MESSAGE FROM THE SECRETARY OF TOURISM MESSAGE FROM THE TPB CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

On behalf of the Department of Tourism (DOT), our warmest welcome to the participants of these most important twin events in the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions / Event (MICE) Sector.

Touted as the premiere go-to event of MICE professionals, this year’s PHITEX themed, “Philippine Tourism: Trailblazing Responsible Travel and Inclusive Growth” reflects this administration’s resolve to rally national efforts from both public and private sectors to optimize tourism resources for the benefit of many.

On the other hand, MICECONnect, an essential adjunct to PHITEX, seeks to facilitate trade and business opportunities through the exciting buyers invitational and business exchange program.

We owe the continuing growth of this sector to the professionalism, industry, and commitment of our industry stakeholders and game changers whose focus is on the willful implementation of the Philippine MICE Roadmap 2030 to cement our positioning as one of the region’s preferred MICE destinations.

Our hats off to the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) for yet another successful hosting of the PHITEX and MICECONnect.

Mabuhay!

BERNADETTE ROMULO-PUYAT Secretary MESSAGE FROM THE TPB CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) once again welcomes all participants to the Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX). On its 18th edition, we take pride in the event’s track record of contributing and bridging our stakeholders to global players in the travel business; and hence continue to succeed in numerous benefits to the economic growth of Philippine Tourism.

It also gives us much pleasure to introduce and stage the 1st MICECONnect, an excellent platform of opportunities to welcome International Buyers to the Philippines. This specialized travel industry business is one that holds a special highlight in our aggressive strategic direction attracting MICE as an important driver and ensuring quality arrivals to the country.

We wish everyone a most lucrative, fruitful and, indeed, Fun Bleisure at PHITEX and MICECONnect 2019.

Mabuhay!

MARIE VENUS Q. TAN Chief Operating Officer ABOUT PHITEX 2019

PHITEX is the biggest government organized travel trade event in the country first held in 1996. Patterned after the ASEAN Tourism Forum, this event host qualified international buyer delegates all over the world to participate in table-top business appointments with accredited Philippine tourism suppliers. Invited foreign participants are also given a chance to experience what the country can offer as a tourism festination during pre and post tours featuring key Philippine attractions and destinations. In 2007, aside from holding it in Cebu for the first time, another component was added in the actvity wheein the industry experts are invited as resource speakers to discuss new trends in tourism marketing as well as marketing strategies in mature and emerging markets.

PHITEX Participants in the last 5 years:

2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Buyers 194 185 201 209 188 No. of countries 30 30 35 34 29 Sellers: Companies 127 140 132 154 148 Delegates 197 217 196 236 235

Be part of the PHITEX online community. Share your photos, videos, comments through Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Use the official event hashtags: #phitex2019 #tpbgovph #itsmorefuninthephilippines SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

20 October 2019 | Sunday

For PHITEX Sellers and Regional Office Invitees Educational Seminar

Welcome Remarks Mr. Arnold T. Gonzales Acting Deputy COO for Marketing and Promotions

21 October 2019 | Monday Morning Welcome Remarks Ms. Marie Venus Q. Tan Chief Operating Officer Business Appointments Hosted Lunch Afternoon Business Appointments 1900H Grand Reception (Joint Welcome Gala Dinner for PHITEX and MICECONnect Buyers and Sellers) Venue: Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) Reception Hall

22 October 2019 | Tuesday Morning Continuation of Business Appointments

Hosted Lunch for Buyers and Sellers 1900H Hosted Dinner for Buyers

23 October 2019 | Wednesday Buyers Depart for Post-Tour

23 - 26 October 2019

Post-Tour 27 October 2019 | Wednesday (For Buyers) Morning Cross Selling Farewell Lunch PHITEX POST-TOUR DESTINATIONS BATANGAS AND TAGAYTAY Just hours away from the metro, Tagaytay and Batangas make perfect destinations for a quick getaway. The rustic tourist town of Tagaytay offers an amazing view of the geographic wonder that is Taal Volcano. A plethora of attractions and exhilarating recreational activities can be had here, be it a trip rejuvenating spas or The Farm at San Benito gastronomic joints of cheap eats. Further south of Tagaytay is the province of Batangas. Known as a ranch country with white sand beaches, it is also a sanctuary for those looking to unwind and rejuvenate. Amid the verdant greens of Lipa lies The Farm at San Benito, a world-class holistic wellness center offering health programs and treatments to de-stress and revitalize the mind and body. BOHOL-CEBU Set in the heart of Visayas, the sprawling city of Cebu holds true to its namesake as the “Queen City of the South”. Cebu strikes a balance between the urban metropolis and nature, with bustling districts, high-end facilities and vibrant night life; and pristine white beaches, excellent dive spots and gastronomic treats all within reach. Chocolate Hills, Bohol Just a ferry ride away, Bohol is dream escape for visiting tourists, famous for its gorgeous white beaches surrounding the island and its unique attractions such as the Chocolate Hills and the wide-eyed tarsiers. This getaway is also the best place to get your fill of adrenaline rush. From spelunking and cliff diving to canyon swings and rapid zipline rides, adventure knows no bounds on this island paradise. ILOCOS NORTE-ILOCOS SUR Travel back in time as you explore the picturesque cobbled streets and well- preserved Spanish colonial structures of Ilocos Norte and Sur. Indulge your taste buds and try local popular delicacies such as the Vigan longganisa, Ilocos empanada and the heart-stoppingly delicious bagnet. End your day by catching an amazing sunset and quench your thirst for adventure while sliding Paoay Sand Dunes down on a 4x4 off the sand dunes of Paoay. PHITEX POST-TOUR DESTINATIONS EL NIDO-PUERTO PRINCESA The gateway to Palawan, Puerto Princesa welcomes visitors with the most scenic attractions, from the UNESCO World Heritage Site Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park to the islands of Honda Bay. From Puerto Princesa, head north to the idyllic paradise of El Nido. El Nido has been

El Nido repeatedly acclaimed by international publications as magnificent. From its gradient azure waters to towering limestone formations, white sand beaches and diverse flora and fauna, El Nido isan enchanting island that will leave you mesmerized.

DAVAO Hailed as the “Crown Jewel of the South”, Davao City is considered to be an economic powerhouse in Mindanao. More than just its metropolitan developments, Davao has myriad of surprises for the curious explorer. Make your way through Philippine icons in Davao by visiting the endemic silver-eyed Philippine Eagle at the Philippine Eagle Center,

Philippine Eagle trying the award-winning Malagos chocolate and catching a clear view of Mt. Apo.

CAPIZ-ILOILO-NEGROS OCCIDENTAL Western Visayas is a certified culinary destination, attracting visitors to experience the best dishes of the Philippines. Start your food adventure in the country’s seafood capital, Capiz, where you can find cheap and fresh seafood. The famous batchoy, a hearty soup made with chicken stock, noodles, and pork innards, is a must-try in Iloilo. And when

La Paz Batchoy you head to Bacolod in Negros Occidental to celebrate the Masskara Festival, it’s always fulfilling to try the famous chicken inasal and the flatbread filled with muscovado sugar known as piaya. But the charm of this region extends beyond its delicacies. Unravel history as you step inside neo- gothic churches and ancestral structures such as the Ruins and the Miag-ao Church. PHITEX POST-TOUR DESTINATIONS CAMARINES SUR-ALBAY-SORSOGON Famously known as the home of Mayon Volcano, the Bicol Region offers more than majestic views of the most active volcano in the Philippines. It is also popular for its signature spicy and aromatic cuisine. Enjoy a magnificent lunch by Sumlang Lake and sample heirloom dishes at Casa Simeon in Albay. The Bicol Region also caters those who seek adventure. Thrill –seekers will surely enjoy the world-class facilities of CamSur Mayon Volcano Watersports Complex or get a closer glimpse at the Daragang Magayon via an exhilarating ATV ride at the foot of Mayon.

SAMAR-LEYTE An underrated region for travel, Eastern Visayas is now gaining popularity as a tourist destination with its unspoilt natural wonders. Visit sustainable attractions managed and overseen by local communities such as the San Juanico by the Bay. Another must-visit is Sohoton Visitor Center and Eco-Lodge, operated by the indigenous Mamanwa tribe, where you can kayak and explore the Sohoton Natural Caves. And finally beat the rapids Natural Bridge through the exciting Ulot River TORPEDO Extreme Boat Ride in the Samar Island Natural Park.

NEGROS ORIENTAL- Jump off to a laidback tour of Visayas by exploring Dumaguete in . A famous retirement destination for foreigners, Dumaguete attracts tourists with its wide array of attractions catering to all ages. Dive in the waters of Apo Island and marvel at its marine biodiversity housing 650 species of fish and 400 species of corals. Take a side trip to Siquijor and be captivated by its natural Cambugahay Falls wonders such as the Century Old Enchanted Balete Tree and Cambugahay Falls. PHITEX POST-TOUR DESTINATIONS SAGADA-LA UNION A vast distinction to the typical Philippine locale of tropical weather and white-sand beaches, the Mountain Province captivates tourists with its temperate climate, lofty rice terraces, wondrous caves and waterfalls, and most of all, its rich culture. In the tranquil town of Sagada, the Hanging

Hanging Coffins Coffins depicts an age-old tradition still practiced by the Igorot tribe of the province. A short trek from the center will take you to the stones and cliffs where coffins of prominent people in the community are laid to rest. Spelunking through the Lumiang and Sumaguing Cave will lead you to the refuge used by Filipino soldiers during the World War II. End your trip to the north by stopping by La Union for a quick ride on the waves of San Juan and a marvelous sunset view before heading back to the hustle and bustle of .

MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL-DAKAK-DAPITAN An emerging travel destination in the country, Northern Mindanao and the Zamboanga Peninsula are in rich in culture and heritage abundant in natural wonders. Start your trip in Misamis Occidental by relishing in a fulfilling lunch and the cool waters at Sapang Dalaga. You can also catch the area’s beautiful sunset when you climb Caluya Shrine. Finally, make your way to Dakak Dakak Beach Resort in Dapitan to enjoy a private retreat centered on wellness and leisure. PHITEX 2019 SPEAKERS MR. CARLOS MORI RODRIGUEZ Chief Innovation Officer of the EON The Stakeholders Relations Group Fuelled by insatiable curiosity and sense of adventure, he has spanned a spectrum of roles, all of which share strong shades of innovation, creativity, and pioneering success. He has been the AVP and Head of ABS-CBN Corporation’s Digital Innovations and Business Development Unit and now the Chief Innovation Officer of the EON The Stakeholders Relations Group. And an international and local award winning brand builder and marketer MR. SANJEET Department of Tourism (DOT) Market Representative for India and Managing Director of Buzz Travel Marketing India Private Limited SanJeet has contributed immensely for outbound tourism when he started representation of tourism boards way back in 2002. He has represented Macau, Taiwan, Canada, Munich, Ras Al Khaimah, Philippines, Nevada, Holland among others. SanJeet plays an active role in all travel associations in India. He, in fact, has created two associations in India: ADTOI (Association of Domestic Tour Operators Association of India) and OTOAI (Outbound Tour Operators’ Association of India). He is currently Vice Chair of PATA Industry, Board Member of PATA International and Vice Chairman of PATA India Chapter MR. DONALD PATRICK LIM Country Chief Executive Officer, Dentsu Aegis Network Philippines Considered one of the founding fathers of digital marketing in the Philippines, Donald has been awarded by various institutions and organizations, most recently being awarded the The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) Award for Community Building in Digital Media. He is the youngest to serve as President of the Philippine Marketing Association, the biggest gathering of marketing professionals in the Philippines. He is the founding president of the Internet and Mobile Marketing Association of the Philippines. MR. MOHD AKIL BIN MOHD YUSOF Deputy President of Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents Group Managing Director of TriwaysTravel Network. More than 25 years involvement in Tourism Industry. He established Visit Indonesia Tourist Office (VITO) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The first Asian and Malaysian to become advisory Board Members for Lufthansa City Center International based in Frankfurt. Elected as the Deputy President of Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) for the second term (2019-2021) and have been invited by Islamic Tourism Centre, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Cultures of Malaysia as their speakers. MS. NELLY NUEZCA DILLERA, CESO III Deputy Executive Director of Philippine Trade Training Center – Global MSME Academy Mass Communications Graduate from University of the Philippines – Diliman. She is the former Regional Director of the Department of Tourism – SOCCSKSARGEN and currently the Deputy Executive Director of the Philippine Trade Training Center, Department of Trade & Industry. Notes: