Travel Update Philippines - December 15, 2014 Issue

TRAVELUpdate PHILIPPINES The total industry read

DECEMBER 15, 2014 / VOLUME 17 INTEGRATED ISSUE 23

Fuel Prices to dictate air travel in 2015

6 Underwater adventures onboard Discovery Fleet dive cruise

Top 10 best value destinations for 2015

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Subic Bay Freeport Zone

Subic goes for gold

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s all eyes concentrate on the booming destinations in Visayas and Mindanao, a destination north of Metro Manila is going through its own hospitality boom.

Subic Bay Freeport Zone, which hosted APEC in 1996, will add 1,079 hotel rooms in its portfolio, significantly increasing the destination’s room count by 48.3 percent from 2,232 operational rooms, according to data provided by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority’s tourism office.

“Subic goes for gold” continued on page 2 >>

Artwork by Jimmy Hilario

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ISSN 0118-4709

COVER STORY “Subic goes for gold” continued from page 1 >>

The boom pushes through even as hotel occupancy over the past three years declined from 70.92 percent in 2011 to 67.58 percent in 2013. Tourism arrivals fluctuated within this span of time, growing by 8.25 percent between 2011 and 2012 but shrinking by 1.6 percent in 2012-2013. The drop was mainly due to a -2.3 percent growth in domestic tourism during that period.

“MICE business is one of the reasons for this construction boom; but more importantly is the ability of Subic to entice visitors to consider the place for leisure, business, and meetings. It’s a multi-faceted destination, that is why,” comments Ronaldo Tiotuico, director of the Department of Tourism Region 3.

More rooms will enable Subic to boost its capacity to host large conventions. In the past, the low room count in the former U.S. Navy base has prevented the destination to host bigger conventions despite having Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) and a variety of attractions for post-conference tours, adds Tiotuico.

“Subic needs more rooms if it wants to attract national and international conventions. Specifically, it needs more 5-star category accommodation facilities,” he says, while also suggesting refurbishment for SBECC, which is the biggest convention establishment in Central Luzon at 12,000 square meters of floor space.

What Subic lacks in business events, it has been making up with sports. Sports events such as Century Tuna Ironman 70.3 Philippines, Subic Bay International Triathlon, and Asia International Airsoft Expo are expected to drive up tourism traffic to Subic this year.

Tiotuico believes that a greater marketing program should be in place to boost MICE arrivals in the destination,

Tourist Arrivals (Domestic & Foreign)

Arrival

2011

1,156,775

2012

1,252,217

8.25%

1,232,213

-1.60%

2013

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Growth

and this requires collaborating with nearby Clark. “I am of the belief that Clark and Subic should be branded as a single destination (one destination – diverse products and services),” he writes in an email interview. “Clark offers world-class leisure activities (golf course, casino, shops) while Subic is the playground where tourists may spend time frolicking in the sun or indulge in physical activity (rainforest, beach, sports adventure, nature, etc.)”

Strong foreign arrivals and cruise tourism Cruise arrivals in the destination has also recently propelled greater interest in the Subic. It is the only Philippine port that is a member of the Asia Cruise Terminal Association, an industry group whose members include cruise ports such as Jeju (South Korea), Singapore, and Kobe (Japan).

In 2013, foreign arrivals by sea shot up by 68 percent, while in the first 10 months of 2014, foreign visitors by sea increased by 200 percent in yearon-year comparison.

In general, Subic will most likely see strong inbound tourism for 2014, which already grew by 50 percent year-onyear between January and October. Between 2011 and 2013, the foreign tourist market has consistently registered annual double-digit growth rates. –Paolo Abellanosa with reporting from Mikee Pascual

Inbound Tourist Arrivals

Arrival

2011

22,554

2012

26,629

18.07%

2013

34,855

30.89%

Domestic Tourist Arrivals

Arrival

Growth

2011

1,134,221

2012

1,225,588

8.06%

1,197,358

-2.30%

2013

Growth

More rooms will enable Subic to boost its capacity to host large conventions.

In the past, the low room count in the former U.S. Navy base has prevented the destination to host bigger conventions despite having Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center and a variety of attractions for post-conference tours.

TRAVEL UPDATE PHILIPPINES

December 15, 2014

EVENT

ATF 2015 at Myanmar

Industry response for next year's ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) has been positive, with over 350 TRAVEX (travel exchange) booths contracted and some 550 applications for the Hosted Buyers Programme. The TRAVEX sellers, made up of suppliers of ASEAN travel and tourism products and services, come from the 10 members of ASEAN—Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines,Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Together, the event will take up 8,000 square meters of space.

Participation from host country Myanmar is high. Uphyoe Wai Yarzar, chairman of the Myanmar Tourism Marketing (MT,), said,“The local hoteliers, tour operators and other players in the industry are very much looking forward to next year's event, this being the first time that ATF is coming to Myanmar. It will be our opportunity to share our country's rich history and culture with the rest of the world.”

MTM is a non-governmental, non-political, and nonprofit organization that functions as the marketing arm of the Myanmar Tourism Federation, under the guidance of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.

The official venue for ATF 2015 has been confirmed as the Myanmar International Convention Center (MICC) 1.

The key components of the official ATF 2015 program, such as TRAVEX and ASEAN Tourism Conference will be held at the newly completed 60,000 square meter exhibition and convention center. Expected participants are 1,500 delegates from 59 countries, including tourism ministers and officials, ASEAN exhibitors, international buyers, international and local media, as well as tourism trade visitors.

Themed ‘ASEAN- Tourism Towards Peace, Prosperity and Partnership’, ATF 2015 will be held from 22 to 29 January in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar.

Applications for hosted Buyer and Media programs will close on z15 October. Full program can be viewed at ATF2015.com/atf20150rogramme.html.

December 15, 2014

TRAVEL UPDATE PHILIPPINES

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EDITORIAL PUBLISHER’S NOTE

‘tis the season Unlike last year when there were two calamities one after the other that befell our countrymen in the Visayas just before the Christmas season, we are fortunate to be blest with a better year to celebrate the holidays this year.

And celebrate we are doing.

Just this early, we see more people traveling, eating out, buying things, planning parties, generally being more generous. Hotels have decorated their lobbies with a vengeance as many have put a somber touch last year.

Malls have done the same, and thus, adds to the spirit of cheer.

Then there is the anticipation of the coming year where, as early as January, the Papal visit of Pope Francis will usher in renewed hope for the 80 million or so Catholics in the country. The Papal visit is expected to lengthen the already long Christmas season up

to the middle part of next month.

In tourism, DOT has dubbed 2015 as Visit Philippines year, a boon for tourism stakeholders and the Tourism Promotions Board has been busy following its mandate with big international events spearheaded by the Madrid Fusion culinary showcase, the first time it will be held out of Spain that promises to put the country in the world’s culinary map. Another event that will not just bring in foreign visitors but will let the world focus on the country, though not a tourism affair, is the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministerial Meetings and Leaders Summit. The APEC summit will allow government and business VIPs to see not just Metro Manila, but other cities in the provinces.

Even if the projected 10 million arrivals set by DOT by 2016 looks impossible to achieve the probability of reaching it in the near future looms in the horizon. As we all know, we are handicapped by typhoons, infrastructure, funds, promotional maturity, and political bickerings. These are positively being addressed. The infrastructure problem can be minimized by the many hotels of all classes being built as businessmen are putting their money in tourism unlike before. DOT and TPB are finally defining their responsibilities. Roads, bridges, and airports are top priority. Politics will reach a high during election time in 2016 and the months after it with political appointees (DOT and TPB included) hired and fired. Typhoons and other natural calamities bring havoc but the unsolicited publicity can be put to use. All these developments that we are undergoing means that we are not a stagnant nation in promoting tourism. There is no other reason, apart from lack of dedication and an absence of hope, for us not to have 10 million arrivals.

If we do, then we can even extend our holiday feeling further.

TRAVELUpdate PHILIPPINES

GROUP EDITOR

ART DIRECTOR

Associate Editor

graphic designer

circulation

CONTRIBUTORS

Buddy G. Recio Paolo Abellanosa Angie Montealegre Corazon Montealegre

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Jerry Manalili Jimmy Hilario

Jet Revilla Genivi Factao

PUBLISHER

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TRAVEL UPDATE PHILIPPINES is published fortnightly (yearly total of 19 issues for travel trade and private sector subscribers, 16 issues for schools and university subscribers). For releases, advertising and subscription inquiries, please contact the address in the box. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written permission of the publisher. Copyright by Travel Update Philippines. All rights reserved.

Volume 17 Integrated Issue 23 / December 15, 2014 / ISSN 0118-4709

TRAVEL UPDATE PHILIPPINES

December 15, 2014

TRENDS

Fuel prices to dictate air travel in 2015

OAG announced the key findings of its Trends Report “What is shaping air travel in 2015?”, following an analysis of global issues affecting the aviation sector.

John Grant, executive vice president, OAG, says: “While it is being reported that lower fuel prices are good news for airlines and their passengers, there is the possibility that these low prices reflect weaker demand in the global economy, in which case we could be at the top of the commercial aviation business cycle.

We are entering 2015 on a positive note in terms of these fuel prices, but if economic activity should slow in the second part of the year, the portents would be outweighed by the short term optimism.

If this is the case, 2015 is going to be a challenging year for aviation and the longer term implications on wider industries will soon be realised.”

OAG’s 2015 Trends Report demonstrates that with the jet fuel price being down by 20% compared to a year earlier, the impact on the fuel bill for the global airline industry in 2014 would be a saving of US$7bn. In its report, OAG has calculated the potential savings from a 5% reduction in the fuel price; carriers such as American Airlines and Emirates appear to make large gains in the current environment. For low-cost carriers (LCCs), the lower fuel price offers them an even greater cost advantage.

According to OAG, however, the ‘shadow on the horizon’ is that if these lower oil prices do reflect weaker demand in the global economy, air travel demand is set to weaken.

In the report, OAG also analyses other key issues which will determine the decisions made by the world’s airlines in

2015 including the ‘Millennials’ generation and their influence on the aviation industry, the prized Chinese tourist, the African aviation market, the rise of Istanbul Airport, passenger growth and the economy, aviation reforms in India and prospects for Nigeria.

Millennials and their mobiles Grant continues: “The Millennials generation, who will have progressed from education into the workplace, are to have a much greater influence on the aviation industry than previously realised. If we assume that

people want to fly as much as they want to have mobile phone technology at their fingertips, we can see mobile phone use as a forward indicator of the future demand for air travel.

We know that China and India will likely contribute 28% of the additional 4 billion air continued on page 8 >>

December 15, 2014

TRAVEL UPDATE PHILIPPINES

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MARKETPLACE

Underwater adventures onboard Discovery Fleet dive cruise

The unparalleled hospitality of Discovery Leisure Hotels, can now be enjoyed onboard Discovery Fleet, a luxury adventure for those who wish to bask in the above and underwater treasures of the Philippine islands.

The cruise includes activities for both divers and non-divers.

The underwater adventurers can expect a full day of scuba diving as they rediscover coral reefs, ship wrecks along with rare marine species.

The non-divers will have their share of excitement with activities like snorkeling, island hopping, kayaking and other fun beach activities.

M/V Discovery Palawan is home to the travelers during the cruise. The ship has a total of 20 rooms—16 standard rooms in the lower deck and four upper deck rooms with personal climate control.

Built in 1972 in Gronigen Holland, the ship initially sailed the Caribbean, until it was rebuilt as a navigation training ship. Refitted with a powerful engine and modern navigational equipment in 2006, it moved to the Philippines as adventure cruise ship. In 2013 it underwent a major renovation amounting

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to USD 1.5 million and was renamed Discovery Palawan.

Unlike other dive tours which are active during the summer months Discovery Fleet Dive Cruise operates all year round with three exciting adventure routes.

From Mid-March to October, the ship explores Pandan Island, Coron, Apo Reef and has added a Coron-El Nido-Coron route.

From late march to mid-June it heads for Tubataha, acknowledged as the Philippines premier dive destination. During this time the Ship is exclusively for divers.

Hard Core explorers will be amazed at the World War II wrecks in Coron. They can also check out Coron's famous lagoon and limestone cliffs. Next stop is breath-taking Apo Reef where the deep walls and solid reefs keep the big fish like mantas, barracudas and sharks.

The mid June trip to Tubataha is the highlight of any diver's experience. With pristine reefs, deep walls, schools of fish, mantas and turtles, it is one of the few guaranteed shark dives in Asia.

The new 5 day Coron–El Nido–Coron Route makes access to breathe-taking El Nido. Guests are picked up from the Busuanga airport and transferred directly to the ship and guests then enjoys a leisurely overnight cruise to the Karst Limestone cliffs , azure lagoons and hidden beaches of El Nido. Guests are disembarked after breakfast for kayaking, snorkeling, beach combing activities and tours to the famous tourist sites.

The first guaranteed trip is on January 9, 2015.

For inquiries please call (+632) 419 5877/79; email yvetteclee@gmail.com; info@discoveryfleet.com or check out www.discoveryfleet.com

TRAVEL UPDATE PHILIPPINES

December 15, 2014

MARKETPLACE

JEN HOTEL MANILA “It is not the strongest or the most intelligent who will survive but those who can best manage change.” ― Charles Darwin Subscribing to the above stated assessment posed by the venerable icon of adaptation, the Jen Hotel Manila (a Shangri La brand) bravely takes on the challenge of adhering to the needs of a significant market segment that has been continuously evolving alongside the increasing usage and development of popular social media platforms. Matter of fact and as seen from the group’s official web presence, the whole Jen Hotel chain’s page has a strong semblance and feel of a decidedly neatly written blog to it —instead of looking like a standard issue website. The hotel chain has even seemingly taken on a virtual hotelier persona named “Jen” (quite anthropomorphic in essence) who advocates enjoying a life of adventurous traveling and freely mixes that with elements of business and leisure travel—as generally based on information often styled in the form disbursed by popular bloggers. As it is, Jen (derived colloquially from “Jeneration”) in this instance, presents a hotel well suited for similar minded folks accustomed to traveling and already quite familiar with walking the fine line between business and leisure.

Certainly taking a huge step in going by the whole rebranding program for a new market (the hotel was known prior as Traders Hotel), the promotional thrust required by wearing a new badge clearly takes aim towards reaching out to what hotel General Manager, Aeria Gordon, brands as “millennials”. Based on his explanation, we see millennials largely encompassing a group of people who desire; independence in their movements and decision making, fast connectivity anytime and anywhere, quick service with no fuss, less formality during check in/out procedures and genuine value for money. In compliance for example, the hotel has taken out the mini bar service inside the rooms—as they offer no attraction at all for millennials and instead, opted to set up a more practical vending machine which dole out sodas for as low as PhP 25 and a coffee shop which sells all hours of the day, small food items that guests may hanker for. There is only a single machine in operation in the lobby currently but the general plan is to have one for each floor soon. Another new type of amenity offered by Jen Hotel to their guests is their “wash and fold” service where laundry by the bag in lieu of quantifying per piece is certainly a welcome feature for those who stay for a week or more. Connectivity wise, the hotel takes pride in the fact that they provide guests with true hotel wide complimentary WiFi service at what Gordon says is the fastest among the bay area hotels. A quick check online for reviews and WiFi stability, among many others—has been praised

December 15, 2014

by guests who had stayed in the hotel before. Additionally, the staff is trained to know well the sights and sounds around their location so guests not only can be well informed of the tourism value of the city they stay in but also encouraged to be adventurous. To surmise, the fact that Jen Hotel can offer all these and still environ millenials with the comfort of 4 star accommodations is definitely a firm stand to their commitment in embracing this vital market segment. A significant concept indeed and all geared towards addressing the need of millennials.

Although set on a slightly different path where being homely is paramount, Jen Hotel is not lacking in the standard hotel features of this classification such as a fully equipped fitness center, international and local buffet dining options, 24 hour room service, massage treatments and Executive Club Lounge—features that any 4 star should be associated with. That said, the hotel chain has clearly drawn the lines where change is recognized and that addressing such development is quite necessary to meet head on the requirements of this growing and demanding niche. With similar properties of the chain now operating in Singapore and Hong-Kong and more scheduled to open soon, Jen Hotel finds its rightful place in the heart of Manila.

Jen Hotel is not lacking in the standard hotel features of this classification such as a fully equipped fitness center, international and local buffet dining options, 24 hour room service, massage treatments and Executive Club Lounge— features that any 4 star should be associated with.

TRAVEL UPDATE PHILIPPINES

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NEWS UNWTO pushes for universal access in tourism

A hotbed of foreign brands

The hotel construction boom in the Philippines is showing no signs of slowing down as the number of foreign-affiliated hotels in the country increases with more brands making their debuts locally.

Recently, foreign hotel groups Accor and YOO Hotels and Resorts disclosed their own developments in the country. Accor, the hotel group behind Sofitel, has confirmed six properties in the pipeline, including a resort in Dumaguete City. All in all, its hotels under development are Novotel Manila Araneta (to open in 2015), Mercure Manila Ortigas (2015), Mercure Manila Ermita (2016), Mercure Dumaguete Resort (2016), MGallery Manila (2017), and Novotel Suites Manila at Acqua (2019).

Meanwhile, YOO will make a debut in the Philippines through the 168-room Aqua Boracay

by YOO, due to open later this year. The hospitality group is known for its design-driven properties.

This year saw a number of foreign brands entering the Philippines. Microtel Inns & Suites (Pilipinas), Inc. has acquired the rights for Tryp

by Wyndham; the first hotel will open in MOA in December 2015. Bayshore City Resorts World likewise announced the rest of the hotels that will comprise the future integrated resort - Okura, Genting Grand, Crockfords Towers. Swiss Belhotel will return to the Philippines through SwissBelresidences Makati, due in 2016.

Next year, City of Dreams Manila will formally open with Hyatt, Nobu, and Crown Towers.

The entry of Accor’s and YOO’s brands are expected to increase the visibility of the properties’ destinations to the foreign travel market, although Boracay is already considered among the top places for international visitation in the country.

"We can clearly see that the Philippines, especially Manila, is growing rapidly, both economically and as a tourist destination," said Patrick Basset, COO for Accor Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, Camboadia, Laos, Myanmar, and the Philippines in an interview in September.

“This is a direct result from the government's prioritization and spending on the tourism sector and its tourism policies and campaigns which gave a big boost to the industry. This is also due to the increased airline connection, enabling the tourism numbers to grow.”

In the case of Boracay, the development of the Caticlan airport has increased the destination's appeal to investors. “Boracay is in the midst of a major growth period that will culminate with the expansion of the local airport, offering direct flights from various cities globally. Aqua Boracay by YOO is perfectly suited to be part of Boracay’s story moving into the next century – where style, fun and culture meet,” said Marco Biggiogero, chairman of Aqua Boracay, developer of Aqua Boracay by YOO.

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Everyone, even the disabled, should have the right to travel, and the industry should ensure that they can.

That sums up the San Marino Declaration of Accessible Tourism, a document unanimously adopted at the First UNWTO (UN World Tourism Organization) Conference on Accessible Tourism in Europe in November. It calls for the industry to ensure universal accessibility in the entire tourism value chain.

"People with disabilities and special needs should be able to actively take part in tourism just as any other traveller," says UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai.

"Great strides have been made to advance universal accessibility, particularly in Europe, but there are still many opportunities to be seized. Accessibility for all depends much on the will of all players to work together, and we at UNWTO remain committed to advancing this fundamental agenda and implementing the necessary changes alongside our partners."

While the document has put emphasis on Europe's tourism industry, the San Marino Declaration may as well apply on emerging tourism economies outside of the European Union.

The document reiterates the 2006 United Nations Convention on the Right of Persons with Disabilities, which recognizes the legitimate right of access to areas like sports, cultural, leisure, and tourism activities by the disabled.

Some of the San Marino Declaration’s proposals include (non-verbatim): • Raise awareness and hold training programs to change attitudes among tourism and heritage professionals • Enforce the principles of Universal Design in new tourism structures and products, and improve existing ones • Employ smart technologies to disseminate information about the service,

thus enabling the disabled user to evaluate his own requirements • Promote and disseminate good practices and case studies in universal accessibility in travel and tourism • Strengthen cooperation with agencies and organizations working for universal accessibility

Where is the Philippines in this front?

While the National Building Code prescribes some measures for universal access in designing structures, the Department of Tourism has been specifically pushing for such PWD-friendly facilities in tourism locations and businesses, especially hotels.

Barrier-free tourism has been integrated in the latest hotel accreditation standards of the agency, while it also held industry seminars about the matter over the past few years.

Meanwhile, a number of LGUs, such as Cebu City, have proposed legislation on PWD access in tourism.

Local advocates of accessible tourism whom this newspaper talked with since last year identified transportation as the major impediment of travel. While airlines offer assistance to the traveling disabled, it is rare for PWDs to ride popular mass transit modes because of congestion, malfunctioning of key links to trains like elevators, and the lack of ramps in buses for wheelchairs.

The San Marino Declaration has admitted challenges along the road of universal accessibility in tourism such as "making heritage cities accessible for all without jeopardizing their monumental integrity and their historical relevance." The Philippines is rich of such heritage sites and structures, but the problems in ensuring universal access run deep.

The country still struggles in improving public infrastructure and mass transit systems in Metro Manila; even the non-PWDs find it hard to move around the city.

Fuel prices to dictate air travel in 2015

continued on from page 5 >>

passengers between now and 2034.[i] Today, 29% of all mobile phone users live in China and India. Indonesia will account for 4.6% of the growth in air traffic to 2014; today, Indonesia accounts for 4.1% of global mobiles.

Coincidence? Maybe, but we should expect the volume of air travel to more closely reflect the underlying population size in a market.”

The prized Chinese tourist The combination of Malaysia Airlines’ two hull losses and the civil unrest in Thailand has prompted the much courted Chinese tourist to stay away from the Malaysia-Thailand-Singapore area[ii], with reports that visitor numbers were down by

30%.[iii] Zero growth in these markets comes at a time when total international passengers from China grew by 19% in September 2014, according to OAG Traffic Analyser.

Since November 2013, 19 new Chinese airlines have commenced service or are in the planning stages. Even at 6% growth in passengers each year, the Chinese travel market would double every 12 years.

Ebola and the African aviation market In the countries where Ebola has been concentrated, the outlook for 2015 is bleak, with January’s seat capacity to and from Sierra Leone down 75%, for Liberia down 81% and for Guinea

TRAVEL UPDATE PHILIPPINES

down 39% vs January 2014.

However, across Africa, there has been plenty of growth in 2014 and ten countries managed to grow their international capacity by more than 10%. In October 2014 it was anticipated[iv] that African air passenger numbers will grow at an average annual rate of 4.7%, faster than the global average of 4.1%. In 2015 we can expect continued growth to and from Africa and the China-Africa market will be the one to watch; in 2014 28 out of 59 African countries experienced growth from China in excess of 60% over the 12 months to September 2014. By 2034, eight of the ten fastest growing markets globally will be in Africa.

December 15, 2014

NEWS

National Geographic Society announces World Legacy Awards 15 finalists of the first National Geographic World Legacy Awards were unveiled on stage at the recently concluded ITB Asia in Singapore prior to the announcement of winners at a gala celebration at the ITB Berlin in March 2015.

The World Legacy Awards is a partnership between the National Geographic Society and ITB Berlin. It showcases the leading travel and tourism companies, organizations and destinations—ranging from historic monuments to ecolodges and from small islands to entire countries—that are driving the sustainable tourism transformation of the travel industry based on National Geographic’s work of inspiring people to care about the planet.

For the complete list and more information, go to www.nationalgeographic. com/worldlegacy awards/.

Vigan named one of New7Wonders cities of the world Vigan, Ilocos Sur is one of seven cities that made it to the list of New7Wonders cities joining Beirut (Lebanon), Doha (Qatar), Durban (South Africa), Havana(Cuba), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), and La Paz (Bolivia).

There were 1,200 cities from 220 countries that joined the contest.

Japan’s latest bullet train floats Japan’s latest bullet train, the maglev (magnetic levitation) has already accepted its first passengers from the Japanese city of Uenohara to the city of Fuefuki.

Reaching speeds of 311 mph, the train floats above its tracks and can carry up to 1,000 passengers aboard 16 cars. The maglev train is being readied for commercial launch in 2017 and will carry passengers from Tokyo to Nagoya.

Photo by Jimmy Hilario

Royal Caribbean International gets new ship Royal Caribbean International (RCI) took delivery of the newest addition to its cruise liner fleet last October 28.

Quantum of the Seas will offer new unprecedented features such as RipCord by iFly, the first skydiving experience at sea; the North Star, an engineering marvel that transpots guests more than 300 feet above the ocean; SeaPlex, the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea with bumper cars, roller skating and more; as well as the Bionic Bar, powered by Maku Shakr which features the world’s first robotic bartenders.

December 15, 2014

Quantum class ships are the world’s most technologically advanced in the world with “boatloads of bandwidth” that allow the cruise line to offer unprecedented connectivity-500 times more than any other cruise ship, RFID technology that speeds up the boarding process and allow guests to track their luggage every step of the way. It also includes the first ever staterooms with Virtual Balconies, which offer expansive, real-time views of the ocean and exciting destinations from every interior stateroom.

The ship can carry 4,180 guests at double occupancy.

TRAVEL UPDATE PHILIPPINES

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Image source: en.wikipedia.org

DESTINATION

Top 10 best value destinations for 2015 Hotel search website trivago.co.uk has unveiled their best value destinations for 2015. Hotel price data was combined with reviews and ratings to produce the list of 100, which presents the traveller with lesser-known destinations off the beaten track. Each destination offers excellent value for money, with low prices and highly rated hotels Three UK destinations made the list of 100: Torquay (#54), Whitby (#61) and Llandudno (#76). Each is a seaside resort with a strong historical heritage popular in the summer months: Torquay became popular as a fashionable seaside destination in the early 19th century and was recently dubbed the “English Riviera”, Whitby is home to the ruins of Whitby Abbey and has a strong maritime heritage, while Llandudno is known as the “Queen of the Welsh Resorts”.

1. Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Famous for its picture-perfect landscape, featuring the beautiful Old Bridge (Stari Most), Mostar is one of Bosnia & Herzegovina’s best-known destinations (see photo). Benefiting from a Mediterranean climate, the city has become a popular location in the Balkans, with good hotel amenities for tourists. In summertime, visitors can watch locals dive from the highest point of the bridge – a tradition for young men.

2. Novi Sad, Serbia

Best known as the birthplace of Exit festival, held annually in July, Novi Sad is an attractive city on crossroads between Central and Southern Europe. Serbia’s second biggest city, Novi Sad has a diverse history, with a number of cultural influences – today, the city has six official languages. An emerging tourist destination in the area, the impressive Petrovaradin Fortress is the city’s best-known landmark.

3. Lijiang, China

The old town is the star of the show in this Southwestern Chinese City. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, the old town is a maze of winding narrow lanes, traditional architecture and ornate stone bridges. A popular resort for both Chinese and international tourists, the city attracts around five million visitors every year.

4. Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Bulgaria’s second-biggest city, Plovdiv is a bustling Balkan metropolis. Known for its eclectic architecture, Plovdiv has strong Ottoman, Bulgarian and even Roman influences. The city is home to impressive surviving Roman ruins, including the largely intact Roman theatre, which overlooks the contemporary city.

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5. Szeged, Hungary

Hungary’s fourth largest city, Szeged is known as a centre of national culture, with its annual Open Air Festival drawing in thousands of visitors annually since its creation in 1931. The city is also the origin of the spice Paprika, and a local variant is still produced there to this day. The city’s main landmark is the beautiful Szeged Cathedral.

6. Amritsar, India

The spiritual centre of the Sikh religion, Amristar is home to the Harmandir Sahib – or Golden Temple – the most important shrine for followers of Sikhism, drawing in more visitors than the Taj Mahal every year. The beautiful golden building features four entrances, symbolising the openness of Sikhism to all people and religions.

7. Ouarzazate, Morocco

Ouarzazate’s most prominent feature is its many kasbahs and traditional Berber buildings. For this reason, the city is a noted filmmaking location, having featured in Lawrence of Arabia (1962), The Mummy (1999), Gladiator (2000) and the TV series Game of Thrones.

Ouarzazate also lies close to both the Draa Valley and the UNESCOlisted fortified village of Ait Benhaddou, making it a popular choice for Moroccan and international visitors.

8. Kaliningrad, Russia (see cover photo) Capital of the eponymous exclave of Russia sandwiched between Poland and Lithuania, present-day Kaliningrad was a Prussian stronghold and German city known as Konigsberg in a past-life. Though little from this period remains, the city’s proximity to beaches on the Baltic coast, as well as the beautiful Curonian Spit and Vistula Lagoon, bring in plenty of visitors year-round.

9. Arequipa, Peru

Peru’s second largest city, Arequipa is known for its colonial architecture, earning the city centre UNESCO Heritage status in 2000. The city’s beautifully ornate baroque-inspired buildings sit on a dramatic backdrop created by three volcanoes surrounding the town. Local dishes not to be missed include rocoto relleno, chupe de camarones and ocopa.

10. Pingyao, China

Surrounded by towering ancient city walls (the most intact in China), Pingyao is an atmospheric city full of old-world charm. Red Chinese lanterns dot the cobbled streets and ornate statues stand in hidden courtyards. Once the financial centre of the Qing dynasty, today Pingyao is a popular tourist site and UNESCO World Heritage site.

TRAVEL UPDATE PHILIPPINES

December 15, 2014

ABACUS ABACUS Abacus - Airlines Joint Product Update Seda Centrio, Cagayan de Oro December 2, 2014

Abacus eLearning Promo Grand Winner

Abacus TravelSecure Promo Grand Winner Multi Destinations Inc. USD 300 CASH

September Winner Travel Services Inc. October Winner First United Travel Inc.

Abacus Power Banks

Book with Abacus AirCentre Promo

Rexcel Lauron of Good Fortune Travel Apple iPad 2 with Retina Display + wifi + cellular

Abacus Hotel New Users Promo

ITEX Integrated Solutions Inc. USD 80 CASH

December15, 15, 2014 December

Uni-Orient Travel Inc. USD 60 CASH

Abacus Q3 2014 Hotel Promo Winners

Adventure International Tours, Inc. Capri by Fraser, Changi City, Singapore Hotel Voucher

TRAVEL UPDATE PHILIPPINES

Rajah Accenture

Studio M Hotel, Singapore Hotel Voucher

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