Albay Named As a Top Destination in Asia Pacific
The province of Albay, Philippines has been awarded the Top Destination Award in the category of Regions/States/Provinces while Thekkady, Kerala, India has been granted the Top Destination Award in the category of Second and Third Tier Cities by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA). PATA, a not-for profit association that is internationally acclaimed for acting as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism in Asia Pacific is the leading voice and authority on travel and tourism in the Asia Pacific region.
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The two winning entries will work with PATA CEO Challenge 2015 partner TripAdvisor to develop and create digital marketing campaigns to showcase their destination to a global audience, valued at US$500,000 each. The PATA CEO Challenge 2015 Top Destinations awards will be presented at the forthcoming PATA Aligned Advocacy Dinner in London on Monday, November 2 in the presence of guest of honour UNWTO Secretary General Taleb Rifai, as well as other high-level dignitaries and senior executives from TripAdvisor.
“It was difficult to choose only two winners, as we received some excellent submissions from destinations both near and far. All the submissions had unique stories that every traveller should get to know and experience,” said PATA CEO Mario Hardy. “The two winning submissions had the most authentic, culturally diverse and innovative offerings but needed the most assistance in helping promote these assets.”
A dedicated team at TripAdvisor will work with both winners on creating marketing campaigns designed to encourage travellers to visit their destination. The company will also support the winners by helping small and local hospitality businesses to get listed on TripAdvisor.
The fourth Aligned Advocacy Dinner, with the theme “The Dispersion of Tourists”, will highlight the current issue of the disproportionate growth of tourism, as well as provide guests the opportunity to reflect on the importance of the need for both the public and private sectors to work together for the responsible development of these emerging destinations.