Department of Tourism, Cebu Pacific and HRRACI Launch Visit Cebu Campaign, Offering Flight Discounts and Accommodation Deals to Boost Post-Disaster Tourism Growth

In an effort to create more tourist arrivals in Cebu following the recent natural disasters that hit the province, the Department of Tourism (DOT) teamed up with Cebu Pacific and the Hotel, Resort, and Restaurant Association of Cebu Inc. (HRRACI), offering incentives to achieve this goal. The memorandum of understanding was signed last Friday to formalize the partnership during the launching of the “Visit Cebu” campaign.

This initiative will aid in rebuilding tourism here in Cebu through discounted flights, hotel vouchers, and various promotional packages for foreign travelers. The tourism drive will focus on primary international markets, such as Korea, Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Vietnam, to bring more international visitors to the region.

Flight and Accommodation Offers to Support Local Businesses and Workers

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco emphasized that the “Visit Cebu” campaign is a crucial step in supporting local businesses and workers in Cebu, especially as the province recovers from the recent disruptions. The incentives include discounted flights from Cebu Pacific, as well as special accommodation deals from participating hotels and resorts across the region. Some travelers will also receive a complimentary one-night stay, further enhancing the appeal of Cebu as a tourist destination.

This initiative is not only aimed at boosting tourism in the province but also at ensuring economic recovery for the hospitality sector, which has faced challenges in the wake of the recent natural disasters. By promoting affordable travel options and exclusive hotel packages, the campaign hopes to draw more international tourists to Cebu, offering them access to the province’s beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, and thriving cultural experiences.

Targeting Key Markets to Expand Cebu’s Global Appeal

The “Visit Cebu” campaign will focus its efforts on attracting visitors from six key markets: Korea, Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Vietnam. These regions have shown a strong interest in traveling to Cebu in recent years, making them ideal targets for the promotional efforts. The campaign will be supported by digital promotions, allowing Cebu Pacific’s existing international routes to the province to connect travelers with easy access to the Philippines’ top destination.

Additionally, HRRACI President Mia Leon mentioned that the association is coordinating with its member establishments to provide affordable accommodation options and manage the distribution of vouchers to maximize the impact of the campaign. The collaboration between the private sector and government agencies reflects a unified approach to driving tourism recovery and ensuring the long-term growth of the tourism economy in Cebu.

Promoting Cebu’s Dive Tourism and Regional Experiences

As part of the “Visit Cebu” campaign, familiarization trips will be organized in Moalboal and Malapascua, highlighting the region’s rich dive tourism offerings. These regions are renowned for their underwater biodiversity, making Cebu an ideal destination for diving enthusiasts. The familiarization trips will be tied to the upcoming Philippine Dive Experience event, organized by the DOT, further enhancing Cebu’s profile as a premier diving tourism destination.

Cebu’s diverse tourism offerings, ranging from beach resorts to adventure tourism and cultural experiences, provide the perfect blend of relaxation and exploration for visitors. By promoting sustainable tourism and nature-based experiences, the campaign will attract both eco-conscious travelers and those seeking more active and cultural vacation options.

Long-Term Tourism Growth and Economic Resilience

The “Visit Cebu” campaign represents a pivotal moment in Cebu’s tourism recovery. While the immediate goal is to increase tourism arrivals and support local businesses, the long-term tourism impact extends to broader goals such as regional development and economic diversification. The province’s commitment to sustainable tourism, cultural preservation, and eco-friendly travel positions Cebu as a top destination for those seeking a more responsible travel experience.

The growth of alternative tourism, including adventure tourism, eco-tourism, and cultural tourism, will provide the foundation for Cebu’s tourism sector to expand and thrive sustainably in the future. The expansion of air connectivity and continued private-public collaboration will foster a resilient tourism ecosystem that balances the need for economic growth with the preservation of the region’s natural and cultural resources.

Cebu’s Bright Future as a Sustainable Tourism Hub

No doubt, this “Visit Cebu” campaign by the Department of Tourism, Cebu Pacific, and HRRACI will further accelerate the recovery process of the region’s tourism sector and ensure long-term economic growth. The campaign will grant reasonable flight and accommodation access to ensure a continuous stream of foreign visitors who will help boost local businesses and augment the income of tourism workers. This initiative will surely contribute to a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient tourism ecosystem, securing Cebu as one of the most sought-after destinations in Southeast Asia for generations to come, as Cebu’s tourism industry diversifies and expands.

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M7 World Championship in Indonesia Boosts Esports Influence, Sports Tourism and Regional Development Growth, Showcasing its Cultural Heritage

M7 World Championship (M7) is expected to position Indonesia at the cutting edge of international esports and make it one of the major influencers of the sports tourism industry. Scheduled to be held in Jakarta in 2025, the M7 is a major event in the global Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) esports calendar, and it is expected to make its presence felt in the industries of esports tourism and cultural tourism in Indonesia. This is because of its unique ability to combine sports, entertainment, and tourism.

Through the organization of such a prestigious event, Indonesia is promoting its attractiveness to the global community, not only to gamers but also sports tourists who are keen to immerse themselves in the lively Indonesian gaming culture and rich heritage. M7 is projected to generate considerable tourist traffic, which is expected to boost the development of tourism in Indonesia.

Tourism Growth: M7 to Boost Sports Tourism and International Visitor Numbers

The M7 World Championship is set to have a profound impact on sports tourism in Indonesia. As one of the biggest esports tournaments in the world, it will attract international visitors from across the globe, particularly those involved in the gaming and esports industries. This global exposure will increase tourism flows, benefiting the local hospitality sector, transportation, retail, and other tourism-related industries.

Jakarta, the tournament’s host city, will likely experience a surge in tourists, particularly those with an interest in esports, but also sports tourism enthusiasts keen on participating in related events and activities. With the growing popularity of sports tourism, particularly in emerging sectors like esports, events like the M7 will help Indonesia attract new international audiences while also enhancing its appeal to existing markets. As the world’s most populous region with a rapidly growing middle class, Southeast Asia—especially Indonesia—is becoming an increasingly important player in the global sports tourism industry.

Cultural and Sports Tourism Collaboration: Bridging Esports and Traditional Tourism

The M7 event is more than just a competitive gaming tournament; it is a celebration of sports tourism, where gaming enthusiasts can enjoy a deeper cultural experience. Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage will play a central role in the event, with the M7’s opening ceremony set to showcase traditional Indonesian culture through performances, art, and cultural storytelling. As fans and tourists travel to Jakarta, they will experience the unique fusion of sports tourism and cultural tourism, which is becoming a key trend in global travel.

The M7 World Championship is set to serve as a model for how sports tourism can be integrated with gaming events, where the destination itself becomes an essential part of the fan experience. Visitors will not only watch the tournament but will also be able to immerse themselves in the local culture, enjoying activities that highlight Indonesia’s diverse landscapes, culinary traditions, and historic sites. This multi-dimensional approach to tourism creates an engaging experience for visitors, attracting both traditional sports fans and esports enthusiasts.

The Future Impact of M7: Long-Term Benefits for Indonesia’s Sports and Tourism Sectors

The long-term impact of the M7 World Championship on Indonesia’s sports tourism landscape cannot be understated. By positioning the country as a global esports hub, the event will pave the way for more high-profile gaming events and sports tourism initiatives in the future. This will provide a significant boost to Indonesia’s tourism industry, particularly in the off-peak seasons, when traditional tourism experiences can be complemented by esports tournaments and sports-related events.

Additionally, as esports continues to grow in popularity, it will become a more prominent niche within sports tourism. The M7 serves as an example of how gaming tourism can attract a younger, dynamic audience, who often travel not just for the competition but also for the cultural experience, entertainment, and social aspects surrounding the event. This makes the M7 a vital part of Indonesia’s tourism diversification strategy, ensuring that the country remains competitive in the evolving global tourism market.

Economic and Community Benefits: Strengthening Local Economies Through Esports

Beyond the immediate tourism and travel benefits, the M7’s success will have lasting economic benefits for Indonesia. Sports tourism, driven by events like the M7, plays a crucial role in job creation, local business growth, and infrastructure development. The influx of international visitors for esports events will also lead to more investment in tourism infrastructure, including better transport networks, hotels, and convention centers—improvements that benefit both tourism and the broader economic ecosystem.

The M7 also provides an opportunity for local communities to participate in the tourism economy, through volunteer roles, small business opportunities, and engagement in local cultural exchanges. This will help foster inclusive growth and ensure that the benefits of the event are felt by a wide range of stakeholders, from local vendors to small businesses.

A New Era of Sports Tourism and Esports in Indonesia

M7 World Championship: This event is expected to be a game-changer for Indonesia, with esports tourism becoming one of the key elements of the tourism economy of the country. This event promises to provide a completely novel tourism experience for everyone involved, with the ability to enjoy both the tourism opportunities of the country as well as the esports that the M7 World championship intends to provide.

As the sports tourism industry keeps developing, the M7 is set to become a catalyst for future sport tourism events that blend the elements of gaming, culture, and tourism, ensuring that Indonesia is always at the forefront of sports tourism as well as gaming tourism. The long-term effect of this event on the tourism industries of Indonesia is expected to make the country one of the pioneers of sports tourism and gaming tourism globally.

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Forbidden City Goes Digital: Beijing Hosts Unique Photography Event With Diplomats

One of the Beijing Palace Museum’s events featuring diplomats, mobile photography enthusiasts, and experts in mobile photography, to be at the forefront of the cultural exchange, is the most recent example of the use of mobile technology to bridge culture. Mobile photography’s ability to preserve and share cultural legacies is what the many participants of the event, sponsored by Photoworld Magazine, Palace Museum, Beijing Service Bureau for Diplomatic Missions, and China Photo Service, were testifying to. The event served as the most international testimony to the use of images as instruments of communication. More than 50 diplomatic representatives, alongside famous photographers of China, several business people, and other distinguished guests, served the event’s purpose to testify to the use of mobile photography in international dialogue. Diplomats captured the image of the Forbidden City, which is a World Heritage Site. It is a representation of China’s culture and history.

Using Mobile Photography to Promote Exchange

The “Capture the Nearby Glory of the Forbidden City” program is part of a larger collection effort of foreign diplomats to promote integration of Chinese history with photography. This event was the centerpiece of the Diplomats’ Tour of the Forbidden City 2025 program, where diplomats were invited to one of China’s cultural relics to appreciate its history and artistry and take photographs to document the visit. More than 6000 photos were collected, representing over 30 countries with varying perspectives on one of China’s historical and cultural icons, the Forbidden City.

Wang Xudong, Palace Museum’s Director, was the first speaker and talked about the role of photography in the promotion of culture and cultural understanding. He pointed out that through the lens of a camera, people from anywhere in the world can engage with China’s history. The event drew speeches from Xu Yuchang, Secretary General of Xinhua News Agency, and Zhang Chi, Deputy Director of the Beijing Service Bureau for Diplomatic Missions, and focused on the opportunities to augment understanding and promote relationships of diplomacy through photography.

Diplomats’ Photography Awards: Celebrating Global Perspectives

At the event, the winners of the Diplomats’ Photography Awards were announced. First place went to Laura Olivo, Second Secretary of the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in China, who skillfully captured the beautiful architecture of the Forbidden City on her cell phone. During the ceremony, Olivo talked about the palace’s enormous beauty and how she used cell phone photography to hold onto memories that would have otherwise slipped away.

After the ceremony, the participants went to the Palace Museum to view the exhibits of the various photographs. These photos, together with the participants’ memories, provided new and different insights and cultural perspectives on the Forbidden City’s details and documentation. Combined with contributions from distinguished Chinese photographers, the diplomats’ works exemplify the use of cell phone photography to record and disseminate history.

Capturing the Forbidden City with Your Phone

Another special part of the event was the Image Art Sharing Session, where the speakers talked about the importance of mobile photography in documenting cultural sites in China. Shaobai Li, one of the most well-known mobile photographers, talked about the true and real moments in any place that get captured through mobile devices. Li also expressed how the mobile devices give an everyday point of view of the Forbidden City, and that makes it easy for people in any part of the world to connect with it.

Xing Guangli, Senior Reporter and Director of the Social News Interview Room of the Xinhua News Agency, narrated historical poetry about the Palace Museum and described how the place has changed. Another senior reporter, Jin Liangkuai, focused on the documents of the Forbidden City and its changes from an imperial palace to an accessible cultural building. She also captured the journey of the museum through documentary photography.

Vision for the Future: Technology and the Arts

While the symposium was going on, we released photographs taken by diplomats and their Chinese colleagues. These photographs were on display in the “Light & Ink · Forbidden City” exhibition. The participants exhibited photographs of the beautiful architectural formations of the palace and its cultural abstractions, such as the red walls, golden roofs, and classic courtyards. The exhibition demonstrated the importance of mobile phones in the sphere of cross-cultural communication as they allow the capture of beautiful images and priceless moments, as well as share them in the contemporary world.

The use of mobile imaging technology for cultural communication is unprecedented. It enables the instantaneous distribution of pictures that allow people to value different aspects of China’s culture and heritage. The participants appreciated how their mobile devices helped them document their travels and share them instantly with people in their social circles. This resulted in a heightened cross-cultural dialogue and increased appreciation of the culture.

Beijing’s Central Axis Through Mobile Photography

Another part of the event was the mobile photography exhibition at Beijing Fang, along the city’s central axis. Titled “Beijing Central Axis · Images of the Era,” the exhibition combined photographs of the Forbidden City and the central axis, showcasing the history of Beijing from the imperial period to the present. The exhibition testimony to the importance of mobile photography as a tool to capture the city’s history and document its modern transformation.

The exhibition was included in the Mobile Photography Initiative “Beijing Central Axis · Images of the Era,” which received more than 50,000 entries from all over the world. The exhibition, made in collaboration with the technological enterprise vivo, demonstrated the mobile imaging technology’s ability to drive cultural modernity and global engagement in the preservation of Beijing’s historical and cultural sites.

Conclusion: A New Era of Cultural Exchange Through Photography

Once the event was finished, the role of mobile photography and its ability to close the cultural gap and promote conversations across the world became evident. Capturing and sharing the beauty of the Forbidden City, diplomats and photographers, along with the participants, redefined the historical value of the site into a global representation. With this creative use of technology, China exemplifies new ways of preserving cultural heritage and communicating its value.

This event also promoted the use of mobile imaging to promote a more profound cultural understanding and collaboration across borders. With mobile photography as a means to document travels and experiences, more people will engage with China’s fascinating history and culture.

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Philippines: DOT PH Seals Landmark Wellness Deal With CG Hospitality Global To Attract Indian Travellers

A significant strategic alliance has been formalized with the intention of drastically reshaping regional tourism flows. A landmark agreement has been officially signed between the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT PH) and CG Hospitality Global, the distinguished hospitality arm of CG Corp Global. This collaborative effort has been specifically designed to significantly boost the volume of inbound tourism flowing from India to the beautiful archipelago of the Philippines. The overarching objective of this unprecedented partnership is the proactive pursuit of the immense and growing market of India’s 50 million outbound travelers, a demographic recognized globally for its escalating expenditure and desire for world-class, experiential journeys.

The Strategic Rationale Behind the Landmark Agreement

The formalization of this agreement was necessitated by the need to secure a larger share of the swiftly expanding Indian outbound travelers market. The Philippines has been increasingly recognized for its spectacular natural beauty, rich cultural tapestries, and burgeoning luxury tourism infrastructure. Nevertheless, historically, the destination has been underrepresented within the itinerary choices of affluent and middle-class Indian tourists when compared to other Southeast Asian nations. This strategic initiative, therefore, serves as a crucial mechanism to bridge that perception gap.

The decision to partner with CG Hospitality Global was strategically made, given its extensive global footprint and its particular expertise in developing and managing high-end, transformative hospitality experiences. This partnership is not merely a promotional exercise; it is an integrated strategy intended to communicate the full spectrum of Philippine tourism assets, ranging from pristine sun-and-sand attractions to the niche, yet highly profitable, segment of medical and holistic wellness tourism. It is understood that to effectively attract India’s 50 million outbound travelers, a tailored approach must be employed, moving beyond conventional beach holidays to offer compelling reasons for Indian families, couples, and wellness enthusiasts to select the Philippines over established competitors. This focused effort is intended to ensure that the economic benefits generated by this influential flow of tourists are channeled directly into the Philippine economy, supporting local employment and infrastructure development.

Unlocking the Potential of the Indian Outbound Market

The sheer scale of the target—India’s 50 million outbound travelers—cannot be overstated, representing one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing source markets globally. This massive flow is being driven by powerful socioeconomic forces: a robust national economy leading to substantially increased disposable incomes, a youthful and aspirational demographic with a high propensity for international exploration, and a significant shift in consumer preferences towards customized and unique travel experiences. Furthermore, it is acknowledged that this generation of Indian travelers is seeking more than just sightseeing; they are actively pursuing authentic cultural immersion, adventurous activities, and, most notably, rejuvenating wellness retreats.

The Central Role of The Farm at San Benito in Wellness Tourism

Central to the realization of this ambitious target is the strategic positioning of The Farm at San Benito. Located south of Manila, this eco-luxury wellness resort occupies a sprawling expanse of over 52 hectares of lush, life-sustaining greenery. The property has earned widespread international acclaim and more than 100 prestigious global accolades for its holistic medical wellness programs. It is being leveraged as a powerful magnet to draw in the segment of Indian outbound travelers specifically focused on health, detoxification, and life transformation.

The resort’s unique selling proposition resides in its science-based, evidence-guided approach to holistic health. Guests are offered comprehensive, medically supervised detox programs, therapeutic healing modalities, and customized nutritional plans aimed at addressing modern lifestyle diseases. This level of dedication to integrated wellness is highly appealing to the discerning Indian traveler who views health as the ultimate luxury. The recent incorporation of The Farm at San Benito into the Autograph Collection by Marriott further strengthens its global standing and accessibility, providing the assurance of Marriott International’s quality and reach to the target market.

CG Hospitality Global’s Vision and Regional Influence

The indispensable role played by CG Hospitality Global in this partnership cannot be overlooked. As the owning company of The Farm at San Benito and the hospitality arm of the massive conglomerate CG Corp Global, its involvement provides the essential private-sector infrastructure, operational excellence, and investment required for such a large-scale international tourism drive. The group’s portfolio spans numerous countries and continents, giving it unparalleled experience in catering to diverse international markets, including the highly specific demands of the South Asian tourist.

The commitment shown by CG Hospitality Global underscores a long-term strategic vision for promoting wellness and experiential hospitality across Asia. The agreement is seen not only as a means to increase tourism for the Philippines but also as a step towards establishing a regional wellness corridor that caters to the rising global demand for transformative journeys. This collaborative spirit, where a major international private entity aligns its commercial interests with the national tourism goals of the Philippine Department of Tourism, provides a robust model for future public-private initiatives.

Future Trajectories for Bilateral Tourism Growth

The implications of this landmark agreement extend far beyond immediate promotional gains; they signal a fundamental commitment to fostering a new era of mutually beneficial bilateral relations between India and the Philippines. With a target market of 50 million outbound travelers in view, the collaborative efforts are expected to lead to tangible improvements in air connectivity, potentially including the introduction of new direct flight paths, which would dramatically reduce travel time and cost, thus removing a historic impediment to tourism growth.

Furthermore, the joint venture is expected to stimulate the development of specialized tourism products designed specifically for the Indian demographic, such as destination weddings, corporate retreats, and bespoke luxury itineraries. The long-term success of this initiative will be measured not just by the volume of Indian arrivals but also by the sustainability and positive economic impact generated across the Philippine tourism ecosystem. The focused marketing of high-yield sectors, such as wellness tourism championed by The Farm at San Benito, is projected to increase the overall value contributed by each visitor. Through the sustained efforts and coordinated strategy implemented by the Philippine Department of Tourism and CG Hospitality Global, the Philippines is confidently expected to secure its place as a preferred and pivotal destination for the expanding pool of Indian outbound travelers, thereby solidifying its position within the competitive global tourism arena for decades to come. The groundwork has been firmly established, and the stage is now set for a significant and transformative increase in visitor exchange between the two nations.

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