Philippine Tour Operators Association: Looking for a New Destination? Come to Basilan

This is your sign to explore more of Mindanao for your next local travel.
by Ina Louise Manto | June 20, 2023

The Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) in its General Membership meeting on June 14 at the Manila Hotel featured distinguished speakers who shed light on the potential of Basilan Province as a thriving tourism destination. The event brought together industry leaders, government officials, and tourism enthusiasts who explored the opportunities and advancements in the Philippine tourism sector.

Basilan Province as a tourism destination

The meeting was graced with the presence of two keynote speakers, Undersecretary for Tourism Development Planning, Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar, and Mayor of Isabela City, Basilan Province, Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman. During their discussion, both highlighted the unique attractions and cultural treasures of Basilan Province, emphasizing its potential as an emerging tourism hotspot – including its rich history, natural beauty, and warm hospitality.

Hon. Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, Mayor of Isabela City, Basilan Province

During her presentation, Undersecretary Abubakar also highlighted the recent recognition of the Philippines as a Muslim-friendly destination at the Halal in Global Tourism Summit in Singapore.

Undersecretary for Tourism Development Planning, Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar

She also provided insights into the initiatives undertaken by the Department of Tourism (DOT) to enhance the experience of Muslim travelers and promote inclusivity in the tourism industry.

Hop-On Hop-Off Manila

Planning to explore the cultural sites of Manila? DOT NCR Regional Director, Sharlene Batin, unveiled the launch of the Hop-On, Hop-Off Manila, a convenient and immersive way for tourists to explore the capital city’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems.

The tour will be launched in July, following the first bus tour in Makati, which will be launched on June 25.

FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 in Manila

This year, the Philippines is hosting the FIBA Basketball World Cup after a 45-year hiatus and will be co-hosting with Indonesia and Japan. FIBA representative John Lucas shared updates on exciting forthcoming events scheduled from August 25 to September 10, 2023. These events promise to captivate sports enthusiasts and tourists alike, creating a dynamic atmosphere for visitors to engage in both sports and cultural experiences.

“We are thrilled to gather our esteemed members and industry stakeholders for this General Membership Meeting, said Fe Abling-Yu, President of PHILTOA. “Through this event, we aim to promote Basilan Province as an emerging tourism destination while showcasing the Philippines as a Museum-friendly country. We also look forward to the insightful presentations on Hop-On, Hop-Off Manila, and the exciting sports events lined up for the coming months.”

About Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA):

The Philippine Tours Operators Association is a leading organization in the tourism industry, dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism practices and fostering collaboration among tour operators, travel agencies, and other tourism stakeholders. PHILTOA strives to elevate the Philippines as a premier travel destination, supporting the growth and development of the tourism sector.

Disclaimer: This is a press release and edits have been made by the WindowSeat.PH editorial staff. 

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