Category Archives: NTO (National Tourist Offices)

As the Philippines prepares to open its borders to the GCC countries an insightful webinar took place with two experts sharing their valuable information with stakeholders in the Philippines about selling the destination in the new normal era. At the inception, Verna C Buensuceso – Undersecretary Tourism Development Department of Tourism Philippines shared that as the borders will open to the four destinations in the GCC namely, KSA, UAE, Oman and Kuwait a two part webinar series will be conducted in order to navigate the new normal in the Middle East and understand the market trends and provide information to the stakeholders to keep themselves updated with regard to the way forward in this very important market for the Philippines. She further reiterated that their requirement at present was to make Philippines a top of the mind outbound destination for the GCC travelers as they seek new destinations especially at this point of time. The first session focused on how to sell the Philippines to the GCC which had two of the most senior experts in the industry in the GCC in UAE and KSA in particular. Nasir Jamal Khan – CEO – Al Naboodah Travel and Tarique Khatri Executive Vice President Center of Excellence Seera Group. Moderator of the Session San Jeet Market Representative of Philippine Tourism in the Middle East shared that during the pre- pandemic era, Philippines received a substantial number of visitors from the GCC and the aim at present is to reposition Philippines to attract more numbers from this market as it has all the offerings and requirements. One of the first questions raised by San Jeet Moderator of the session to Nasir Jamal Khan …

The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) approved testing and quarantine protocols on December 2, 2021, for arriving international passengers from countries/territories/jurisdictions that are not listed as Red List countries/territories/jurisdictions in all ports of entry in the Philippines. The new standards have been implemented on December 3, 2021. Individuals who have been fully vaccinated must have a negative RT-PCR test completed within 72 hours of departing from their country of origin. They will be subjected to facility-based quarantine upon arrival in the Philippines, with an RT-PCR test performed on the fifth day, with the date of arrival being the first day. Regardless of the result, they will be subjected to home quarantine until the 14th day after their arrival. Individuals who are unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or whose vaccination status cannot be independently validated will be required to do a negative RT-PCR test within 72 hours of departing from their country of origin. They will be subjected to facility-based quarantine upon arrival in the Philippines, with an RT-PCR test conducted on the seventh day, with the date of arrival being the first day. Regardless of the result, they will be subjected to home quarantine until the 14th day after their arrival. The Department of Transportation has been directed to ensure that only passengers who pass a negative RT-PCR test before flying are allowed to board. Minors’ testing and quarantine protocols, on the other hand, must follow the parent/testing guardian’s and quarantine protocol, regardless of the minor’s vaccination status or country of origin. International travellers who have already arrived and are undergoing quarantine must follow the testing and quarantine protocols in effect at the time of their arrival. Filipinos from countries/territories/jurisdictions on the Red …

GCC travellers looking to gain authentic winter experiences should look no further than Germany’s expansive seasonal activations and incredible roster of family-friendly offerings. The south German states of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg are popular for its charming snow-capped mountaintops and alpine ski trails, and while the temperatures often average 0°C, the exciting sporting activities available will warm skiers up in no time. Ski lovers can enjoy an array of Bavarian Alpine resorts with options for beginners, families, and sporting pros. The town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, only an hour outside Munich, features an array of outdoor activities perfect for winter strolls amid mountainous views, crystal clear lakes, and fresh pine forests. For those looking for a more calming scene, cable car trips in Baden-Württemberg offer incredible views of the magnificent Black Forest dotting the mountain range. “Germany’s luscious winter landscapes are the perfect backdrop for long walks, bike rides, and exciting sports such as skiing and snowboarding. We welcome GCC travellers to wrap up warm and explore the bountiful countryside vistas afforded by the cooler temperatures,” said Yamina Sofo, Director of Sales and Marketing of the German National Tourist Office. Tourists who would rather view winter landscapes from the warm indoors, the German.Spa.Tradition. campaign which highlights Germany’s traditional health resorts and spas from across the nation, offers a plethora of opportunities to enjoy health and wellness retreats amid stunning natural wonders. Visitors can engage the mind, body, and soul across the country’s traditional wellness spas. The campaign focuses in five essential themes: Breathe, Renew, Enjoy, Feel, and Taste. For an authentic German experience and the chance to grab some holiday gifts or shop for loved ones, traditional festive shops are perfect for presents …

Part of the charm of Filipino hospitality is making sure that visitors have their fill of the best food that their home can offer. The first thing a Filipino will ask their guest is, “have you eaten?” Wherever you go in the country, the dishes offered will vary since each region has something unique to offer. The Philippines Department of Tourism (PDOT) highlights the country’s food traditions through different programs that encourage new dining discoveries. Launched in July 2021, the Halal Culinary Heritage Series showcases food in Mindanao through a video series posted on the DOT’s social media platforms. “Food is a vital part of a tourism experience. It gives us a glimpse of a place’s culture and heritage. Through the development of Halal Culinary Tourism, we encourage the culinary Muslim traditions in the Philippines,” says Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo Puyat. The Mindanao Halal Culinary Tourism is a project of the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA). Besides promoting the heritage of Mindanao and its culture, the project aims to document culinary practices of the region through food mapping. Halal-certified food – Halal food takes on many forms throughout the Philippines. In Manila, there are restaurants and eateries that offer Halal-certified food, ranging from the stalls located at the area known as Muslim Town near the Golden Mosque in Quiapo. It offers several culinary delights. For Halal-certified Filipino fare in the Makati district, the El Prado dining outlet of Berjaya Hotel Makati is the best bet for travellers. Eat like a local – It is not an understatement that Filipinos love to eat. Travellers to get a Filipino picnic feel should pack a coffee break in a handcrafted rattan …

Pleased to share this latest IATF Resolution 150-A, s. 2021 stipulating that effective 1 December 2021, fully vaccinated nationals of non-visa required countries under Executive Order No. 408 (s.1960), as amended, shall be allowed to enter the Philippines until 15 December 2021, subject to the following conditions: A. Holders of passports valid for at least six (6) months at the time of arrival, and with a return or outbound ticket to their country of origin or next country of destination. B. Prior to arrival in the Philippines, the foreign national should have stayed exclusively in Green List countries/territories/jurisdictions for fourteen (14) days. C. Must have the following proofs of vaccination against COVID-19 recognized under existing IATF regulations: – World Health Organization International Certificates of Vaccination and Prophylaxis; VaxCertPH; or – National/state digital certificate of the foreign government which has accepted – VaxCertPH under a reciprocal arrangement unless otherwise permitted by the IATF. A negative RT-PCR test shall be required to be taken within seventy-two hours (72hrs) prior to departure from the country of origin. Upon arrival, no facility-based quarantine and no on-arrival RT-PCR test will be further required but the passenger is enjoined to self-monitor for any symptoms until the fourteenth (14th) day with the first day being the date of arrival. The testing and quarantine protocols of minors shall follow the testing and quarantine protocol of the parent/guardian traveling with them, regardless of the minor’s vaccination status, and country of origin.

Surrounding yourself in nature holds many wellness benefits, from reducing stress to enhancing the immune system. In the Philippines, it is possible to experience this feeling of wellbeing while traveling to fun and nature-friendly destinations. The Philippines Department of Tourism will be highlighting sustainable travel post-pandemic as it works towards inclusive growth and the protection of the natural and cultural heritage, and safeguards the integrity and diversity of the country’s national resources. Sustainable tourism ensures that destinations, especially nature-based, remain intact and will be preserved for future travelers. Travel to these exciting destinations at the heart of nature and create a positive impact on its environment and local communities when international borders reopen. 1. Trek through Masungi Georeserve, Rizal The sprawling landscape of the Masungi Georeserve is a conservation area that is a sanctuary for hundreds of native wildlife species. Take a three-hour trek on the Discovery Trail through the pathways with lush vegetation and limestone formations, walk over suspended bridges to take snapshots of your adventure, and crawl onto a spider-web view deck to get a spectacular view of the nature park and the expanse of the country’s largest lake, Laguna de Bay. For a deeper appreciation of the conservation efforts of the local community, take the Legacy Trail and participate in the planting and nurturing of the trees that will be part of the reforestation of the area. 2. Go Dolphin Watching in Bohol Enjoy a day out at sea to watch the marine life in the clear blue waters of Pamilacan Island in Bohol. Visitors can catch various species of dolphins and whales such as Risso’s dolphin, Spinner dolphin, Bottlenose dolphins, Spotted dolphins, Bryde’s whales, sperm whales, …

On the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) request, on November 19, 2021, the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) “has approved in principle the entry of fully vaccinated tourists from Green List countries/territories/jurisdictions,” according to guidelines that may be finalised and approved by the IATF-EID. The IATF has tasked the Special Technical Working Group on Travel with promptly developing such standards for final approval. The proposal to enable leisure travel from ‘green countries’, or those identified as low-risk countries by the Department of Health (DOH) (https://mirror.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2021/11nov/20211111-IATF-Resolution-148A.pdf), will be subject to strict limitations, according to Berna Romulo-Puyat, Tourism Secretary, the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT). Only fully vaccinated individuals with vaccines recognised by the country’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under an Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) or those authorised by the World Health Organisation would be allowed entry. Puyat also notes that this is a welcome development as other countries have already reopened their borders to international leisure travellers. Separately, the DOT will collaborate with the Small Technical Working Group on Travel on a proposal called ‘Vaccinated Travel Lanes or Bubbles’, which would be a special programme for vaccinated tourists from yellow-list countries who would be allowed to enter the country under certain restrictions and conditions. “Allowing tourists from green countries or territories that have the majority of its population vaccinated and with low infection rate will greatly help in our recovery efforts, increasing tourist arrivals and receipts among others. This move will likewise aid in bolstering consumer confidence, which is a large contributor to our gross domestic product or GDP growth. Our ASEAN neighbours, such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia also did the same. We believe …

Following the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases’ (IATF-EID) decision to reduce the quarantine period for travellers from both green and yellow list countries, or those with low and medium infections, the tourism chief made the announcement. The Department of Tourism (DOT) has been working to shorten the quarantine period for inbound tourists, particularly those who are fully vaccinated, since May 2021. Vaccinated travellers can leave quarantine facilities as early as five days after their arrival, while unvaccinated tourists can depart seven days after their arrival, according to the IATF resolution. Both vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers must have negative RT-PCR Covid-19 test results taken on the fifth and seventh days following arrival, respectively. Travellers can then finish the rest of their quarantine at home. However, the DOT underlined that general inbound tourism remains prohibited. Returning Filipinos and balikbayans, their families, and foreigners with valid visas are the only inbound passengers who are eligible. Arrivals from all countries and territories on the government’s green and yellow lists, as well as locations with low or medium infection levels, are exempt from the new limitations. Bermuda is the sole country on the government’s red list of high-risk countries, which prohibits inbound travel. “The reduction of the mandatory quarantine period for inbound travellers is an encouraging development for the country’s tourism industry. The easing of travel restrictions, particularly quarantine protocols, is a promising development as we inch closer to our goal of making the prospect of travel more appealing to our potential visitors. The faster we are able to adjust to this situation, the faster we can bounce back better and regain our position in the global tourism market. This …

The German National Tourist Board (GNTB) has been recognised by the European Cultural Travel Network (ETCN) for ongoing commitment to placing sustainability at the forefront of its global tourism campaigns. As Germany’s tourism industry experiences an increase in international travel demand, the country’s global brand image has been further enhanced with two major Destination of Sustainable Cultural Tourism Awards 2021 accolades for GNTB campaigns. Two of Germany’s leading 2021 campaigns were recognised during the ETCN’s annual meeting in Athens. The ‘Feel Good’ campaign took second place in the ‘Walking Tourism and Slow Travel – Synergies with Cultural Tourism’ category, while the ‘Wanderlust Germany’ campaign, aimed at inviting travellers to discover the country’s nature-based highlights through a dedicated walking and cycling tours, won the National Level title in the ‘Special Jury Prize – Assessing the Impact of the Pandemic’ category. The Destination of Sustainable Cultural Tourism Awards 2021 was co-hosted by European Cultural Tourism Network (ECTN), Europa Nostra, the European Travel Commission (ETC) and the Network of European Regions for a Sustainable and Competitive Tourism (NECSTouR). “Sustainability has always been a priority and central theme for positioning Germany as an outdoor travel destination. These awards further demonstrate a direct link between Germany’s excellent reputation, and a growing willingness to adapt to sustainable practices,” said Yamina Sofo, Director of Sales and Marketing of the German National Tourist Office. “Our marketing activities and successful recovery strategy for restarting incoming tourism have positioned Germany as the leading travel destination despite the increasingly fierce competition among other destinations.” According to SiteMinder’s World Hotel Index, hotel bookings for foreign guests in German hotels increased by 30.8 per cent across 400 global hotel booking channels, as of …

The Austrian National Tourist Office held a travel workshop in Dubai today to shed light on the latest travel updates to Austria and the reasons that put the European country on top of the travellers’ lists. The event, organized in collaboration with Emirates Airline and 13 Austrian partners representing tourist boards, companies, and hotels, was attended by many representatives from the local media and travel trade companies. During the event, the CEO of the Austrian National Tourist Office, Lisa Weddig, highlighted the diverse experiences Austria offers and the factors that make it a popular travel destination around the world. “Austria welcomes visitors with myriad offerings that fulfil all aspirations. Whether travellers come to enjoy its cultural heritage, picturesque nature, family adventures, or to savour its flavours, they will undoubtedly find what they are looking for and more,” Weddig said. “The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the tourism industry worldwide, but thanks to the successful management of this crisis by the Austrian government, we have witnessed a rapid recovery with the return of travel. The health and safety regulations in place have highly contributed in rebuilding the travellers’ trust and made the summer holiday season a remarkable success,” she added. The summer holiday season in Austria was marked by a clear recovery, and travellers from the GCC region played a major role in this. The Director of the Austrian National Tourist Office in the Middle East, Robert Groeblacher, elaborated: “Since the return of touristic travel between Austria and the GCC at the end of June, we  witnessed an increasing number of visitors from this region to Austria. This observation is supported by figures, as 263,000 overnight stays done by GCC travellers …