World tourist numbers surge to nearly 1.1 billion

MADRID - International tourist numbers surged to nearly 1.1 billion in 2013 in defiance of global economic troubles, with Asia-Pacific destinations enjoying the fastest growth, a United Nations body said Monday.

The rise in tourism coincided with sluggish economic growth worldwide and unrest in top destinations such as Egypt, shunned by visitors fearful of the turmoil unleashed by the army's ouster of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in July.

Despite those troubles, the number of international tourist arrivals beat expectations by soaring five percent to 1.09 billion in 2013, the UN World Tourism Organization said in a report, tipping further growth in 2014.

"The tourism sector has shown a remarkable capacity to adjust to the changing market conditions, fuelling growth and job creation around the world, despite the lingering economic and geopolitical challenges," said the UN body's secretary general, Taleb Rifai.

"Indeed, tourism has been among the few sectors generating positive news for many economies," he said, hailing 2013 as an "excellent year".

Expectations of stronger economic activity set the scene for a further expansion in tourism in 2014 with international arrivals expected to grow again by 4.0-4.5 percent in 2014, the body said, urging countries to support fair and sustainable growth in the sector.

International tourist arrivals rose at the fastest rate in the Asia-Pacific region, where numbers were up by six percent to 248 million, it said. Southeast Asia performed best, with arrivals up 10 percent.

Europe, however, remained the biggest destination overall, with international tourist arrivals up five percent to 563 million.

In the Americas, arrivals grew by four percent to 169 million.

The number of international tourists arriving in Africa grew by six percent to 56 million.

But results in the Middle East were "mixed and volatile", with arrivals from other countries unchanged at 56 million, the report said.

Among countries of origin, Chinese tourists -- already leading the way with expenditure of $102 billion in 2012 -- pushed up total spending by 28 percent in the first nine months of 2013, the UN body said.

Tourists from Russia, the fifth largest country of origin of international tourists, drove up spending by 26 percent in the same period, it said.

source: interaksyon.com

Eat, pray, love? Pack your bags and go to Bohol!

Bohol, located in the Central Visayas region, may not be as party-savvy as Boracay, but it continues to steadily attract tourists for its delicious cuisine, traditional crafts, historical and religious landmarks, and but of course, it beaches and other natural sites. There’s more to Bohol than just swimming on its blue waters and lazing around its white-sand beach resorts throughout your stay—though not a bad idea, actually.

Need a change of pace from hurried urban life? Have to think some things over? Or even looking for a romantic getaway? Then pack your bags and take your next holiday vacation to Bohol.

Visitors can either rough it up by riding its public vehicles or rent a van complete with your very own tour guide to hop from one destination to the other.

Taste Bohol

What’s a holiday without enjoying a foodie trip? There aren’t any gigantic malls serving as go-to dining options but Bohol offers a range of restaurants scattered all over the island offering local and international cuisines. Seafood dining establishments are popular here while some Asian and European expats who have fallen in love with the place have also set up restaurants serving their authentic cuisines.


But, of course, when in Bohol, don’t leave the place without ever trying out a lunch buffet at the famous Loboc River Cruise Restaurant. True, it’s a touristy thing to do, but taking river cruise along Loboc River with a view of the mountains, getting serenaded by local singers, while enjoying an eat-all-you can Filipino buffet is quite a novel experience.

During the cruise, the boat makes a stop at a floating souvenir shop where local crafts are sold and locals perform traditional Filipino dances.


Centuries-old churches

Away from the beach and back in town, marvel at the centuries-old churches of Bohol. Catholic churches built from stone during the Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines feature beautiful architecture as well as antique religious icons.


One of the popular churches here is Baclayon Catholic Church, which has been declared as a National Historic Treasure in 1995. The original structure was built in 1595, although the present building is from 1724. Visitors can also check the museum of religious clothes and relics inside the museum. Free guided tours are available.

Some ancestral homes are also available for touring by scheduled arrangement.

Beautiful nature

Of course, one will easily fall in love with the natural attractions in Bohol as well. The waters around Balicasag island, for example, has been declared as a marine sanctuary. It’s home to whales and dolphins that one can see jumping joyously during early morning. Various marine life are also waiting to be discovered by divers and snorkelers.



On land, Bohol is home to the famous Chocolate Hills, a formation of hills that are green and vibrant during the rainy season but become brown as its grass and plants dry up by summer (thus, the name Chocolate Hills).

When in souvenir shops, get a t-shirt, a keychain, or mug. Most likely, it features Chocolate Hills to represent the province.

Another famous icon in many Bohol souvenirs is the tarsier. The Philippine tarsier, (Tarsius syrichta) is one of the smallest known primates in the world. Usually as tall as 3 to 6 inches, one can practically hold it on one’s hand.


Tarsiers look cuddly because of their size and enormous eyes but be warned that they are very shy animals. A nocturnal creature, the tarsier eats insects. Visitors are encouraged to view them at the Philippine Tarsier Foundation where they are protected and allowed to live in their natural habitat.


Luxurious stay

The starting point to all these enjoyable experiences happen in one’s temporary home in Bohol. Go all out and spoil yourself in the province’s many luxurious resorts.

Bluewater Panglao Beach Resort, for instance, has 46 deluxe rooms, four lofts, three honeymoon villas, and a family villa. Designed according to the Modern Filpino style by Benji Reyes, the hotel takes pride in its use of recycled wood for its cantilevered beds.

A freshwater pool has also been impressively designed with touches of wood.


Finally, a holiday vacation in this tropical destination isn’t complete without checking out Amuma Spa where its well-trained staff promises to keep visitors spoiled and feeling totally relaxed with is signature Hilot massage or its various massage therapies and body treatments.

source: interaksyon.com

Enchanted Kingdom plans hotels, water parks for expansion

MANILA - Enchanted Kingdom plans to build hotels and water parks in the next three to five years to attract more visitors.

Cynthia Romero Mamon, chief operating officer of Enchanted Kingdom Inc said the company plans to double the size of the theme park from the current 15 hectares to accommodate the hotels and water parks.

"We are actually doing the master plan for now and we are designing it already. As soon as the designs are made before the end of the year then we are ready to start," Mamon said.

She said the company expects to launch a major attraction by next year and the construction of the hotels may start in two years.

Enchanted Kingdom is open for partnerships to expand its operation in other parts of the country, Mamon said, adding that the company is in talks with new investors and existing shareholders for the planned expansion.

"Our goal is to help boost tourism both domestic and foreign. At present, the number of foreign visitors is very little that's why we need to do more major attractions that would be appealing to foreign tourists," she said.

Enchanted Kingdom recorded over two million visitors last year.

"We have experienced impressive growth. We are very, very happy," Mamon said.

Homegrown Enchanted Kingdom was opened to the public on October 1995 and is considered the Philippines' "Disneyland."

source: interaksyon.com