Philippine Tourism’s ‘Very Important Pinoy’ (VIP) Tour launched in New York

LOS ANGELES – Travelers from the United States can now avail of a Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour accompanied by ambassadors, consuls and tourism directors from all over the US.

Formerly known as the Ambassadors, Consuls General and Tourism Directors Tour (ACGTD), this special travel program is slated for July 21 – 30, 2024.

Launched at the Philippine Consulate General in New York and at the recent New York Travel  Show at Jacob Javits Convention Center, the tour group for this year will be headed by Consul General Senen Mangalile and NY Tourism Director Francisco Lardizabal, in partnership with Rajah Tours and Philippine Airlines.

“Love the Philippines” is the new slogan developed by the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT). It gives international visitors an opportunity to know more about the Philippines, beyond the promotions done in the past, primarily focused on fun. It provides travelers a chance to experience the Philippines’ diversity and rich culture, natural resources, the warmth of the Filipino people, and live part of the country’s storied history.

Leading the launch of VIP Tours 2024 were (from left): Consul General Senen Mangalile, Rajah Tours President JoJo Clemente, Philippine Airlines NY Manager Syed Imran Shahid and NY Tourism Attache Francisco Lardizabal, with Vice Consul Cathe Aguilar moderating. Photo from Carol Tanjutco

NY Tourism Attache Francisco Lardizabal underscored the importance of “diversification of portfolio through multidimensional tourism in order to maximize domestic and international tourism.”

An exciting part of the tour, Northern Mindanao will be explored by the group alongside DOT officials. Tour participants will see the bustling industrial modernization of Cagayan de Oro, interact with the Matigsalug Tribe of Bukidnon and experience Maranao culture in Iligan.

A targeted visitor arrival of 7.7 Million is set for 2024, with a goal of P482 billion revenue to boost the Philippine economy.

Every Filipino abroad is invited to be an ambassador for the country. A raffle promotion is up for grabs for those who can bring in visitors.

Philippine Airlines is in the process of packaging a special deal. A direct flight from JFK New York is the best way to go, with an approximate travel time of 15-16 hours. A warm welcome is being prepared by the Department of Tourism for the Very Important Pinoys  who will be joining the tour.

Philippine Tourism Attache Francisco Lardizabal (left) and Deputy Consul General Adrian Cruz invited visitors to the Philippine booth at this weekend’s New York Travel Show at Jacob Javits Convention center. Photo from Carol Tanjutco

Travelers may avail of additional tour packages to Cebu, Boracay and other destinations from Rajah Tours onsite. Extension of flights and hotel stays are available to suit every tourist’s preferences.

Tour itinerary and more details are available here. Deadline for registration is April 12, 2024.  A deposit of $500 is required. Full payment must be posted one month before the tour.

Contact your local DOT representative or nearest Philippine consulate. A local New York travel group is spearheading this promotion by posting updates, videos and further details at https://www.facebook.com/AdventurePlanner.

For the first time, the tour will showcase the three main islands of the Philippines: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. More specifically, it will cover Manila, Cagayan de Oro, Lakawon island, Bukidnon, Malaybalay and Iligan.

The guided tour is carefully curated to provide a total experience of what the Philippines has to offer – from eco and agri-tourism, action-packed excursions for the younger members of the family such as zip-lining and white-water rafting to a rare opportunity for cultural immersion with the Maranao tribes and to enjoy ethnic festivals.

The itinerary for the 10-day, 9-nights package includes all hotel accommodation, meals, airport transfer and local air fare, at a very low cost of only $2,033 for single occupants.

Double occupancy pricing goes down to $1,647. An estimated 300 to 400 visitors from the United States are expected to join the tour.

Balikbayans, children born in the US and friends of Filipino Americans will be delighted with the surprises awaiting them, organizers said.

The former Ambassadors Tour is now on its 15^th year.

“Love the Philippines” is the new slogan developed by the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT). It gives international visitors an opportunity to know more about the Philippines, beyond the promotions done in the past, primarily focused on fun. It provides travelers a chance to experience the Philippines’ diversity and rich culture, natural resources, the warmth of the Filipino people, and live part of the country’s storied history.

NY Tourism Attache Francisco Lardizabal underscored the importance of “diversification of portfolio through multidimensional tourism in order to maximize domestic and international tourism.”

An exciting part of the tour, Northern Mindanao will be explored by the group alongside DOT officials. Tour participants will see the bustling industrial modernization of Cagayan de Oro, interact with the Matigsalug Tribe of Bukidnon and experience Maranao culture in Iligan.

A targeted visitor arrival of 7.7 Million is set for 2024, with a goal of P482 billion revenue to boost the Philippine economy.

Every Filipino abroad is invited to be an ambassador for the country. A raffle promotion is up for grabs for those who can bring in visitors.

Philippine Airlines is in the process of packaging a special deal. A direct flight from JFK New York is the best way to go, with an approximate travel time of 15-16 hours. A warm welcome is being prepared by the Department of Tourism for the Very Important Pinoys  who will be joining the tour.

Travelers may avail of additional tour packages to Cebu, Boracay and other destinations from Rajah Tours onsite. Extension of flights and hotel stays are available to suit tourists’ preferences.

Tour itinerary and more details are available here. Deadline for registration is April 12, 2024.  A deposit of $500 is required. Full payment must be posted one month before the tour.

Contact your local DOT representative or nearest Philippine consulate. A local New York travel group is spearheading this promotion by posting updates, videos and further details at https://www.facebook.com/AdventurePlanner.