- October 9, 2021
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Read this in The Manila Times digital edition.
As the Philippines begins to cautiously emerge from lockdown, the tourism industry — which accounts for about 12.8 percent of the national gross domestic product — is looking forward to welcoming Filipino travelers who are eager to explore the country anew.
But reopening travel presents its own challenges and some restrictions may deter local tourists to visit beaches, mountains, and have relaxing getaways, among other pre-pandemic activities.
Enter Hotel Sales and Marketing Association (HSMA)'s GPSTV “Go Safe, Go Travel: Walk and Talk With Us,” a unique travel show that aims to re-ignite the wanderlust of Filipinos.
Now on its second season, GPSTV is HSMA's passion project in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DoT), Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) and Isentia.
Before traveling to a new destination, I like to watch travel shows that will inspire me and my family or my friends about our upcoming trip. It's a great way for all of us to plan ahead on what destinations to check out, what restaurants to eat in, the shops we want to visit, and activities we want to enjoy while never losing sight of the all-important fact of staying safe and healthy. This is how we envision HSMA GPSTV 'Go Safe, Go Travel: Walk and Talk With Us' to be. Think of it as an appetizer of future travels to come,” said HSMA President Benjamin Martinez.
While there is a wide array of local travel shows available on television and online, HSMA takes pride in the uniqueness of GPSTV from the fact that it is made by hospitality practitioners.
The show is really passionately done because we know the business of travel and hospitality in our hotels and resorts. And of course, some inside information may be injected, which makes it a very good guide as a travel buddy for domestic travelers. It's done from the heart and from us, by the real hotel practitioners,” HSMA PR Officer and Chroma Hospitality vice president for Sales & Marketing Carmela Bocanegra proudly noted.
Hosted by Kevin Lapeña, GPSTV show has put together a list of excellent travel destinations that will have armchair explorers go on gastronomic and cultural adventures, staycations, bakasyon grandes in beach and adventure destinations, and even plan for milestone events when it is finally allowed.
From The Peninsula Manila's iconic lobby and its famous halo-halo to Marriott Clark Hotel's rooms that celebrate Pampanga's unique heritage; a unique Ilocos getaway in Vitalis Villas; relaxing Acuaverde Beach Resort staycation in Batangas; Crimson Resort & Spa Boracay and Discovery Shores Boracay's famous white sand beaches; to the rich culture of Mindanao celebrated in Dusit D2 Davao — season two of HSMA GPSTV promises to be a great travel show that will have its viewers eager to plan their dream getaways once restrictions are lifted.
Other than unique content and excellent travel tips, HSMA GPSTV “Go Safe, Go Travel: Walk and Talk With Us” will also be sharing the latest travel protocols with its viewers as well as first dibs on special offers from HSMA-member hotels and resorts.
GPSTV “Go Safe, Go Travel: Walk and Talk With Us” episodes are now streaming on GPSTVofficialph on Facebook and YouTube with a CNN TV special slated later in November.
