Islands Philippines Fun Caravans

In line with the Department of Tourism’s “Visit the Philippines 2015” campaign (launched last September 2014), the Philippines Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA), one of DOT’s most active partners in strengthening the country’s tourism sector, is bringing in the “Islands Philippines Fun Caravans.”  

PHILTOA Pres. Cesar Cruz addressing the press conference held at the Mabuhay Room

Benito C. Bengzon, Jr.

During a press conference held at the Mabuhay Room at the Department of Tourism (DOT), with DOT Undersecretary for Tourism Development Benito C. Bengzon, Jr. in attendance, PHILTOA President Cesar Cruz said that “The Island Philippines Fun Caravans will accommodate both foreign and local markets, where they can choose to bring their own vehicles or avail the caravan vehicle, of course, only if the destinations can be accessed via land transportation. 

The participants also have the option to avail of the accommodations that will be announced prior to the trip—campsite, lodging houses, hostels, or star-rated properties.” Cruz also adds that the project is designed to provide flexibility in the choices of activities and accommodation in each destination based on the interest and affordability of the participants. 

Cruz also shares that the caravans are meant to become interactive and participative, hence, there will be programs that will encourage them to interact and immerse themselves in the local communities. Other facets that are expected to be entailed during each course are a dummy passport which will be stamped by the participating local government unit, mini-trade fairs, a festive welcome reception, and other community-based activities that will highlight the best spots and emerging lifestyle and travel trends in the municipalities included in the itinerary. 

“As our tourism industry further shapes up through “Visit the Philippines 2015,” PHILTOA wanted to contribute through this caravan project, which aims to provide an effective platform for the promotion of different tourist destinations across the country,” says Cruz.

This event will be featuring five major caravan programs and three minor caravans that are all designed to promote, reestablish and reinforce tourism activities across the region. Each caravan is calendared in different months throughout 2015, lasting from 3 to 7 days, depending on the number of municipalities included.

Islands Philippines Fun Caravans

PHILTOA, the largest association of registered tour operators (with allied members from various tourism sectors such as airlines, hotels, resorts, tourist transportation and more), actively contributes to national economic growth and enhances and promotes domestic and inbound Philippine tourism by forging national and global affiliations and alliance with tourism-related associations and organizations.

Cordillera Heritage Warrior

The five major caravans are the Cordillera Heritage Warrior (February 4-8, 2015), the Southern Luzon Kulinarya Caravan (April 25-29, 2015), the Visayas Charm (August 21-27, 2015), the Bicol Express (October 17-22, 2015) and The Plains and Heights of Central Luzon (December 11-17, 2015) while the three minor caravans are Rediscover Batanes (March 26-29, 2015), the Northern Palawan Eco Adventure Discovery (June 19-22, 2015) and Hola Zamboanga (November 13-16, 2015).

Southern Tagalog Kulinarya Caravan

The Cordillera Heritage Warrior Caravan will encompass San Jose City in Nueva Ecija, Bayombong and Sta. Fe in Nueva Vizcaya; Banaue, Kiangan and Lagawe in Ifugao; Bontoc and Sagada in Mountain Province; and Baguio City and La Trinidad in Benguet.  The Southern Luzon Kulinarya will involve Tagaytay City and the towns of Indang, Kawit and Tanza in the historical province of Cavite; San Pablo City and the towns of Alaminos, Liliw, Majayjay and Nagcarlan in the province of Laguna; Tayabas City and the towns of Lucban and Sariaya in Quezon province; and the towns of Agoncillo, San Juan, Taal and Talisay in Batangas province.

Bicol Express

The Visayas Charm Caravan underscores the island provinces of Bohol (Tagbilaran City and the town of Anda and includes the Chocolate Hills Adventure Park) and Cebu and Boracay in Aklan.  Optional tours include the Tuki (Whale Shark) Adventure and Olango Island, both in Cebu.  The Bicol Express will cover Naga City in Camarines Sur; Legazpi City, Tabaco City and the town of Tiwi plus Misibis (Bacacay) in Albay; and the towns of Bulusan and Matnog in Sorsogon province.  The Plains and Heights of Central Luzon Caravan will put into spotlight Mt. Pinatubo; Clark and the town of Bacolor in Pampanga; the town of Concepcion in Tarlac, the town of Agoo in La Union; Alaminos City and the towns of Bolinao, Dasol and Lingayen in Pangasinan; Baguio City in Benguet; and the towns of Botolan, Iba, San Felipe, San Narciso and Subic in Zambales. 

Rediscover Batanes highlights the grandness of Batanes’ plateaus; the Northern Palawan Eco Adventure Discovery features the lush islands, pristine coastlines and cobalt waters of the Calamianes Group of Islands; and Hola, Zamboanga spotlights the vibrant culture and diverse landscape of the Zamboanga Peninsula, covering Zamboanga City (includes Sta. Cruz Island) in Zamboanga del Sur and the cities of Dapitan and Dipolog in Zamboanga del Norte.

Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA): 1806 Citiland Tower 10, 1 H.V. De La Costa St., Salcedo Village, 1227 Makati City, Metro Manila.   Tel: (632) 812-4513, (632) 822-6964 and (632) 925-6265.  E-mail: info@philtoa.com and marketing@philtoa.com. Website: www.philtoa.com.