Jakarta, September 1, 2022 – After two years of limited global travel due to the pandemic, the Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) made a vibrant comeback at the Astindo Hybrid Travel Fair 2022, held from September 1–4, 2022 at PIK Avenue Mall, North Jakarta.
Marking its first major participation since the pandemic, the Philippines was featured as a Preferred Destination, presenting compelling reasons why the country remains a must-visit for Indonesian travelers.
Welcoming Indonesian Tourists Back to the Philippines
The Philippines reopened its borders to international tourists on February 10, 2022, followed by the removal of the pre-departure COVID-19 testing requirement for fully vaccinated travelers as of May 30, 2022. Between the reopening and August 7, 2022, the PDOT recorded over 1.1 million international arrivals, signaling a strong tourism recovery.
According to Buena Carla F. Zaldivia, Route Development Head and Market Development Head for Indonesia, the Philippines’ participation in Astindo reflects a renewed commitment to building stronger tourism ties with Indonesia.
A Colorful Festival-Themed Booth
The PDOT booth brought the festive spirit of the Philippines to life, complete with:
- Tastings of popular Filipino treats such as Buko Pandan, Leche Flan, and Ube Pandesal
- A colorful photobooth for fun snapshots
- An engaging social media challenge to upload photos of a Philippines-themed festival car
- Interactive quizzes with exciting prizes
The fair also featured a special talk show with travel influencer Decky Tri on Sunday, September 4, 2022, from 2:00–2:30 PM, where he shared travel tips and insights on exploring Manila, Palawan, and Vigan.
Why Visit the Philippines?
The Philippines is globally known for its breathtaking natural wonders, diverse marine life, and vibrant festivals. From world-class diving spots and lush green rice terraces to charming heritage towns and friendly locals—Filipinos, also called “Pinoys,” are often regarded as the friendliest people in Asia.
The country also boasts colorful street festivals, celebrated with elaborate costumes, joyful parades, and traditional food stalls. One of the most famous is the Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo, Aklan, held every January in honor of the Santo Niño (Child Jesus).
Accolades in 2022:
- 🏆 Conde Nast Traveler – 40 Most Beautiful Countries
- 🏆 Travel + Leisure – 5 Best Islands in Asia (Boracay & Palawan)
- 🏆 TimeOut.com – Top Cities in the World (Manila)
Visit the Philippines with Intrareps
During the Astindo Travel Fair, visitors who purchased airline tickets to the Philippines from partner travel agents had the chance to receive exclusive souvenirs.
For more information about PDOT’s activities in Indonesia or to explore partnership opportunities, please contact:
📩 Maria Vianney Oselaga
📧 maria@intrareps.com
