Philippines, Hong Kong revitalize ‘twinning’ efforts

Department of Tourism (DoT) Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano recently confirmed that the Philippines will be continuing its “twinning” efforts with Hong Kong.

This developed as Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) Executive director Clara Chong visited the country to reaffirm the said partnership, boosting the private sector’s support to the tourism promotional efforts of the DoT.

Durano and Chong have agreed to renew the memorandum of understanding between the two countries, strengthening the previous agreement drawn by then DoT Secretary Richard Gordon, to further increase the tourist arrivals from each countries.

Parkview Holdings Ltd., a business partner of Supercat Fast Ferry Corporation in Hong Kong, will be sending media groups from some of the biggest circulated newspapers and magazines in Hong Kong to Cebu and Bohol, two of the Philippines’ prime tourist destinations.

The media familiarization tour sponsored by the private sectors, aims to further enhance the promotion of Cebu and Bohol in Hong Kong.

Wing On, a tour operator in Hong Kong, is currently developing a tour program for the Philippines and is also one of the sponsors of the media tour.

Among the media group that will visit the country are from South China Morning Post, the biggest English daily in Hong Kong, that will take the message straight to the expatriates and high networth individuals.

Other first-rate print media are Quintessential Magazine, Weekly Hong Kong, Cosmopolitan and Parkview Lifestyle. The group will be staying in the country for 4 days and 3 nights visiting some of the famous attractions in Cebu and Bohol.

"Although the country’s top tourist attractions and destinations are being advertised in Hong Kong, we still welcome and continue to conduct foreign media familiarization tours to our country," said Durano

"The media mileage that we get surpasses the expenses shelled out once we start to receive the number of tourists that we hope to draw each year. The good news now, is that we were able to convince the private sector to do their share in promoting the country by sponsoring this media famtour," he added.