by Klaus Doring
One thing is clear: the Philippines is doing much better to invite and attract more tourists to visit this beautiful country. The Philippines participated in the 2010 International Tourismus Boerse (ITB) held at the Messe Berlin Exhibition Grounds in Germany, bringing with it the country’s rich and colorful culture.
I was glad and honored to translate all Region 11 tourism brochures from English to German after several meetings with DOT director Sonia Garcia in Davao.
One of the world’s leading trade shows, the 44th ITB Berlin had over 110,000 trade visitors and over 11,000 travel stakeholders from 187 countries. The successful exhibit was well-presented from all tourism segments, which were largely leisure, MICE, and business travel. Sonia Garcia led a group from Region 11.
According to tourism secretary Ace Durano: “We are proud to be a part of the world’s leading tourism trade event. It is an important platform where Europeans and international guests can get a glimpse of our country’s distinctive culture!”
Very well said, Sir. I lived in Berlin almost 25 years. Visiting the ITB has been a must, especially going to the Philippines’ stand… .
The Department of Tourism of the Philippines presented the country’s 7,107 islands of sun, sand and sea – a welcome destination for European travellers escaping winter. Yes, I still remember that: already during the 1980s I started booking my vacation in the Philippines for the period February/March. Of course, especially nowadays, more than diving, trekking, caving and other adventure sports, the DOT also offered newer tourism packages like bird watching.
I was informed by my Berlin friends that the Philippine booth especially featured the colorful culture of the South. Imagine, a traditional “B’laan weaver” was among the highlights of the exhibition.
Where have all the tourists gone? I wish more will visit us here, especially in Mindanao. Daghan salamat to Sonia Garcia, DOT director Region 11 and her team for being such an important part of the international tourism fair in Berlin/Germany.
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It had been another memorable and great day again: the “Memorandum of Understanding” between the University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP) in Davao City and the German Goethe-Institut Manila on Cooperation in the Promotion of the German Culture in Mindanao – signed on May 17, 2010 by the vice-president of the Goethe Institut, Helmut Frielinghaus, and the USEP president, Dr. Perfecto Alibin, which was witnessed by Institute of Language director and dean, Dr. Patricia Elbanbuena, and yours truly columnist, as faculty member for German language.
The Philippine-German traditions have a long and meaningful history. I am glad, that there will be a continuation also here in Mindanao.
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On the spot: Exchange-traded funds allow investors to spread risk across a stock index instead of relying on fund managers to pick winners. They’re launched in Europe ten years ago and have become increasingly popular in Germany. I support that strongly.
Email me: doringklaus@gmail.com or visit www.germanexpatinthephilippines.blogspot.com or follow me in Facebook.
