Cover Shangri-La Boracay (Photo: Courtesy of TPB)
Shangri-La Boracay (Photo: Courtesy of TPB)
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Tourism Promotions Board chief Marga Nograles introduces the enhanced Travel Philippines app and shares her insights on luxe, sustainable journeys
Home to restful shores and waters, breathtaking summits, colourful fiestas, toothsome delicacies, and more, the Philippines is a treasure trove of wonders for every kind of traveller. As we await another year of quenching our wanderlust and making up for lost time, our many islands are poised as the destinations to tick off our lists first. There’s no place like home, after all.
This is what the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) sought to espouse in its new campaign slogan, unveiled earlier this year. “Love the Philippines” recognises the changing travel landscape post-pandemic, as travellers grow in favour of unique and more meaningful experiences. Modern explorers crave authenticity, yearning to immerse themselves in the essence of a destination rather than merely ticking off its tourist hotspots.
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Above Lagen beachfront, El Nido, Palawan (Photo: Courtesy of TPB)
Above Mandala Spa, Boracay (Photo: Courtesy of TPB)
Lagen beachfront, El Nido, Palawan (Photo: Courtesy of TPB)
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Above Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu (Photo: Courtesy of TPB)
Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu (Photo: Courtesy of TPB)
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As part and parcel of this shift, there is likewise a growing demand for journeys that are sustainable and luxurious at once—as designer-entrepreneur and TPB chief operating officer Marga Nograles recently told Tatler.
“The definition of luxury has evolved in the past years, from being brand-centric to curated and bespoke experiences,” she muses. Simply scroll through your social media feeds and you are sure to find a plethora of eye-catching travel content—this has spurred many young travellers to seek thrill, adventure, and exclusivity on their excursions. Meanwhile, the pandemic has undoubtedly left its mark, with several families and small groups opting for private resorts and islands for health and safety reasons.
This robust demand is one that the country and the TPB are both prepared to meet. Nograles attributes this to circular economies embedded in our culture, enthusiastically adding that our local communities offer respectful, colourful, and authentic immersive experiences unlike anywhere else.
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Logically, the next step here would be knowing where to look—a task made all the easier by the TPB’s new and enhanced Travel Philippines app, a handy and versatile tool for all explorers. Think of it like a digital compass or trove of knowledge in the palm of your hand, connecting you to authentic cultural encounters, off-the-beaten-path destinations, and DOT-accredited facilities in just a few clicks.
TPB chief operating officer Marga Nograles (Photo: Courtesy of TPB)
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“With the app, we aim to cater to the dynamic needs of modern travellers while making sure to bring business and livelihood to the individuals who make up the tourism sector,” Nograles says, once again shedding light on the circular and inclusive nature of the industry.
The ability to curate experiences is essential to discerning travellers, and the app allows this through its built-in itinerary planning tool, where they can easily plan their next getaway from the convenience of their phones. It also features a document manager where users can place all their digital travel documents in one place, making upcoming trips a guaranteed breeze. Last but not least, the app hosts an array of too-good-to-miss travel deals and promotions from partners all over the country, setting up unforgettable excursions one after another.
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“I personally like the functionality of the itinerary planner because I like travelling with my family. This allows me to plan a trip and see the attractions that my kids will enjoy. Not to mention, the marketplace for discounts; who doesn't like a bargain?” Nograles enthuses.
While on the subject, the TPB chief doesn’t fail to share her own recommendation for someone keen on experiencing the country’s luxurious sights using the app: “I recommend exploring the islands of Palawan for beach and dive enthusiasts, and discovering the attractions of Calabarzon for those seeking bespoke wellness retreats.”
Above El Rio y Mar Resort, Palawan (Photo: Courtesy of TPB)
El Rio y Mar Resort, Palawan (Photo: Courtesy of TPB)
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Above The Farm at San Benito (Photo: Courtesy of TPB)
Above The Farm at San Benito (Photo: Courtesy of TPB)
The Farm at San Benito (Photo: Courtesy of TPB)
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The word “bespoke” is truly key here, as Nograles underscores the TPB’s plans to enhance the app further through customisation. Being able to tailor your preferences and receive personalised recommendations within the app becomes a gateway to exploring the archipelago’s rich and diverse wonders, one island at a time.
Download the Travel Philippines app today.
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Trained as a student journalist, Mac’s knack for writing was a serendipitous discovery. Years later and she can’t imagine doing anything else. When she isn’t typing away on a story, she revels in being lost in a new city, revisiting a cosy film or sitcom, and idling away with her dogs.
