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I NEWS I #IWD2023 ADVERTORIAL © Erwin Lim Bucket © Roland Varsbergs - Unsplash BORACAY BEACH SIARGAO ISLAND A long list of reasons why it MUST be the Philippines The Philippines remains one of the most complete tropical destinations in the world and is present at ITB Berlin with 26 exhibitors With 7,641 islands and no two alike, the Philippines has every ingredient to seduce visitors with palm-fringed beaches, lush green rice terraces, tropical rain forests and exciting metropolises. Shared experiences with local residents makes any trip to the Philippines unique. ISLAND DREAMS COME TRUE Countless island paradises await sun-seeking beach lovers in the Philippines. Choose between Boracay finest white sandy beaches, the famous White Beach or Bohol popular Chocolate Hills and cute tarsiers. In El Nido on Palawan, magical limestone formations rise out of the sea. Siargao is known for its perfect waves among surfers, while Malapascua is considered one of the best diving destinations worldwide. Without forgetting Luzon’s evergreen rice terraces, an ideal playground for hikers. ACTIVE IN THE WATER AND ON LAND Although the Philippines are known as a palm-fringed beach paradise, there are also many adventurers to embark on. Activities extend from all water sports -such as surfing, snorkelling or kayaking to adrenaline-pumping experiences on land such as jungle trekking, exploring caves or boat trips on underground rivers. WONDERS UNDER WATER The Philippines is considered one of the best diving destinations in the world with over 36,000 km of coasts. Whale sharks or sardines, sea turtles or manatees, sunken shipwrecks or shining corals, the Philippines’ underwater world is extraordinary. The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in Palawan is a symbol for the ocean’s biodiversity. The island of Coron is famous for Japanese shipwrecks sunk during World War II and covered now by coral reefs. Malapascua’s biggest attraction at the northernmost tip of Cebu are the gigantic sharks that swarm in time for sunrise. EXCLUSIVELY GREEN: SUSTAINABLE ACCOMMODATION The Philippines’ wide range of stunning eco-resorts propose the perfect accommodation. Crusoe Cabins on the coast of Calatagan in Batangas, are recycled container trucks transformed into modern guestrooms with rustic décor. At Secret Paradise Resort & Turtle Sanctuary in San Vicente, Palawan, the goal is saving the endangered sea turtles. More turtles lay their eggs in Turtle Bay every year, a milestone for the preservation of the species. At Amarela Resort on Panglao, Bohol, guests can immerse in the local culture and enjoy a homely feeling surrounding by antique furniture and local handicrafts. For its practices, the Amarela was awarded the ASEAN Green Hotel Award. TRAVELLING AND DOING GOOD IN THE PHILIPPINES For travellers who want to get to know people while travelling and give back to the community, the Philippines is the right place, as it always promises authentic encounters. The Masungi Georeserve in Luzon is a refuge for rare wildlife and a social media hotspot. In the midst of Rizal rainforests with its karst peaks, locals unveil unforgettable stories about this unique place. A cruise on the Bojo River in Cebu lets you learn about 22 different mangrove species. Locals proudly share their knowledge about nature while interactive workshops offer insights into their traditions. In Siargao, visitors can not only spend a night at the organic Bayatakan Farm but also help to grow and harvest products and prepare local delicacies Hall 26 / Stand 123 14 ITB BERLIN NEWS • WEDNESDAY 8 TH MARCH 2023 www.itb-berlin-news.com
#IWD2023 I NEWS I ADVERTORIAL © shutterstock Georgia bursts with flavours at ITB Berlin 2023 The Official Host country of ITB Berlin 2023 is putting its gastronomy and culinary heritage on display for the world to taste There are number of daily activities including culinary and gastronomy masterclasses taking place at the Georgian stand in hub27. Georgia's culinary and gastronomy are being highlighted as part of its campaign at ITB Berlin 2023 which centres around the concept of “Infinite hospitality”. Food and hospitality, two sides of the same coin, play a central role in Georgian culture and national identity for all generations. The importance of food and hospitality for Georgians is reflected in many of its core cultural elements, such as Supra – the feast tradition. One of the most illustrative symbols of Georgian culture, Supra brings people together to celebrate and share food and drink, while enjoying each other’s company. There are plenty of tasty dishes to choose from such as Khachapuri, a Georgian favourite, made with bread and cheese, or delicious dumplings filled with spicy meat, cheese, snails or mushrooms, known as Khinkali. Visitors can sample some of Georgia's finest delicacies at their stand in hub27, where around 80 exhibitors from the tourism, hotel and aviation industries are represented. Each region has its signature dishes which are prepared according to local recipes and tradition. While eastern parts of the country are famed for their meat, bread and wine, western Georgia serves a variety of meals packed with herbs and flavours. There are also plenty of vegetarian and vegan options to choose from. Those planning to explore Georgia's culinary landscape should consider The Wine Harvest, locally known as Rtveli, which takes place between September and October every year. During this time, visitors can participate in a wine range of 'harvesting activities' from grape picking, crushing and fermenting, to wine tasting, local folk music and dancing hub27 / Stand 201 GET A TASTE OF GEORGIA.... Culinary Masterclass Every day > 12:00 - 3:00 pm Location: hub27 - Stand 201 Dj & Georgian Wine Every day > 4:30 - 6:00 pm Location: South Entrance DON'T MISS YOUR GEORGIAN ADVENTURE AT ITB BERLIN Natural borders with the Black Sea and the Caucasus Mountains, as well as a wealth of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, makes Georgia a great destination for adventure travellers who are looking to get off the beaten track. A session on "Discovering Adventure Tourism in Georgia" will be held from 2 to 3 pm today in Hall 5.3, in the Hybrid Studio. Speakers include Urs Wellauer, President of the Intl. Federation of Mountain Guides Association IFMGA, Nick Paliani, freeride skier and IFMGA mountain guide, and la Tabagari, Chair of the Georgian Incoming Tour Operators/ GM of the Lost Ridge Group SESSION EXPLORE ADVENTURE TOURISM IN GEORGIA Today, 8 March 2023 > 2:15 - 3:00 pm Location: Hall 5.3 Hybrid Studio ITB BERLIN NEWS • WEDNESDAY 8 TH MARCH 2023 15
