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After 10 years, the Philippine M.I.C.E.Conference (MICECON) returns to Davao City where it will showcase the region’s rich culture, stunning natural environments, vast culinary offerings, and vibrant hospitality to a global audience. The convention will be held at the SMX Convention Center in SM Lanang Premier on 1-3 March 2023 with over 600 participants from the tourism and business events sector.

The MICECON 2023 is the biggest gathering of the Meetings, Incentive Travel and Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) professionals in the country bringing together a special mix of local and foreign delegates in the MICE industry to learn about the different global trends in business meetings, witness the beautiful sceneries of the premier city of the south, and invite them for networking opportunities with both the local and international MICE experts. This is in collaboration with the City Government of Davao, the Department of Tourism (DOT), and its marketing arm, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines.

One of the key developments in the business meetings industry is the rise of “bleisure” or combining business and leisure travel experiences. Davao stands as a shining example of the country’s bleisure destinations with its varied cultural and entertainment offerings for business travelers. Davao is home to 11 indigenous tribes and has a rising expat population from varied religious and cultural backgrounds. Blessed with pristine beaches, amazing dive spots, an abundance of flora and fauna, the freshest and quality produce, and delicious cuisines which tourists crave for, Davao City is an ideal bleisure destination. It also continues to grow its capacity as a MICE destination with more venues and accommodations for conventions as well as professionals who show the Philippines’ best quality of hospitality, diversity, peace, and stability.

A global panel joins MICECON 2023

MICECON 2023 will highlight sustainability, inclusivity, and legacy as key themes to discuss at the conference. Global travel guide, TripZilla, was awarded the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines as Sustainability Leader of the Year for 2022 in its TripZilla Excellence Awards. The cities of Bago and Sagay in Negros Occidental have been nominated for the Green Destinations Story Awards. In 2022, the City of Dreams Manila hotels bagged the ASEAN Green Hotel Award at the ASEAN Tourism Forum in Cambodia. These global recognitions showcase the country’s efforts towards becoming a key sustainable leisure, MICE, and investment destination.

The roster of speakers includes Pacific Asia Travel Association President, Liz Ortiguera, who will lead the first plenary and discuss the global trends in the travel industry for 2023. She will be followed by Filipina global advocate for sustainability and President/CEO of the Society for Sustainable Tourism and Development, Susan Cardenas, to delve into how to integrate sustainability in conventions and exhibitions. World-renowned keynote speaker and Founder of Pathwayz Group, Amber Venderburg, will be conducting a breakout lecture on the first day but will later address the plenary on the second day to talk about Legacy as the MICE industry moves forward.

A series of advertising and media executives will share communication and storytelling techniques to help participants cope with the communication gaps for their events and promotions. Among the confirmed speakers are Peng Ee Ooi who is the Publisher of the TTG Tourism Group, Ron Jabal who sits as the CEO of PAGEONE Group, and Alan Elliot Merschen who founded The SIGMUND Project and concurrently serves as a partner for International Insights under MMGY Global.

“We are proud to have a strong panel of speakers for this year’s MICECON. This is our commitment to our MICE stakeholders to provide access to the best and most relevant information that will help upskill their teams and revisit our world-renowned Filipino standard of service as we cater to a new and better normal in the tourism sector,” shares Tourism Promotions Board Philippines Chief Operating Officer, Margarita Montemayor Nograles.

Another innovation in the program is a personal development segment to help tourism frontliners with power dressing featuring Philippine weaves. This puts on the spotlight modern ways of incorporating the country’s cultural heritage in apparel and how it can be showcased with fashion-forward designs and uses, while keeping the spirit of the tradition and preserving the art of weaving. The workshop will be done by the co-founder of STYLEdit Group and top fashion stylist, Kat Cruz – Villanueva.

Integrated in the 3-day conference is the evaluation of the bidding proposals received for the hosting of MICECON 2024. A panel from the Department of Tourism, Tourism Promotions Board Philippines, and the MICE Advisory Council composed of private and public sector representatives will evaluate the proposal if it meets the criteria for logistics support, engagement of local stakeholders, and infrastructure capacity to host the event.

Social responsibility integrating sustainability and legacy

Corporate social responsibility is always at the core of MICECON. This year will be at the Philippine Eagle Center in Barangay Malagos, Davao City. Flowing from the industry’s thrust to highlight sustainability in its tourism efforts, MICECON delegates will visit the sanctuary in the hopes of raising awareness of the preservation of critically endangered species housed in the Philippine Eagle Center. The center welcomes donations as it continues to expand its care for more animal species and breeding of Philippine Eagles.

"Eco-travel elements such as community immersions, working on nature reserve, protection areas, or engaging in conservation work have risen in recent years. In a corporate social responsibility initiative we integrate sustainability and legacy by enjoining our delegates to take part in the conservation of the Philippine Eagle”, said Nograles.

The MICECON event is made possible with the support of the following sponsors: Canadian Tourism and Hospitality Institute, Cebu Pacific, Cvent, Destileria Limtuaco & Co.,Inc., Duty Free Philippines, Engkanto Brewery, Eudoo Technologies, Hotel 101, MAC Cosmetics Philippines, Philippine Airlines, and TIEZA.

Delicious treats and some entertainment activities will also delight the guests at the conference courtesy of the following sponsors: Department of Tourism Region XI and Waterfront Insular Hotel for the Welcome Dinner; Villa Margarita for the first day; Agriya, Panorama Summit Hotel, Pearl Farm Beach Resort, Discovery Samal, Acacia Hotel, Royal Mandaya Hotel, and Rogen Inn for the second day; Annipie Bakery Cafe, Davao Region Cacao Development Council, Cacao City, Davao Bakers Club, Inc., Phil. Baking Institute, Maan’s Bakery, Davao Region Coffee Council, Coffee for Peace, and Dusit D2 Davao for the last day of activities.

While venue-related and logistical sponsors are as follows: Al-ag Group of Companies, Habi at Kape, Holiday Group, Holiday Tours, Invex Philippines, JVA Group of Companies, M. Tanoy Concepts, MGCP Steelworks and Allied Services, Mr & Mrs B, Park Inn by Radisson, PLDT Enterprise, Seda Abreeza Hotel, SM Lanang Premier, SMX Convention Center, The Ritz Hotel at Garden Oases, and Zegen Management Group.

The success of the event is also with the generous support and contributions of 1st Congressional District of Davao City, Aboitiz, Alsons Development and Investment Corp., Anchor Land, Davao City Water District, Land Bank of the Philippines, Mr. & Mrs. Jose Claro H. Velez, PAGCOR, PBA Partylist, PHINMA Property Holdings Corporation, Sta. Lucia Land, Inc., Uratex, and Vista Land.

Check out www.tpb.gov.ph for more information.

As people around the globe continue to quench their post-pandemic wanderlust, the Philippines is all set to reintroduce itself as a world-class tourist destination at the Internationale Tourismus-Börse (ITB) Berlin Convention on 07 to 09 March 2023 in Messe Berlin, Germany.

The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, in line with the initiative of the Department of Tourism (DOT) Central and Frankfurt offices, will have the opportunity to market and promote the Philippines as a tourism powerhouse to over 160,000 visitors expected to attend the world's largest travel and tourism trade fair.

DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles will lead the Philippine delegation in turning the spotlight on the country’s tourism developments and product offerings.

Home to world-renowned natural wonders like the Subterranean River National Park in Palawan, the rice terraces in Banaue, and award-winning islands and beaches in Bohol, Cebu, Boracay, and Palawan, the Philippines is replete with attractions that make it the destination to visit this 2023. With 7,641 islands that bear various other hidden gems, the Philippines garnered global recognition and accolades, including the World’s Leading Dive and Beach Destination, Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction and Destination of the Year Award, among others.

The Philippines booth at ITB Berlin 2023 will feature the country’s rich culture and sustainable tourism. Colorful Filipino weaving tradition through the artistic works of T’nalak weaver Myrna Pula of South Cotabato and Yakan Weaver and Entrepreneur Angelita Pichay Ilul of Zamboanga will also be highlighted.

Moreover, visitors will also have a taste of Philippine coffee and chocolates through Kape de Filipina, a brand offering products meticulously grown by farmers and communities in the Philippines. In addition, guests of the Philippines hosted a cocktail reception on 08 March will be treated with traditional Filipino cuisine by Ayan, a Filipino street food restaurant based in Berlin.

A Philippine delegation of 26 tourism stakeholders from the private sector will be joining the annual premiere travel convention. The list includes Airtrav Philippines, Araw Hospitality Inc., Amorita Resort, Annset Holidays, Inc., Baron Travel Corporation, Batanes Wakay Travel and Tours, Blue Horizons Travel & Tours Inc., Bohol Beach Club, Chroma Hospitality Inc. (Crimson Hotels & Resorts), Club Agutaya Inc., CTPH lifestyle & Travel Services, Divaishnavi International Inc., El Nido Resorts, Evasion Tropicale Travel and Tours, GI Philippines Corp., Intas Destination Management Inc., Marsman Drysdale Travel Inc., MyTRIPS Travel and Tours, Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, Rajah Tour Philippines, Sharp Travel Service, Sarah Lea Travel and Tours, The Funny Lion, Total Exhibit & Expo Solutions, Inc., Travelexperts, Inc., Travelite Travel and Tours Co., and the Philippine Retirement Authority.

With the long-term goal of securing increased arrivals, receipts, and investments for the country, TPB annually participates in the ITB Berlin, which provides the Philippine travel trade an opportunity to network with relevant decision-makers from new and existing tourism markets across Europe, America, and Asia.

The Philippine participation in the event also aims to strengthen the country’s global tourism branding campaign through partnership opportunities with various tourism stakeholders including tour operators, online travel agencies, new online distribution platforms, travel websites and communities, journalists, and influencers, among others.

One of the key developments in the business meetings industry is the rise of “bleisure” or combining business and leisure travel experiences. Davao stands as a shining example of the country’s bleisure destinations with its varied cultural and entertainment offerings for business travelers. Davao is home to 11 indigenous tribes and has a rising ex-pat population from varied religious and cultural backgrounds. Blessed with pristine beaches, amazing dive spots, an abundance of flora and fauna, the freshest and quality produce, and delicious cuisines which tourists crave for, Davao City is an ideal bleisure destination. It also continues to grow its capacity as a MICE destination with more venues and accommodations for conventions as well as professionals who show the Philippines’ best quality of hospitality, diversity, peace and stability.

"We, at TPB are dedicated to promoting sustainability while simultaneously marketing the Philippines as a top travel destination. We constantly make sure to practice sustainable tourism because we gain from both positive and negative impacts on our environment. Through our CSR at the Philippine Eagle Center, we hope to inspire individuals to travel responsibly”, said TPB COO Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles.

The event is made possible with the support of the following sponsors: Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, Abbott Laboratories, Hotel 101, Eudoo Technologies, Destileria Limtuaco & Co., Inc., and the Engkanto Brewery.

Delicious treats and some entertainment activities will also delight the guests at the conference courtesy of the following sponsors: Villa Margarita, Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao and DOT Region XI on the first day; and Agriya and Pearl Farm, Royal Mandaya Hotel, Acacia Hotel, and Rogen Inn, Discovery Samal and the Mayor’s night by the City Government of Davao and SM Lanang Premier and Zegen Management Group on the second day. Davao Region Cacao Council & Annipie Bakery Cafe, Dusit D2 Hotel and Davao Region Coffee Council, Maan’s Bakeshop, and TPB for the Farewell Dinner will cap the last day of activities.

Through Davao’s hosting of MICECON 2023, it is expected to renew ties with its tourism stakeholders, make new connections, and position itself as a key MICE destination.

Check out www.micecon.ph for more information.

The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines and the Department of Tourism (DOT) expect to welcome more foreign visitors to the Philippines after successfully generating over 100M Philippine pesos in sales leads and showcasing the country’s best offerings at the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) held from 02 to 05 February 2023 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

The ATF is the biggest annual tourism event in the ASEAN region, attracting key tourism stakeholders including policymakers, industry leaders, and tourism-related service providers. This year, the Philippine delegation was represented by 16 local exhibitors from the airline industry, tour operators, and accommodations to network and engage with 115 international buyers at the ATF Travel Exchange (TRAVEX).

“Over and above our impressive turnout in the number of sales leads, I am in much awe of how the participation and performance of the Philippines depicted the excellence and heart of the Filipino brand which truly brought the best of the country to the ASEAN region,” said TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles.

The Philippine pavilion showcased the country’s rich cultural heritage and award-winning destinations such as Boracay, Cebu, and Palawan, as well as Kaulayaw Coffee sampling and a dynamic cultural martial arts performance from the Lapu-Lapu Arnis de Abanico who displayed the vigor and energy so symbolic of the resurgence of the Philippine Tourism Industry.

Philippine sellers and foreign delegates also had a taste of Philippine cuisine and culture through a hosted luncheon prepared by the Grand Rohan Jogja hotel which also featured a Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) cultural performance along with a musical medley by Filipino world-class talents.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco welcomed the guests to the event with an invitation to explore the country’s various tourism products, “We aim to give you the best of the Filipino to remind you that while the Philippines continues to be a top-of-mind destination all over the world, there is also so much more to our beaches, our dive sites, our mountain ranges, and our underground rivers. There's our food, our living cultural traditions, and many many components that give you a window into the soul of the Filipino,” said Tourism Secretary Frasco.

Meanwhile, the Philippines garnered prestige during the ASEAN Tourism Standards Awards, which recognized outstanding tourism businesses and destinations in the region that have complied with the international association’s tourism standards.

The recipients were Inandako's Bed and Breakfast, Gina’s Homes, Sid Homestay, Hide Away House, and Maryhilz Homestay for ASEAN Homestay Awardees; Cordillera Convention Hall, William Tan Enterprises Inc. (Caltex Irawan), DEU 818 Corporation (High Ridge Restaurant), and Shell OGI at Northwalk 2, City Environment and Management Office (Botanical Garden and Wright Public Toilets) bagged the ASEAN Public Toilet Award; Palaui Environmental Protectors Association (PEPA) received the ASEAN community-based tourism citation; while the Clinic at the Hilton Clark and Quan Spa at the Clark Marriott Hilton were recognized as winners of the ASEAN Spa Services.

TPB is keen to participate in the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2024 to be hosted by Laos.

Located in the southern part of the Philippines and the center for development in Mindanao, Davao City is hosting this year’s MICECON once again after 10 years. The conference is deemed an effective way to restart and boost economic and tourism activities, not only in the Davao region but also in the rest of the Philippines and the world.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) through the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines (TPB) and the City Government of Davao spearhead the M.I.C.E Conference (MICECON), the largest gathering of Meetings, Incentive Travel, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) professionals in the country to be held on March 1 to 3 at the SMX Convention Center in SM Lanang Premier.

“Davao’s hosting of the MICECON will provide a tremendous boost to the city’s tourism industry and a huge step towards its own vision of making Davao a preferred MICE destination not only in the Philippines but in Asia”, said TPB COO Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles.

With the theme, “MICEConverge: Blaze New Trails,” the three-day conference will serve as a gateway to provide more business opportunities and strengthen ties with domestic and international stakeholders. It is a hybrid event expected to bring in 500 in-person delegates and up to 2,000 online participants from here and abroad.

Highlights of the event include the MICE Youth Challenge, Power Dressing and Glam Makeup Sessions and Workshops where Davao’s finest tourism and product services will be on full display with the sub-themes, “Celebrating Nature”, “Celebrating Diversity” and “Celebrating Travel and Technology.”

First MICE Youth Challenge in Davao

The first and much-awaited Philippine MICE Youth Challenge will take place on March 1 during MICECON 2023. It is a national contest for students who are enrolled or have recently completed the MICE Management or Business Events Class in a Philippine-based university. This activity gives contestants the opportunity to conceptualize and present an event business plan that will be reviewed by a select panel of MICE experts to deepen their knowledge about industry practices.

This initiative aims to foster a culture of creativity and excellence among the participants and serve as a learning platform to better equip them to become MICE professionals. It was conceptualized by the Philippine MICE powerhouses who are members of the Philippine Association of Convention/Exhibition Organizers and Suppliers, Inc. (PACEOS) and the Philippine MICE Academy.

The participants of this challenge will be judged by esteemed representatives from the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association (HSMA), and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).

The winners of the challenge will win up to PhP 15,000 plus tokens and the chance to compete at the Asian Federation of Exhibition and Convention Associations (AFECA) Asia MICE Youth Challenge.

For more information about the event, visit www.micecon.ph.

Located in the scenic city of Tagaytay, Taal Vista Hotel is a destination that offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, providing its guests with breathtaking views of Taal Volcano. The hotel is perfect for couples, families, and travelers seeking a relaxing holiday surrounded by nature.

GCash, the country's leading mobile wallet, has partnered with Grab Philippines, the country's leading transportation and delivery provider, to make paying for rides and meal orders instantly easy and hassle-free.

The landmark partnership will give Grab users access to the easiest, most convenient, and most secure cashless transactions when they add GCash as a direct payment method on the Grab app. GCash will be officially available as a mode of payment on the Grab platform by February.

Through this partnership, users can simply choose GCash as their payment method, and pay cashless for GrabCar, GrabFood, GrabMart, GrabExpress, and other Grab services with just a few taps on their smartphones. Moreover, this partnership enables users to avoid transfer fees which go as high as Php 50.

“With this partnership, we once again realize our commitment to make the lives of Filipinos better each day by delivering a more convenient, secure, and cost-efficient way to pay for their rides and food and grocery deliveries. We look forward to this partnership and we will continuously innovate and build more partnerships that will improve the lives of the Filipinos”, said GCash president and CEO Martha Sazon.

To make their cashless transactions more convenient and rewarding, customers of Grab also get to avail of GCash exclusive deals and get special treats when they pay for their transactions using GCash.

Country Head of Grab Philippines Grace Vera Cruz shared, “Grab Philippines is dedicated to empowering our stakeholders in a digital-first economy, and the key to this is driving a deeper and wider cashless adoption in the country. With more Filipinos transacting via cashless means, we are accelerating our prospects of digital transformation. We look forward to collaborating with like-minded partners such as GCash on this agenda, and we are optimistic that through this partnership, we can improve the lives and livelihoods of many of our kababayans while building a cashless, digital-first economy for all Filipinos.”

Grab is Southeast Asia’s leading superapp for ride-hailing, food delivery, and on-demand grocery delivery. It touts a strong foothold in markets like the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Prior to this development, GCash and Grab have already established a strategic collaboration. Their initial partnership has provided Filipinos safe, seamless, and secure digital experience by allowing users to transfer money from their GCash wallet to their GrabPay wallet, and vice-versa.

Building on GCash and Grab’s shared mission of addressing Filipinos’ daily needs, this partnership also helps in creating a more cash-lite and digitally driven economy.

As part of its vision of achieving “Finance for All”, GCash will continue to innovate and establish partnerships to offer affordable, convenient, and safe services – making Filipino lives better every day and beyond, in the new normal.

GCash and Grab mark their milestone partnership with GCash available as a direct payment option in the Grab app by February. (L-R) GCash Chief Marketing Officer Neil Trinidad, GCash Head of Commercial Sales and Operations Luigi Reyes, GCash Chief Commercial Officer Ren-Ren Reyes, GrabFin Philippines President Martha Elaine Borja, Head of GrabPay Philippines Cris Alcaraz, and Grab Philippines Country Marketing Head Justine Anne Aruta

The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines and the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) will join the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) in Yogyakarta, Indonesia on 02-05 February 2023 to showcase what the Philippines has to offer to the international market and strengthen business relationships to further boost the country’s tourism.

The ATF 2023 is the biggest annual tourism event in the ASEAN region and is expected to attract more than 2000 participants from more than 25 countries. These include tourism ministers and officials, sellers, international buyers, international and local media as well as trade visitors.

The Philippine participation in the ATF 2023 is one of TPB and DOT’s events lined up for the year to showcase the country’s readiness for tourism, and at the same time, support the private sector by providing valuable networking opportunities to promote their products and services.

With the theme, “ASEAN: A Journey To Wonderful Destinations,” ATF 2023 brings the Philippines and the rest of the countries in the South East Asia region collectively to promote their unique hospitality and cultural diversity, in alignment with the ASEAN vision, “A Destination for Every Dream”.

TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles noted that the country’s participation in the ASEAN Tourism Forum and other international events, since the easing of travel borders worldwide enabled the Philippines to move forward to a better normal and boost the recovery of the tourism industry.

“These key international shows have proven to drive a significant number of leads and exposure for the country, and we at the TPB are more than ready to be back on the global stage and aggressively put a spotlight on what the Philippines has to offer,” said TPB COO Nograles.

Numerous high-level events will be conducted in the ATF including a meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers, ASEAN National Tourism Organizations (NTOs), press briefing, tourism conference, and the ASEAN Travel Exchange (TRAVEX) fair.

TRAVEX is a trade-only mart that showcases the world’s largest contingent of ASEAN destination products and services, and facilitates selling, buying and promoting the region internationally.

The Philippines will be joining the TRAVEX fair with a 144 sq. booth which will be participated by sixteen (16) local seller participants. The Philippine delegation will also present updates on the country’s tourism industry in a media briefing session scheduled on 2 February 2023.

TPB will also host a luncheon to showcase traditional Philippine cuisine and a cultural performance for the invited international buyer participants, Philippine private sector sellers, and media on 5 February 2023.

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