. This is a sight and taste to behold to many foreigners since these crops are native to the Philippines.
Replica of the iconic symbol of the country’s everyday travel – the Philippine Jeepney, a colorful, fun and vibrant public transportation ubiquitous in many streets of the country.
WTTC Opening Ceremony Welcome Remarks of the DOT Secretary
21 APRIL 2022
On behalf of the Filipino people, good morning and welcome to the Philippines!
Your journey of rediscovery has finally brought you to the shores of our country.
As your host of this 21st edition of the council’s Global Summit, we gladly receive you with warm smiles and our world-renowned hospitality.
The theme of this year’s Summit suggests that we are here to rediscover what travel and tourism hold for us in the post-pandemic era.
We are optimistic about the growth and resurgence of the tourism industry from this year and onward.
We took advantage of this hushed period to reimagine the industry and recalibrate our goals to rebuild a sector that will be more resilient, more inclusive, and more sustainable.
Now is a time to revive our connections and engagement with people.
The Philippines, after two years, has opened its borders to welcome back visitors to our destinations, and we are thrilled that this summit marks the beginning of a new era for us.
We continue to emphasize how both businesses and governments can accelerate recovery and sustain growth.
For a sector that accounts for over 10% of global GDP pre-pandemic, and a substantial percentage of global employment; travel and tourism promises the most significant growth as the world begins to lessen restrictions on movement.
It is on this promise that the Philippines anchors its resolve in supporting the recovery of the industry.
In 2019, the tourism contributed 12.8% to our country’s GDP
Article Link: https://beta.tourism.gov.ph/news_and_updates/wttc-opening-ceremony-welcome-remarks/
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is bullish on the prospect of Philippines’ tourism industry recovery, projecting a rosy outlook in terms of economic growth and employment generation in the next 10 years.
In the opening press conference of the 21st WTTC Global Summit held at the Marriott Hotel, Pasay City, WTTC President and Chief Executive Officer Julia Simpson lauded the leadership of Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat for her continuous efforts to revitalize the tourism industry of the Philippines, which has been steadily recovering in spite of the ongoing global health concern.
“Our expert analysis shows that the travel and tourism economy has turned a corner, and is firmly on the road to recovery. This growth was primarily built on domestic travels and very much pioneered and led by Secretary Bernadette,” the President and CEO adds.
“Looking ahead, we forecast an average annual growth rate of 6.7% over the next 10 years, exceeding the expected country’s overall economy average growth rate of just 5.6%,” said Simpson.
“We also forecast employment will grow annually by an average of 3% over the next 10 years, generating 2.9 million new jobs, accounting for 21.5% of all jobs in the Philippines”, she added.
Meanwhile, Secretary Puyat expressed her gratitude for the WTTC’s positive remarks, especially since the country has been hard at work in revitalizing the local tourism industry.
“In the nearly two years where international travel was put on hold, the Philippines has been busy preparing for the day when our country would be open to the world. We have put in place guidelines that will ensure the safety of our guests, our tourism workforce, and our community,” Puyat shared.
“Ultimately, through this summit, we hope to raise awareness of the full economic and social impact of travel and tourism. We also want to assure everyone, especially our foreign guests, that your safety and well being is our priority,” the Tourism Secretary emphasized.
Addressing the media and guests at the global summit, Puyat reassured: “We are already seeing signs of recovery, with more and more countries opening up for international travel. Your presence here signifies your commitment to rebuilding a safer, more resilient, and more sustainable tourism industry.”
Considered as one of the most influential Travel & Tourism events worldwide, the WTTC Global Summit is an annual gathering of the entire spectrum of the industry, including airlines and airports, hotels and hospitality groups, tour operators and retail travel agents, online distributors, cruise lines, investment companies, insurance groups, and the technology industry.
In the next two days, the sessions will shed light on important topics such as the latest travel trends, sustainable investment prospects, meaningful human connections despite contactless interventions, environmental preservation, traveler confidence, seamless international mobility, and inequalities in the travel and tourism industry.
METRO MANILA — Philippines Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat (center) together with World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) President and CEO Julia Simpson (left) and WTTC Chair and President & CEO of Carnival Corporation Arnold Donald (right) welcome delegates of the 21st WTTC Global Summit during the opening press conference held today (April 20) at the Marriott Hotel.
DOT Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat on Wednesday (April 20) assured attendees of the WTTC 2022 Global Summit—which consists of over a thousand foreign and local government officials, CEOs, presidents, and general managers of companies, and members of the press—that necessary protocols have been placed and that all tourism workers in the Summit venues are fully-vaccinated against COVID-19 to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.
WTTC President and CEO Julia Simpson on Wednesday (April 20) shared about the Council’s promising projections for tourism recovery in the Philippines enclosed in its latest Economic Impact Report (EIR) done in partnership with Oxford Economics. Simpson also recognized DOT Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat for her leadership and efforts to continue to steer the country’s tourism industry to recovery, which included the push for border reopening and lifting of restrictions to allow a seamless process for visitors.
When asked about the significance of holding the WTTC 2022 Global Summit in Manila, Arnold W. Donald, President and Chief Executive Officer of Carnival Corporation and Chairman of the WTTC, remarked that the Summit will get the word out that the Philippines is ready to welcome tourists in the new normal, and will provide the avenue for global tourism players to continue their alignment on how to get global tourism back up on its feet.
Article Link: https://beta.tourism.gov.ph/news_and_updates/wttc-bullish-on-ph-tourism-recovery-amid-covid-19-pandemic/
MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines welcome the announcement by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) that the Philippines has been selected as the next host country to the WTTC Global Summit in October 2021.
The announcement was made by WTTC President and CEO Gloria Guevara on Wednesday during the closing ceremony of the WTTC Global Summit in Cancun, Mexico.
“I would like to formally announce our next host, the Philippines, and I am inviting you all to continue with the recovery of our sector in Manila. We are very dedicated to ensure safety, and we will continue to monitor the situation carefully. I look forward to seeing you all,” Guevara announced.
Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat extended a warm invitation to all partners as the Philippines looks forward to hosting the next summit which will help restart the tourism industry and will further boost the continuing strategies to position the country as the MICE hub in Asia.
“We, your Philippine partners in tourism, are eager to share our hopes, dreams and plans for our industry, [and are] ready to do our share in the global effort to overcome and break down barriers in this new dynamic, and unpredictable tourism landscape,” said Tourism Secretary Puyat.
DOT, through TPB, has identified the MICE industry as a sector that can help hasten the country’s economic recovery through visitor expenditure and its contribution to employment. The Philippines’ hosting of WTTC Global Summit will create an avenue for the private sector and local tourism industry stakeholders to consider bigger markets and present an immense opportunity to network and link up with international partners.
Moreover, it will allow the Philippines to demonstrate its commitment in the midst of current global concerns on health and safety, environmental sustainability, and local community engagement in tourist destinations.
“Through our determination and dedication to this sector, tourism will once again be the driver of socio-economic growth, and improve the lives of millions of people around the world while championing sustainability. We will recover as one, and we will travel once again,” Secretary Puyat added.
The WTTC Global Summit is an annual event that gathers over 800 delegates composed of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), Presidents, and Chairpersons of the largest and most prominent international travel and tourism companies from airlines, hotels and resorts, travel agencies, tour companies, global distribution system, transportation, and allied enterprises; as well as Tourism Ministers and officials from international organizations, such as the UNWTO.
The 3-day Summit allows delegates to discuss opportunities, challenges and issues facing the industry and draw up concrete solutions pursued across countries and regions through private and public sector collaboration. The Summit deliberations also contribute to the formulation of global tourism policies and agenda, as well as shaping the future of travel and tourism in regions and destinations.
The Philippines welcomes you as it hosts the World Travel & Tourism Council Global Summit 2022. Guided by the theme “Rediscovering Travel”, Travel & Tourism leaders come together to explore ways of rediscovering the world while ensuring safety, seamlessness, sustainability, and inclusion to make travel a better experience for everyone.
The event will take place in Manila, Philippines from April 20-22, 2022.
Register to attend at http://ow.ly/5im250HQbzI