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According to figures from the Philippines Department of Tourism, May 2008 registered 2,60,567 international tourist arrivals, of which 42 per cent were form East Asian countries like China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea and Taiwan.
Tourism Initiatives
Although the national language is Filipino, the Philippines Tourism Board is marketing the destination as an English speaking nation, which is considered to be their USP over other South East Asian countries. Also, there has been a shift in the dynamics of the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry. Manila is slowly evolving as the next hub for the BPO industry as it employs a huge number of English speaking population of the city.
The Philippines Department of Tourism considers the destination as a strong contender for the MICE segment. In spite of the connectivity roadblocks, corporate groups can eye the Philippines for future conventions. As per the tourism department's report convention facilities that can accommodate 300 people are available in smaller cities, while the metropolitan areas are equipped to accommodate more. Thanks to the American influence on the Filipino culture, the English speaking population is definitely an added advantage for those who seek to conduct business or want to holiday in this part of the world. MICE packages that include destinations like Cebu, Boracay, and Bohol can be bundled up to add water sport activities, spas and a sense of tranquillity for the corporate traveller.
Attractions
Philippines is primarily being promoted as a destination for shopaholics and Manila can be regarded as the haven for shoppers. Manila 's emerging cityscape is reminiscent of its Asian counterparts as commercial parks, shopping malls and residential projects occupy most of the urban landscape. In fact, Manila houses the third largest mall (after the South Dongguan Mall and Golden Resources Mall in China ) in the world called the SM Mall of Asia. The mall, which was constructed on the reclamation area of Manila Bay , overlooks a dining strip and an open air park, 'San Miguel by the Bay,' located behind the mall.
In 2007, the government in power demolished eateries and shops located along the shore of Manila Bay, popularly known as Baywalk, and created the dining strip near SM Mall which now caters to the food patrons of erstwhile Baywalk. The sea food market in the dining strip has stalls that cook the fresh purchase or `catch' as per the patron's request. The local Filipino food is a fusion of Oriental, European and American culinary influences. Road side eateries and fast food outlets offer plenty of options for those who wish to explore the local culinary delights.
Other shopping spots in Metro Manila include the Robinsons mall, Greenhills, Glorietta and Greenbelt . Most of these shopping centres feature everything from international brands, designer clothes and accessories, electronic gadgets to nearly genuine fakes of popular brands. In tune with its name Metro Manila is the centre for all entertainment and cultural activities. Live bands and musical performances are an integral part of the city's nightlife. The Filipinos are obsessed with karaoke, which is a common feature in restaurants, night clubs, lounges and almost every bar in the downtown area.
For tourists who want to try their luck at gambling tables, there are casinos in Manila and in the cities of Angeles, Olongapo, Tagatay, Cebu, Davao , Bacolod and Laoag. Philippines was under Spanish rule for over three hundred years, and their presence is felt in the history and the nomenclature of local populace. The Intramurous is the oldest district in Manila city. Built by the Spaniards in the 16th Century, the name translates as 'within the walls' and the district truly represents the medieval Spanish era with its tall walls and moats that surround various structures within the district.
Places of Interest
Intramurous forms the heart of the city's history and it also features the Manila Cathedral. Another attraction in this region is the Fort Santiago 's site of torture chamber and also the San Augustin Church. Metro Manila can be further explored to visit the National Museum , Rizal Park , Sunset Boulevard, Manila Ocean Park and Paco Park , a recreational park constructed on the municipal cemetery of Manila during the colonial rule. The revered Manila Hotel, which was built in 1901, is regarded as one of major landmarks of the city and is a popular tourist attraction. The Ermita and Malate districts of Manila city are considered to be the tourist belt of Manila , the former is well known for its art galleries and antique shops, while the latter flaunts its cosy cafes, music lounges and performance theatres.
Local Transport
Local transport is cheap and comfortable with extremely over crowded buses and trains mostly a rare sight. Metered taxis and fixed rate taxis are available along with buses and 'jeepneys.' The retro coloured `jeepneys' plying on the streets of Manila are in stark contrast with the otherwise urban city layout. The `jeepney' drivers have the liberty to fabricate the car as per their choice. Although this is a non-conventional mode of transport, the government has clearly demarcated the zones for transit and designated fares for passengers. The minimum fare for a `jeepney' ride begins at eight peso (PHP) and it is by far the preferred mode of transit for many people in Philippines .
The Light Rail Transport (LRT) connects the Northern district of Monumento to the Southern district of Baclaran. Similarly the Metro Rail Transport traverses the length of Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) and connects North Avenue in Quezon City to Taft Avenue in Pasay City and passes through the major arteries of Makati 's financial district. The railway system in Metro Manila has the fastest connectivity. Metro Manila 's swank look does remind you of a sophisticated and organised version of Mumbai, but the retro styled `jeepneys' leave a strong, colourful and graphic impact on the visitors mind. It is a unique ride that one can associate with the city.
Connectivity
There is no direct flight to Philippines from India ; all flights are routed via Hong Kong to Manila , which is a major deterrent for this travel destination. A tourism official informed that conservatism concerning the Indian tourist market is mainly due to this reason. This coupled with the continued rise in fuel prices and travel related taxes are some of the major factors that thwart the tourism potential of Philippines from India 's perspective.
Accommodation
There is no scarcity in terms of hotel rooms, in Manila and key cities across Philippines , as a wide selection of luxury, standard and economy accommodations are available. The hotel industry is undergoing a radical transformation like in India , with the entry of major hotel brands like Marriott, Shangrila La Group and Raffles opening properties in the near future.
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