Puyat: Tourism Must Survive In The Most Unusual Ways

The travel industry must continue to keep tourism alive in even the most unexpected ways.

This comment was given by Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat during the closing ceremony of the 2020 Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX) in Panglao, Bohol, on Friday (September 25).

“Our choice to go forward with PHITEX in a hybrid manner, with some of us physically traveling to Panglao, turned out to be a valuable learning experience for all of us. The provincial government of Bohol’s policies and practices encourage a gradual, safe, and long-term reopening of tourism,” Puyat added.

Puyat said in a press conference earlier today that the Department of Tourism (DOT) is now looking into the possibility of reopening the island province to local tourists, particularly for small meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (M.I.C.E.) events, following the successful staging of 2020 PHITEX, the first tourism event in the world to incorporate a hybrid B2B component.

Governor Arthur C. Yap agreed with the tourism chief’s proposals, adding that the province will consider hosting M.I.C.E. events “with small and restricted groups.”

This comes after Puyat praised Panglao as a perfect tourism bubble destination, with COVID19-free status and strong health precautions in place for visitors. Pre-travel testing, the wearing of face masks and shields, and the adherence of safe distance in the plane are all required. The distribution of contact tracing cards for all guests to track movements and aid in COVID case management is also essential, as is adherence to DOT-issued standards and regulations by hotels, resorts, and other lodging organizations.

“Those planning to visit Bohol can have faith in our tourism firms that have been awarded the purple seal, which represents the Ultimate Bohol Experience (UBE). “The UBE seal represents adherence to and full compliance with safety, health, and sanitation standards,” Puyat noted.

The DOT has prepared guidelines governing its operations under a modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) and separate procedures governing the activities of MICE organizers under the new normal to prepare for the safe return of MICE events.

“To stay up with current changes around the world, the DOT will continue to improve the health and safety guidelines for the conduct of MICE activities in the country,” Puyat added.

PHITEX, the country’s largest government-organized travel exchange, is now in its 24th year, and the event’s hybrid style set it apart. A total of 122 foreign buyers from 34 countries took part in a number of virtual events from webinars and tours to meetings with 345 seller-delegates from 161 tourism firms and groups across the country from September 23 to 25. A select group of participants also went on actual trips throughout the province.

According to the tourism director, PHITEX is estimated to produce Php 4.5 million in income from 32 bookings and 367 leads generated (with a success rate of 66 percent) from September 23 to 25 based on incomplete data as of 8:50 a.m. on September 26. This barely accounts for 14 percent of the 354 PHITEX merchants, according to Puyat. The event also resulted in the formation of 1,134 contacts, or 23 contacts per seller on average.

The Travel Exchange (TRAVEX), a series of special business-to-business virtual appointments between Philippine sellers and global buyers, was emphasized in the hybrid PHITEX edition. It also featured the “Philippines 360” series of online games and quizzes about Philippine arts and culture, as well as the “Philippines’ Capital of Fun,” which includes a specially curated virtual tour of Manila.