Northstar

TRAVEL WEEKLY ASIA O F F I C I A L D A I L I E S www.travelweekly-asia.com 22 26 October 2017 Massive infrastructure spending programme is giving Philippine tourism a major boost as new airport developments open up more destinations. New international gateways and major upgrades for major existing airports are providing the lynchpin for growth in hotel and resort capacity that will hit an additional 20,000 rooms by 2020. The boost in air accessibility is expected to help the Philippines be more aggressive in targeting a bigger MICE and business travel markets and at the same time open up more emerging destinations that attract adventure travellers. This growth has already resulted in a 12.7% rise in tourist arrivals in the first half of the year to 3.36 million and will help the destination hit its full-year 6.5-million foreign arrivals target and 73.3-million domestic arrivals mark. Key destinations like Davao City, Cebu, Clark, and Palawan are Ready for a deep dive direct beneficiaries of the airport boom. More importantly, these new gateways open up emerging destinations, a crucial component in the government's programme to develop more options for travellers. On the ground TRENDS "There is a strong interest in visiting 'undiscovered' parts of the Philippines like Siquijor and Romblon. We are also seeing demand for community-based tourism. There is an emerging interest in the social aspect of the destination. While demand stays strong for the traditional areas, it's time we start looking at new destinations we can develop and promote." WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE "The private sector is anxious to partner with the Department of Tourism for the next marketing Diving and water sports adventure in the Philippines is a key tourism focus By Bing J. Jaleco Philippines ramps up air transport and infrastructure to connect key destinations for water sports and adventure PHOT0 CREDIT: STEPHEN DAVID/TOURISM PROMOTIONS BOARD 71 Gramercy One of Metro Manila's hottest clubs located at the top of the Gramercy Residences, the country's tallest building at 72 storeys. The club has a lounge and bar area, a restaurant, and a view to drink to. Frequented by local celebs, this always draws a crowd in the metro. • 71st Floor, Gramercy Residences, Century City, Kalayaan Ave., Makati City. The Bar@1951. The Malate district in Manila has always been the hangout for the metro's bohemian crowd. The Bar@1951 (formerly Penguin Café) is the poster stop. Known for cheap beer and live performances (music and poetry reading, among a few), the place also doubles as an art gallery (we did say bohemian). Totally laid back. • 1951 Adriatico St., Malate, Manila. FOOD. Cucina pop is how food bloggers describe FOO'D. It's otherwise known as accessible fine dining, which is the philosophy of Michelin-starred chef Davide Oldani. No ala carte meals here, only multi-course selections that are a symphony of different flavours, textures and colours. • G/F Shangri-La at the Fort, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. Enye. This new Spanish restaurant in Cebu is creating a buzz. Spanish chef Jose Luis "Chele" Gonzalez offers his take on cocina española with a twist of Cebuano. • Lobby Level, Crimson Resorts & Spa Mactan, Cebu, Seascapes Resort Town, Mactan Island, Lapu Lapu City, Cebu. Hot Numbers 89.2 million projected domestic travel arrivals by 2022 US$59.3 billion in tourism investments required from 2016 to 2022 55th in global ranking for capital investment in 2015 US$15.88 billion in leisure travel spending in 2015 //////Best hot spots to wine and dine campaign. While we do have 'It's more Fun in the Philippines,' the question is, 'what's the next step?' There's a sense that we are adrift right now. We are just waiting for the 'marching orders.'" - Jojo Clemente, President, Rajah Tours

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