Following a successful 10-day strategic immersion program, the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) Frankfurt, in collaboration with the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines and travel industry media partner fvw, hosted 30 top-tier German travel agents to showcase the country’s premier destinations.
The familiarization trip, which spanned from December 3 to 13, took participants through the diverse landscapes of Cebu, Bohol, Boracay, and Manila. This joint marketing initiative aims to significantly increase German market arrivals, targeting 30,000 visitors from Germany and other German-speaking regions.
The delegation experienced a curated itinerary designed to highlight the Philippines’ unique blend of adventure and heritage, including:
-
The iconic Chocolate Hills and the Loboc River Cruise in Bohol.
-
High-adrenaline canyoneering to Kawasan Falls in Cebu.
-
Historical tours through the walled city of Intramuros in Manila.
The “Love the Philippines” campaign served as the central theme of the trip, emphasizing the genuine warmth that defines the Filipino travel experience.
The participating agents highlighted the “human element” of Filipino tourism as the primary selling point for the European market.
“Love is a feeling you carry in your heart. Here in the Philippines, it’s also shown outwardly,” said Diddo Ramm, one of the participating agents. “Everywhere you meet a Filipino, they smile and place their hand on their heart. It expresses a genuine kindness that makes the ‘Love’ slogan feel entirely authentic.”
Christina Binné, another travel expert in the group, noted that the country’s service standards are a major draw for German travelers. “What’s striking is the incredible hospitality. Whether in shops, on the streets, or in hotels, the attitude is characterized by helpfulness, courtesy, and cheerfulness.”
This initiative is part of a larger push by the DOT to re-engage the European market. By providing German travel planners with first-hand experience of Philippine infrastructure and hospitality, the DOT expects to see a surge in holiday bookings as these agents return to their home markets equipped with personal testimonials and updated destination knowledge.
