Local tourism news: Abaca resort on hot list, new showroom for pinoy products, etc.

What’s going on in local tourism:

Cebu’s abacá boutique resort on Conde Nast Annual Hot List
– included among 140 hotels and 50 spas all over the world; with special rates for locals (from P9,900 per night) until july 31, 2009

For bookings or inquiries, call (32) 495-3461 or (32) 236-0311, e-mail at reservations@abacaresort.com or visit www.abacaresort.com.

The abacá boutique resort + restaurant is located on Punta Engaño Road, Lapu-Lapu City, Mactan, Cebu.

PCCI, PLDT-SME Nation promote tourism business
oh this is something ive been looking out for for quite a while! a private sector-propelled tourism initiative for small businesses! hope this jumpstarts the inflow of more support…

PLDT-SME Nation and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) recently held the Grand Investour Launch, a means of encouraging businessmen to invest in tourism entrepreneurship, at the Manila Ocean Park in Pasay City.

“Through advocating for our tourism, we are able to generate more investment, more partnerships, and generate more jobs that contribute to nation-building. It’s about time that all of us get into tourism and for our local SMEs to invest in tourism,” PCCI vice chairman and tourism committee chairman Samie Lim said.

The Grand Investour Launch introduced PLDT products that could help increase revenue for tourism-based businesses — the Wi-Fi Hotspot, which provides mobile Internet for businesses wanting to increase customer traffic; PLDT Watcher, which enhances office security through a high-tech surveillance system; Negosyo Boost, which offers bundled services and hardware at reasonable prices; and the PLDT SWUP that allows wireless electronic fund transfers and makes credit card payments easier.

Also in the same article is a blurb about the recent Tourism Act of the Philippines:

Gordon who initiated and pushed for the approval into law of Republic Act 9593, also known as the Tourism Act of 2009, which creates the Tourism Estate Zone Authority that is mandated to pinpoint areas in the country for development as potential tourism destinations.

The Tourism Act of 2009 also calls for the creation of a Tourism Promotion Board that will have permanent funding for its efforts.

CDC, exporters ink deal for showroom, tourism café at Clark
Was just in Regalong Pambahay over the weekend, lauding it silently for the facility it creates for showcasing pinoy products. Glad to know a kickass permanent (lease term is 15 years) showroom is in the works already!

The Clark Development Corp. (CDC) and Philippine Exports Foundation’s collaboration aims to establish a tourism café, lifestyle showroom, trading house and pasalubong center for products manufactured in Central Luzon…in a 1,543-square-meter area along C.M. Recto Highway.

Down on The Farm — the Farm at San Benito reduces rates to tap the middle market:

Says director of sales and marketing Cita Villanueva: “We want to allow the average, hard-working family to be able to say, ‘I want to get away to The Farm.’” With its “Full Seven-Day Promo,” The Farm hopes to entice haggard Manilans who might want to book a getaway anytime during the week. The packages — available at special local rates valid until Sept. 30 — include:

• Rooms only are available at a 50-percent discount, starting at P3,500 single/P2,100 double (per person).

• A Day At The Farm: Guests can spend five to six hours to chill out, relax, learn about health, have a five-course meal and spa treatment. (P4,800/person)

• A Night at The Farm: Guests can enjoy a stress-free day, relax in a villa or suite and leave the next morning, starting at P10,050 single/P8,650 double (per person).

• Midweek at The Farm: This lower-priced promo runs from Monday to Thursday, with two nights at a better rate, spa treatments or room and breakfast and a custom-made two-day stay, starting at P15,150 single/P12,350 double (per person).

• Weekend Wellness: A three-day/two-night stay including breakfast at The Farm with a more enhanced program and deeper medical consultation at P20,150 single/P17,350 double (per person).

* * *

For more details, call the Manila Sales Office (ground floor, Shop 11, at The Peninsula Manila hotel) at 884-8074/75, mobile 0916-584-3855, or visit The Farm’s website at www.thefarm.com.ph.

The Farm at San Benito is located at 119 Barangay Tipakan, 4217 Lipa City, Batangas.

Sarangani wild river ride for brave hearts — white water tubing in Pacman’s hometown (with video)