Promoting the Philippines As Health Destination

Monday September 5, Dept Of Tourism Promotes Philippines As Health Destination MANILA, Sept 5 Asia Pulse - The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) recently joined the biggest travel show in Hong Kong to further boost promotion of the Philippines as a health and wellness destination. The annual International Tourism Expo (ITE), now on its 19th year, has always been a perfect venue for travel suppliers from all over the world to meet with Asian exhibitors and hosted buyers worldwide. The Philippines carried its latest banner slogan WOW Philippines More that the Usual Feel Good, Look Good. 'The DOT is pushing an aggressive campaign with the private sector to develop the country as a health and wellness holiday destination,' said Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano. Some 22 representatives from the countrys travel industry, mostly those catering to health and wellness tourists, participated in the event. A large number of visitors flocked the 36-square-meter joint booth of the DOT and Philippine Airlines, which highlighted the controlling theme of Filipino style of hearty living of the mind, body and soul. During the event, the DOT organized travel seminars and a presentation of the 'Traditional Filipino Healing Modalities' as a unique Philippine spa experience. Demonstration on 'hilot', a hand-massage and 'dagdagay', a foot massage using two sticks and exotic island concoctions of the Philippine virgin coconut oil, were also done. Hailed as the hub for Asian outbound buyers and international sellers for 19 years, the expo was supported by the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), the Hong Kong tourism Board (HKTB), Macau Government Tourism Office and other tourism bureaus and trade associations. (PNA)"