RP as adventure site pushed in Taiwan

Tuesday, 09 March 2010 09:39 Inquirer.net

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MANILA - The Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) in Taipei is positioning the Philippines as the world’s leading adventure travel site for Taiwan’s about half a million leisure divers.

MECO is also focusing on other high-growth consumer segments such as honeymooners, corporate and incentive travelers, and mobile professionals.

Antonio I. Basilio, MECO managing director and resident representative, said the office would highlight this year the adventure sports and eco-tourism activities in the country beyond the traditional beach holiday packages.

“This will be the MECO Tourism Center’s priority, to market the Philippines a year-round eco-tourism and adventure sports destination. Outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers and sports-minded travelers will have all they can handle at our flagship destinations alone, including Cebu, Bohol, Boracay, Batangas and Palawan,” said Basilio.

Rene Reyes, MECO tourism director, said the campaign would be a major come-on for about half a million leisure divers in Taiwan.

Another advantage of the Philippines is its proximity to Taiwan, according to Reyes.

Basilio said the country has numerous eco-tourism and adventure sites like the dive and snorkeling sites, with Cabilao Island in Bohol a favorite because of its amazing reefs and rich marine life. “Schools of hammerhead sharks are regularly sighted there.”

Another popular dive destination is Malapascua in Cebu which is famous for its white sand beach and beautiful coral gardens, according to Basilio.

In the meantime, Reyes said people would also find the Philippines a great destination for weddings and honeymoons because of existing direct flights between Taiwan and top-class beach destinations like Boracay and Cebu.

“This is potentially a promising market for us since this is a high-volume, high-spending consumer segment,” Reyes added.

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