Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

THE FRENCH CAN’T SEEM to get enough of the Philippines these days.

Fresh from two seasons of “Koh Lanta,” the French version of “Survivor” set in Palawan and Camarines Sur, the country recently clinched another honor: the coveted “Ecotourism Destination of the Year” title in the 2009 edition of Nature, one of France’s biggest travel fairs.

A jubilant Joseph Ace Durano, secretary of the Philippine Department of Tourism, broke the good news at the recently concluded Top Resa travel fair in Paris.

Colleagues from DOT and the Philippine Tourism Authority as well as representatives from the government and private sectors, which included some of the country’s biggest tour operators and resort establishments, joined him in the four-day fair.

The country’s participation culminated in a cocktail party hosted by DOT for France’s top travel executives. Dubbed “Mabuhay Night,” the affair was hosted by Frenchman and “Koh Lanta” star Denis Brogniart and featured the Bayanihan Dancers, May Bayot and Acoustic Jive, champion bartender Ryan Burgos and “Koh Lanta” finalists.

Unlike Top Resa, which marked its 30th year, Nature appeals more to direct consumers as opposed to industry movers. The Philippines has been joining Top Resa for the past three years, and will debut next year in Nature. As the sole featured destination, all eyes will likely be on the Philippines.

“An adventure travel fair like Nature mirrors the French people’s preference for eco-tourism,” said Durano. “It combines nature-based travel with a bit of physical activity and cultural immersion.”

Unprecedented

Durano attributed this latest development to a number of factors, foremost of which is the country’s selection as site of “Koh Lanta” for two years in a row. After shooting in El Nido, Palawan, in 2006, the show’s producers were back in late 2007, this time in Caramoan, Camarines Sur, with a new batch of competitors.

“This is unprecedented in ‘Koh Lanta’s’ history,” he said. “Since it debuted a few years ago, the show is watched by almost 8 million people every week.”

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dhen Malaya  - The Fil-Am Description of Phils. and its provinces   |121.54.75.xxx |2009-07-25 02:10:46 Such a very nice description for the Philippines and its provinces wherein you went thru during your tour. And yet base from experience you had. Thank you so much, we are very glad to have you. Hope in the future you comeback to the province of Camarines Sur, and you'll have a very memorable stay, more fun and fresh accomodating environment to stay with, more likely resort nearby Lake Buhi. They were giving affordable cost, clean and beautiful place, yet really good for night swimming their pool. Its beautiful, and you'll love to come again some other time. Reply | Quote 0   0

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