It’s still more fun in the Philippines

8th Oct, 2015
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A country like no other

A beautiful archipelago of 7,107 islands and a major business hub, the Philippines in the Asia-Pacific region has long before established itself as a gracious host for outstanding global events. But beyond meetings and conferences, visitors can experience and enjoy various activities and attractions that portray the country’s rich heritage, culture and natural wonders.

Both exotic and international, the Philippines can accommodate business and leisure travelers from all over as they welcome you in English, serve you a mix of Spanish, Chinese and Malay cuisine and entertain you with songs and dances from folk to pop, from funky to ballad. There is no shortage of first class facilities and amenities especially since the currency exchange is favourable, mix it along with incomparable service and a warm smile, and voila! – An affordable and accessible destination awaits you.

Bright outlook for the Philippines

Among Asian countries, the Philippines has shown continuous growth in recent years, making it one of the fastest-growing nations among ASEAN member countries. The Philippines climbed five notches up in the World Economic Forum’s new Global Competitiveness Index 2015-2016, and reached its goal to move up in world rankings, rising from 52nd spot to 47th this year. The Philippines has now gained a total of 38 places from 85th spot in 2010. The Global Competitiveness Report assesses the competitiveness landscape of 144 economies, providing insight into the drivers of its productivity and prosperity.

International hotel brands such as Hyatt, Marriott, Hilton, Marco Polo and Crown among others took notice of the surging property market and have started construction in Metro Manila and Cebu. Vegas-like casinos and gaming centers abound with the expected growth of tourism and investment potential of the country.

The City of Dreams Manila, the newest casino resort in the Philippines, houses three grand hotels along with numerous leisure and lifestyle shops, and various dining options.

As the Philippines has evolved into an emerging property market, it is now on every investor’s map, building itself as a tourist destination endowed with natural resources, low travelling cost and benefits, with unique cultural experiences. Hotel and leisure developments are not just in Manila but in Cebu, Boracay and Palawan as well. These include: Lio in Palawan, Mactan Newton in Cebu, Boracay Newcoast and Sta. Barbara in Iloilo, plus new hotel launches and developments of gaming venues and casinos.

Pledging its support, the government gave an assurance to improve airports and other infrastructure in recognition of Visit the Philippines Year 2015. Fuel surcharge on domestic and international flights have also been eradicated due to the decline in global crude oil prices.

This year, another major event will be hosted by the Philippines—the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), on November 18 to 19, 2015. APEC is a multilateral international organization which seeks to foster free trade and economic prosperity among its member-economies in the Asia-Pacific region.  The event is expected to bring thousands of guests consisting of delegates, leaders, ministers and senior officials from the other 20 APEC economies: Australia,Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, Canada, United States, Chinese Taipei, People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Chile, Peru, Russia, and Vietnam to build more inclusive Asia-Pacific economies.

www.tpb.gov.ph

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