PTA launches budget tours around RP

A set of specially-designed, affordable tour packages to the country’s top tourist destinations were launched recently by the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) in a bid to entice local and foreign tourists as well students to travel around the country during the Visit Philippines Year 2003 celebration.

The tour packages which were launched at the recently-concluded Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) Travel Tour Expo in Megamall, Mandaluyong are among the lowest travel deals in town.

The “VPY 2003 Tour” showcases the country’s history, culture, nature and adventures through exciting trips to the Banaue Rice Terraces in Banaue, Ifugao; Balicasag Island in Panglao, Bohol; Tagaytay City in Cavite and MacArthur Park in Palo, Leyte.

Valid for a minimum of two persons (except for MacArthur Park), the packages include full-board accommodations at PTA resorts and hotels and tours to said destinations.

Foreign and domestic tourists can avail of a 3-day, 2-night stay at Banaue Hotel and Youth Hostel for only R5,575 per person; overnight stay at Tagaytay Picnic Grove for R1,980; 3-day, 2-night vacation at Balicasag Island Dive Resort for R4,800; and 3-day, 2-night stay at MacArthur Park Beach Resort for R3,760 (minimum of six persons). Travelers coming from Cebu can also avail of the MacArthur Park package for the same cost but excluding air and land transportation fees.

Meanwhile, the PTA has also revived its “Barkadahan Campus Tour” packages which have become popular with students two years ago.

These packages were created to increase the youth’s awareness of their cultural heritage, ecology and tourism-oriented concerns. Trips to Banaue Rice Terraces, Hundred Islands National Park in Alaminos City, Pangasinan, Tagaytay and MacArthur Park were arranged exclusively for students. Packages consist of accommodation in standard rooms (quadruple sharing), set meals and tours in four PTA properties.

A group of four students can enjoy a 3-day, 2-night stay at Banaue Hotel and Youth Hostel for only R4,030; overnight stay at Hundred Islands National Park (min. of 7 pax) for R960; overnight stay at Tagaytay Picnic Grove (min. of 6 pax) for R370; and 3-day, 2-night stay at MacArthur Park (min. of 8 pax) for R3,320. All rates are without transportation. The Barkadahan package for MacArthur Park is only available for Cebu-based students.

[ Balicasag Island Wiki ]