Hotel Sales and Marketing Association Philippines (HSMA) is launching its much-awaited online travel fair, September Online Sale (SOS) 2023, which features at least 87 participating hotels and resorts across the region.
The travel sale offers the best deals that include discounts on room stays, weekend getaways, rejuvenating spa experiences, and other recreational offers, as well as on restaurants, meetings and conferences packages, and banquet occasions, such as weddings. birthdays, anniversaries.
“They can expect up to 70 percent discount on all the promotions of the hotel,” said HSMA Director and The Linden Suites General Manager Center Celeste Romualdo.
On the other hand, HSMA Vice President and Project Head Amie Villena shared that the fourth edition of the month-long sale event promises an easy, convenient, and fulfilling shopping experience.
“Online shopping is never going away. It’s economical. You don’t have to sit through traffic to go to the fair, plus you have a month to really think through the deals you want to get. There is also a steady pattern now of travelers booking more of their vacations and trips online,” Romualdo added.
Despite the easing of pandemic restrictions, Villena explained that there is still a high demand for online travel sales such as the September Online Sale, given that customers still want a safe and hassle-free experience when purchasing their next getaway.
Meanwhile, HSMA President Loleth So revealed that the hospitality sector “is getting better” adding that the upcoming holiday season would contribute to its recovery.
“We all know for a fact that we are already approaching the high season. I can speak for Manila hotels and Manila hotels are doing very well,” she stated.
“[An] example is Bohol. Bohol is doing very well now as compared to pre-pandemic. Cebu is also doing very well. It varies but, generically, I can say the hospitality industry is breathing better now. We’re very hopeful that the approaching festive season is going to be even better than the previous,” she continued.
Adding more excitement with the upcoming travel fair is that September Online Sale vouchers have no expiry date, which allows Filipinos to make long-term travel plans. This allows them to also get deals for two of the busiest travel seasons: the Yuletide holidays and summer.
“Domestic travelers now start planning their vacations early as this allows them to catch seat sales too,” So added.
The September Online Sale: Eat, Stay, Love, The Joys of Travel will run from September 1 to 30. Vouchers may be purchased at www.HSMA.org.ph/SOS. The event is supported by the Department of Tourism, the Tourism Promotions Board, Atlantis, and Isentia.