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CARAGA Region sets grand opening in Intramuros today

The CARAGA Region consisting of the provinces of Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del norte and Agusan del Sur and the cities of Butuan, Bislig and Surigao, kicks off its 15^th day cultural and trade showcase at the “Best of the Regions” in Intramuros today with a grand parade of its popular festivals. Contingents of street dancers garbed in colorful costumes and officials of the local government will parade before the public and present snippets of colorful festivals depicting the culture, people and tradition of the provinces and cities of region 13.

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Citizens’ role in nationwide tourism dev’t plan eyed

Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) general manager Robert Dean S. Barbers expressed hope that the “Pilipino sa Turismo ay Aktibo” program launched recently over GMA-TV Channel 7 will make the Philippines more tourist-friendly. Barbers said the campaign and the message of the slogan is aimed at transcending politics and other situations that divided the people in order to involve everybody in the development of tourism industry.

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Photo: SM City Mall in Baguio Opens

Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon, retailing magnate Henry Sy Sr., SM Prime Holdings Chairman, and Howard Belton, Unilever Philippines Chief Executive Officer, are shown enjoying  a scene during the inauguration yesterday of the SM City Mall in Baguio City.

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Visitors to Intramuros seen to top 6 million

The WOW (Wealth of Wonders) Philippines program is definitely making wonders and wealth for Intramuros. According to Sandra Ching, Tourism and Marketing and Promotions Division Chief of the Intramuros Administration (IA), the walled city attracted more than 4.5 million visitors in the first nine months this year. This figure is the highest since 1996 when visitors reached 905, 166. In 2001, visitors slumped to 485, 941, the lowest record in the last decade. Ching attributed the dramatic increase to the inclusion of Intramuros in the Department of Tourism’s WOW Philippines program and the effective and aggressive promotion of the walled City as an alternative tourist and educational destination.

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MT p. B1

Tourism department gives high rating to Boracay resort

The Department of Tourism has confirmed the AAA accreditation for Fridays Boracay. AAA is considered the highest form of accreditation for any resort in the Philippines. Located at the northern end of Boracay’s world-famous White Beach has long been considered the premier hotel resort in the island.

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Sports, tourism and everything  in between

There are options for the energetic, adventurous and thrill-seeking traveler, opportunities for the sports-minded tourist who looks for challenges and an exhilarating experience. Countries like Australia and US have tapped into this market and nurtured it with huge success. Given the great promise of doing the same for the Philippines, the Department of Tourism launched on Nov. 7, the First Sports Tourism and Travel Adventure Show at Clamshell 2 in Intramuros , Manila. Set up by the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation, the DOT’s marketing arm, the Visa-sponsored trade fair aims to showcase the scenic and challenging destinations our lan has.

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Rep. Gordon thumbs down new container port in Subic

Payumo said that privatizing operations is the best way to get qualified private sectors operators to participate. The alternative cite suggested by the Gordons the Naval Supply Depot has been considered but was receted because for being  too shallow and lacking for safe maneuverability.

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Cebu tourist arrivals

Visitor arrivals in Cebu continued to increase despite the peace and order problems and the poitical uncertainty in the country.

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Kalakbay winners bared

The Department of Tourism, through the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corp., has named this year’s winners of the prestigious Kalakbay Awards, a much-coveted recognition for noteworthy contributions to the development and promotion of the country’s tourism industry. The PCVC an attached agency and marketing arm of the DOT, heads the Kalakbay Secretariat that receives, validates and evaluates the nominations for the 23 awards up for grabs annually.

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Pag-shelve sa Cubi project tagumpay daw sa Olonggapo

Sinabi kahapon ni Olongapo mayor Katherine Gordon na nagpapasalamat ang kanyang constituent kay Pangulong Gloria Macapaga-Arroyo kaugnay ng utos nitong rebyuhin ang kontrobersyal na P10-billion Cubi Point port project ng Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) at Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA).

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