THE AMBASSADORS, CONSULS GENERAL AND TOURISM DIRECTORS’ TOUR (ACGTDT) TO THE PHILIPPINES

Background

In October 2004, all Foreign Service Posts in the U.S. and Canada and the Department of Tourism (DOT) conceptualized the flagship project, the Ambassadors, Consul Generals and Tourism Directors’ Tour (ACGTDT) to the Philippines.  It was then Philippine Ambassador to Washington, now Secretay of Foreign Affairs Albert del Rosario who launched this program in 2005 with following aims and objectives:​

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a)  To entice Filipino Americans in the US and Filipino-Canadians in Canada to deepen their appreciation of the beauty of our country, its rich history, heritage and culture.

b) To attract not only Fil-American and Filipino-Canadians but also foreign tourists to see and visit the various destinations in the Philippines and discover the beauty of the islands, its white sand beaches, nature’s eco-tourism,  adventure sites like scuba diving, mountain climbing, trekking and have the opportunity to experience the warm hospitality of the Filipino people.

c) To promote to travelers and tourists that the Philippines is a safe place to travel.  

d) To entice Fil-Americans, Fil-Canadians and  foreign tourists to invest in the Philippines particularly in tourism projects, real estate and other tourism related industries.

e) To promote medical tourism as well as health and wellness programs which the Department of Tourism jointly with the private sector is promoting particularly  in major destinations like Manila,Cebu,Bohol, Boracay and Palawan.

f) To promote the Philippines as a retirement haven for Fil-Ams and foreigners.

g) Finally, to contribute to the national economy in terms of foreign exchange earnings.

The first ACGTDT Tour to the Philippines was launched in 2005 with more than 500 participants  coming from all over United States and Canada.

In July 2011 ACGTD was designated as a banner tourism project under the Department of Tourism Pinoy Homecoming Program.

The 8th Ambassadors, Consuls General and Tourism Directors Tour to the Philippines will be held from July 9-12, 2013.  Edsa Shangri-la is the official hotel while Rajah Tours, the Tour Operator for the last seven ACGTDTs has been appointed to handle ground arrangement.  The DOT has declared July as the Kulinarya month.  The tour activities would highlight the Filipino culinary tours which form part of the Filipino culture and heritage.

Edsa Shangri-la as its official hotel is located in Mandaluyong where the Shangri-la Plaza, SM Malls and Greenhills Shopping Center, Tiendesitas are in striking distance along with the best Spa in Eastwood Mall where you can enjoy the Pasaya, Pasarap, Paganda package to de-stress and pamper yourself (on personal account).