From the SECRETARY of the DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM
Sec. JOSEPH H. DURANO
In behalf of the Department of Tourism, warmest welcome to the participants of the United Federation of Travel Agents’ Associations (UFTAA) 2008 World Congress and General Assembly at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel from 18 to 22 October 2008.
It is an honor for our country to host this year’s UFTAA World Congress and General Assembly. It will be a great opportunity to promote our country as one of the safest and most beautiful tourist destinations in Southeast Asia.
We are glad to share with you that the First Quarter turn out this year signals a strong start for the tourism sector. From January to March, visitor traffic grew by eight (8) percent reaching 858,244. Tourist spending for the same period already amounted to US$1.02 Billion. These positive results have laid down the groundwork for another promising year for the tourism industry in 2008.
We enjoin everyone to visit the Philippines and appreciate our rich history, experience our culture and the arts, admire our heritage destinations, behold our unique tropical landscapes, enjoy our exciting outdoor and nightfall activities, feast on our innovative and creative fusion cuisine, dwell in our luxurious hotels and resorts, shop in bargain malls and town centers and experience the world-famous warmth and hospitality of one of the most beautiful combinations of 7,107 islands in the Asia-Pacific region that are absolutely -- beyond the usual.
We wish this year’s UFTAA World Congress and General Assembly success and all future events and activities. We hope all will have an enjoyable and memorable stay in Manila and Villa Escudero, Quezon.
Mabuhay!
JOSEPH H. DURANO
Secretary