DOT holds London tourism showcase

MANILA, Philippines - The tourism showcase was held in the Canary Wharf in London’s financial capital.

Tourism Attache’ Gerry Panga said the Canary Wharf Station has 1.2 million foot traffic a week,with more than 100,000 working professionals who hold office in the area.

“The consumer activation is meant to engage the British consumers for a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Philippines not only as a leisure destination but business as well,” Panga said.

One of the highlights of the showcase is the imagery display of the Philippines’ best islands, tarsier, rice terraces and Manila Jeepney, among others on the 30 digital screens and 40 static posters inside Canary Wharf’s malls

Also part of the showcase was the food sampling of turon and Filipino flavors of ube, mango and macapuno “sorbetes” and as well as a flair bartending show of multi-awarded bartender Dennis Barela.

“There were also cultural dances that drew the people, especially the young professionals, to dance the Tinikling with their leather shoes on and the virtual reality pods that gave people a glimpse of the Philippines,” the DOT said.

Partner travel and tour groups such as Premier Holidays, Hayes and Jarvis, Crystal Travel and Selective Asia offered holiday packages to the Philippines to entice the public to consider the Philippines for their holidays.

“Their presence also made bookings readily available should anyone decide to book on the spot,” the tourism department said.

In addition, Philippine Airlines took part to provide special fares to the Philippines.

“The Philippine booth was constantly engaged with guests wanting to enter the competition to get a chance to win the luxury holiday for two persons to the ‘best island in the world’, Palawan, with stays in Sheridan Beach Resort & Spa in Sabang and Kalaw and Balai Adlao in El Nido, plus Henry Hotel and Manila Hotel in the city capital,” the DOT said.

Last year, the DOT London office held its annual showcase at London Waterloo and King’s Cross Stations.