YOUTH travel operator STA Travel has signed a groundbreaking marketing agreement with the Philippine Department of Tourism (DoT) to promote the country in the UK, Australia, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and France in 2015.
Signed this week in London at World Travel Market, where the DoT brought in its largest contingent to date, the agreement will bring tour groups to areas such as Coron, Bohol, Dumaguete and Siquijor, among others, said Susan del Mundo, promotions and marketing head for Europe, Americas, and the Philippines, Tourism Promotions Board.
One highlight is a partnership with Gawad Kalinga, a prominent local NGO and major proponent of social tourism, an effort which the DoT supports, Del Mundo said. This opens voluntourism opportunities for youths coming into the Philippines.
Gawad Kalinga is one partner who will be handling inbound groups sent by STA Travel.
At the recent ITB Asia in Singapore, the Philippines also announced the first MTV Music Evolution event that will be held in Manila next year, a collaboration between Viacom International and the Philippines, as part of a drive to attract young ones and the “young once”.
