Grand Fiesta Sale kicks

The country’s bid to become “Asia’s Shopping Capital” kicks off with the “WOW Philippines Grand Fiesta Sale” from Jan. 15-31, with discounts of up to 80 percent on wide array of shopping merchandise in selected world-class shopping malls and retail establishments nationwide.

The event is a joint initiative of the Department of Tourism (DoT) through its marketing arm, the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation (PCVC) and the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA).

The “Grand Fiesta Sale” is the first major treat for both local and foreign tourists for the Visit Philippines 2003 (VP 2003) which is designed to encourage the influx of tourist shoppers and to project the country as a shopping haven and a byword for shopping excellence. It aims to tap the short-haul Asian market from Japan, Korea, Taiwan, China, Singapore and Hong Kong.

DoT Secretary Richard Gordon said, “WOW Philippines Grand Fiesta Sale is a major activity that will directly contribute to our goal of positioning the Philippines as ‘Asia’s Shopping Capital’ and shall measure our standing image as the most inexpensive luxury shopping destination in Asia.”

He added that, “This is a vision that we must take pride and collectively pursue because it will redound to our country’s prestige as a nation already known for its friendly people, breath-taking scenic spots and best shopping finds.”

The country’s top wholesalers and retailers also developed shopping tour programs to highlight the event.

The “More Than The Usual Shopping Tour Packages” promises the best shopping experience to the visitors for as low as US$165 net, inclusive of 4 days/3 nights hotel accommodations, daily breakfast, tours and airport transfers.

Among the “More Than The Usual” shopping packages to choose from are: Manila Shopping Package, Makati Shopping Package and Treasure Hunt Shopping Package. There are also optional day tours which include Corregidor, Pagsanjan, Rizal, Subic, Villa Escudero, Enchanted Kingdom, Banaue, Boracay, Davao, Cebu, Bohol and Palawan.

“The program is a good vehicle to attract tour groups whose main interest is in shopping and to spur entrepreneurial and business activity where Filipinos can now sell their products to foreign visitors,” Gordon said.

According to the annual Philippine travel demographic report, shopping is one of the most important travel motivators for tourists coming to the country. Shopping also promotes local products and destinations as shoppers buy items indigenous to the places they visit.

Various malls shall adopt regional themes and festivals to showcase tourist destinations and promote domestic tourism. And to make the 15-day event more fun and exciting, fashion shows, cultural events, concerts, trade exhibits and raffle draws will be held.

Meanwhile, select groups of travel agents and media personalities from Asia will be coming to the country on Jan. 17-22 for familiarization tours, and to experience the “Grand Fiesta Sale” and Makati City’s “Caracol Festival”.