RP wows London World Travel Mart

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MANILA. The Philippines recently showcased the best of the islands in this year’s World Travel Mart held in London Nov. 6-9, 2006. This was bared by House Tourism Committee Chairman Cong. Edgar M. Chatto who arrived yesterday from London together with Philippine Ambassador Eduardo Espiritu and DOT Undersecretary Oscar Palabyab. The Philippine booth featured huge photos of prime tourist destinations in a uniquely designed native cottage which served as receiving area and stage for the Bayanihan Dance Company’s live performance. Tables and chairs surrounded the booth where private and government sector groups conducted business discussions with buyers and sellers in the travel and tour business.

Chatto commended the DOT and the country’s private sector for the strong presence of the Philippines in one of the world’s biggest tourism events. Ambassador Espiritu shared the same observation as he was present in all four successive travel fairs held in England. Both officials claim that this year has gone far beyond their expectations in participation and in interest shown by the world tourism market on the Philippines.

Chatto arrived in London Gatwick Airport Monday morning onboard Qatar Airways in a 25- hour flight via Doha with Usec. Palabyab and the Bayanihan Dance Company. They were met by officials of the Philippine Embassy led by DOT Tourism Attache Chicoy Enerio, a Boholano. Wasting no time they proceeded immediately to the EXCEL Exhibition Center for the different opening events with Ambassador Espiritu and other Philippine officials. Philippine Tourism Authority General Manager Robert Dean Barbers also arrived to conduct sales missions for the PTA-managed properties. A motorcade of London WOW Philippines Taxis also highlighted the affair with Cong. Chatto, Usec. Palabyab and other Philippine officials onboard.

After the expo, the Philippines thru DOT-London will launch the Travel Philippines Roadshow in London’s Baden Powell House Assembly Hall which will gather Filipinos and friends who can work as ambassadors of goodwill in promoting the country thru tourism. The Bayanihan Dance Company and ABS-CBN Stars Carlos Agassi and Nikki Valdez will entertain the guests. Similar activities will be held in the key cities of the United Kingdom including, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool and Bradford.

To be launched also in the same occasion at the Royal Gardens Hotel in Kensington, London is the Friends Philippines, a new program where British citizens who have lived, worked, studied or travelled in the country to become part of a vast network of people with good stories to tell about their experiences. Members include top level officials like former ambassadors to the Philippines, businessmen, government ministers and members of the British parliament.

Chatto likewise met last Wednesday some Boholanos who have now permanently resided in London.