Attention balikbayans: Tourism ‘X’mas Countdown’ has begun

Christmas countdown begins at the Department of Tourism  (left to right): Catherine Agustin, Head, Internal Services, DOT NCR; Usec. Maria Victoria V. Jasmin, DOT Tourism Regulation, Coordination and Resource Generation (TRCRG); Oscar Feliciano, Makati City Tourism Officer; and Asec. Arturo Boncato, DOT TRCRG. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

SAN FRANCISCO – Once again, the Department of Tourism (DOT) office along Senator Gil J. Puyat Avenue and Jupiter Street in Makati City has opened its doors to the public for its “Countdown to Christmas: Celebrating the Regions” beginning September 21 until December 18.

This Yuletide countdown showcases the best tourism products and services of the Philippines’ 16 regions for a period of two weeks each. It will be the tourism regions’ yearly showcase during the Christmas season by promoting their diverse cultures through vignette fiesta performances, native arts and crafts, locally processed and packed food products as well as travel packages featuring both popular and emerging tourist destinations. The kick-off is also in time for the tourism month.

This year, the focus is on Community-based Ecotourism (CBET) sites with their products and services. There will be a travel consultant or concierge to share information and give professional advice to visitors.

The DOT building’s ground and second floors will be converted into an Eco Store where the regions’ native products, especially gifts for Christmas, will be on sale on said duration.

Tourism Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr. remarked, “The Philippines holds the distinction of having the longest Christmas season in the world, starting early in September and even lasting until January 6 or the feast of the Three Kings.”

He added: “The success of this project, which debuted last year, inspired us to continue and give our foreign and local tourists alike a glimpse how Christmas is celebrated across the archipelago and how our brand of fun becomes more vivid this time of the year.”

The Ramon Magsaysay High School Chorale performing during the opening of the DOT Christmas Countdown.

Undersecretary Maria Victoria V. Jasmin of the Tourism Regulation, Coordination and Resource Generation (TRCRG) sector said, “No need to do heavy shopping when you travel out-of-town during the holidays. Through the ‘Countdown to Christmas: Celebrating the Regions,’ we are bringing the best local products and tour packages for the most affordable price right here for the next three months. This is our humble way of bringing Yuletide’s good cheers and warmest greetings to all Filipinos and our visitors.”

The clusters on display are: Metro Manila (September 21-October 2), Southern Luzon (October 5-16), Mindanao (October 19-30), Northern Luzon (November 3-13), Visayas (November 16-27), and One Philippines: All Regions (November 30-December 18).

For more details, contact the office of DOT Assistant Secretary Arturo Boncato, Jr. through javascript:void(0);[email protected] or telephone numbers 459-5200 to 30.

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