THE Hotel Sales and Marketing Association (HSMA) is set to hold its much-awaited annual tradition September Online Sale (SOS), inviting the traveling public to re-engage with the world and live a fuller life by rediscovering the joys of travel.
Benjie Martinez, HSMA president, said the SOS, now in its third year, aims to provide an alternative online selling platform for consumers of various hotels and resorts nationwide, offer the best hotel and resort rate possible, persuade travel jumpstart the recovery of the Philippine hospitality industry, and support the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Tourism Promotions Board’s campaign and thrust on destination marketing and sell experiential hotel packages.
The online travel mart will showcase an array of hospitality packages, which include room stays, weekend getaways rejuvenating spa experiences, enriching recreational offers such as packaged group tours and delicious food and beverage deals.
“Our theme will revolve around breaking through your fear, the hesitation to live your best life,” he said. “Jumpstart your life now, travel and see how our various destinations can excite your soul once again, spend quality time with your loved ones,” shared Martinez who urge travelers to eat (F&B vouchers), stay (room-promotions), and love (spa packages, banquets, weddings).
Travelers can also look forward to planning more life milestones with the help of SOS as the fair offers discounts on restaurants, meetings, and conferences packages, and banquet occasions such as weddings, debus, engagement parties, among many others.
From Metro Manila and Southern Tagalog region, to popular beach destinations in Boracay, Palawan, Bohol, Cebu, and Davao, there has a deal for everyone at this month-long travel fair that will showcase 79 resorts and hotels.
Martinez also said the SOS has given additional revenues to the participating hotels and exceeded everybody’s expectations.
Travelers can browse the SOS website through hsma.org.ph/sos/ from September 1 to 30 without having to deal with the rush, panic, or crowds of typical travel bazaars.
All vouchers bought during the sale will have no expiry date. Last year’s SOS sold over 5,100 vouchers, which is equivalent to P29.2 million in gross sales.
The DOT reiterates that health and safety protocols continue to be actively in place in tourism destinations in the Philippines to ensure the safety of travelers and visitors.
The statement is issued by the DOT following the inclusion of the Philippines by the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) under level three for the COVID-19 category. The DOT notes that more than half of the roughly 235 places monitored by the CDC have been placed under the said level.