Foreign tourist arrivals in RP up by 7%
Businessworld
06/27/2008 | 01:13 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Foreigner visiting the Philippines reached close to 1.4 million in January to May, with Americans registering the most number of visits, followed by Koreans and Japanese.

In a report, the Department of Tourism (DoT) said visitor arrivals for the five-month period reached 1,372,680, up 7.4% from 1,278,280 a year ago.

For May alone, 260,567 tourists visited the Philippines from 243,951 during the same period last year. More Foreign tourist arrivals in RP up by 7%

Master plan for tourism
ABS-CBNNews.com
06/25/2008

FOR the tourism industry in Cebu to achieve its goals, the government and private sectors have to draft and implement a master plan that integrates infrastructure development and policies related to other aspects of the province’s growth.

Robert Lim Joseph, chairman emeritus of the National Association of Independent Travel Agencies (Naitas) and honorary consul of the Republic of Latvia to the Philippines, pointed out the need for a master plan that would not only guide developments in the tourism sector but also lay out guidelines how other sectors—like agriculture—can be harnessed to attract more tourists. More Master plan for tourism

Espina: Ecotourism in Midwest Cebu
By Mila C. Espina
In my diary
06/24/08

THE Suroy Suroy Sugbo June 12-13 explored Midwest Cebu. The tourism trail brought us to Aloguinsan, Pinamungahan, Toledo City, Balamban, Asturias, Tuburan and finally to Tabuelan.

It was a refreshing journey because the places we visited led us to the rediscovery of the rich ecotourism resources of the unadulterated countryside. You really must go out of some polluted cities and enjoy the fresh breeze and natural delights of the towns. More Espina: Ecotourism in Midwest Cebu

3 Pinoy expats to carry Olympic torch in China
MARK JOSEPH H. UBALDE, GMANews.TV
06/18/2008 | 03:05 PM

MANILA, Philippines - A 30-something Beijing-based yuppie, a stranded former student leader turned CNN Bureau chief and his ‘China-made’ daughter will take part in the on-going Olympic torch relay.

Marco Antonio Torres, 38, a marketer for international firm, M Moser Associates; CNN Beijing bureau chief Jaime FlorCruz; and his daughter, Michelle, 17; were selected by the Chinese government to be among eight expatriates there to carry the torch for the 2008 Olympics. More 3 Pinoy expats to carry Olympic torch in China

The Official 2008 Beijing Olympics torch is 72 cm high and weighs 985 grams. Photo from Beijing Olympics website

MJC, PEZA sign eco-tourism agreement
Philstar.com
Sunday, June 8, 2008

Manila Jockey Club and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority formally signed a certificate of registration last week designating MJC as the developer and operator of the San Lazaro Leisure and Business Park, the country’s newest tourism economic zone, in Carmona, Cavite.

The registration follows Presidential Proclamation 1517, earlier signed by President Arroyo authorizing MJC to join the ranks of other economic zones in attracting new investments and businesses.

San Lazaro Leisure and Business Park uniquely combines both business and tourism. It is also poised to attract both local and foreign arrivals to avail of the infrastructure, facilities and amenities of this world-class zone, which already includes a thoroughbred horseracing complex and multi-level Turf Club. More MJC, PEZA sign eco-tourism agreement

Travel industry top gainer in Cebu tourism promotion
By MARS W. MOSQUEDA JR.
mb.com.ph
06/07/08

CEBU CITY – The 2,000-member strong National Association of Independent Travel Agencies (Naitas) has praised Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia for her "undying support" in the tourism industry, that also showcases the impressively fast-paced development of the province that truly makes it a choice tourism hub.

Garcia’s "Suroy-Suroy Sugbo" (travel Cebu) has earned the praises of the travel group saying it has further promoted tourism in the countryside and made Cebu among the top destinations for tourists in the Philippines. More Travel industry top gainer in Cebu tourism promotion

Cagwait's Waikiki Beach: The Unseen Paradise
By Jojie Alcantara, Witerary
sunstar.com
Friday, June 06, 2008

RHONSON and I were first invited to the municipality of Cagwait in 2003 by the Surigao del Sur provincial administrator Johnny Pimentel and wife Liles (Johnny is the governor's brother). The first thing we stumbled upon was the unbelievable U-shaped cove fringed with powdery white sands that stretched along the beachfront. We fell in love with it immediately.

Cagwait's White Beach has a distinct monicker. In the 70s, American aviator Charles Lindbergh visited the Philippines to campaign for the lost tribe, Tasadays, and the endangered Philippine Eagle. More Cagwait's Waikiki Beach: The Unseen Paradise (Photo:thelandofpromise.com)