Marvin Pon-an

  “It feels good to be lost in the right direction”  

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Technology in the Tourism Industry!

Technology is something that most of us know about. scientifically, it is about taking action to meet a human need rather than merely understanding the workings of the natural world. Nowadays, many of us use technology not only for entertainment but also can be used for businesses: interacting with other people business to business, and business to consumer. Technology plays a big role around the world that seems like everyone is attached to this.

But how does technology influence the tourism industry?                                   Over the years, many of us have seen the changes in the technology and are witnessing until today. Booking a trip today vs. 10 years ago are two completely different experiences. In fact, we can all admit it is more convenient now than before. As what Helen Belokon said, “Technology allows the travel industry to reach more people than it ever has before, and as a result, travelers are younger, better informed, and more tech savvy.”

Also, since 2010, technology has been beneficial for almost everybody. For example, in the travel industry, a person may want to travel and have a vacation, and book a flight. The easiest way to get the best flight would either contact the supplier directly, which is called Business-to-Consumer, or contact the travel agency, then goes to the wholesaler that contacts an Airline, and/or hotel, which is called Business-to-Business. This is also a way technology influence almost everybody.

There is another use of technology when booking a flight, finding locations in just one-click away. For example, Google maps, TripAdvisor, or any other airline websites. Although there are disadvantages of technology, I still believe in using it wisely; Therefore, we can still attain our ultimate goal in exploring around the world. For some of us, we may not be able to detach ourselves from the use of technology, at least, we know how and when to use it. We do not want technology to take over some kind of entertainment travel has offered.

For travelers, when you are traveling, it is okay to take pictures. However, try to use a lot less than usual and enjoy the adventure a lot more than you used to.

Word Count: 365 

References:

http://www.flightbucks.com/blog/how-technology-is-changing-the-travel-and-tourism-industry http://www.healthytravelblog.com/2015/07/20/unplug-a-case-for-ditching-technology-on-vacation/http://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/travel-technology/

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Visit England™ & Visit Britain™

As the national tourism agency, a non-departmental public body funded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sports or DCMS VisitBritain/VisitEngland plays a unique role in building England’s tourism product, raising Britain’s profile worldwide, increasing the volume and value of tourism exports and developing England and Britain’s visitor economy.

Working with a wide range of partners in both the UK and overseas, they’re mission is to grow the volume and value of inbound tourism across the nations and regions of Britain and to develop world-class English tourism 

VisitEngland activity is focused on the development and delivery of the Discover England fund, announced by the Government in November 2015, which aims to drive inbound visits and spend and support the domestic market through the delivery of world-class, stand-out, bookable tourism products.

Meanwhile, VisitBritain’s extensive network connects them with a global audience across four regions - Europe, the Americas, Asia, China, and North East Asia – serviced by offices around the world.

They implement differentiated marketing strategies to maximize return in all of them. These strategies are based on their customer insight, our knowledge of the barriers to inbound tourism growth and they’re solutions for addressing them.

VisitBritain and VisitEngland have successfully built private sector partnerships to multiple Government’s investments, driving growth in retail and leveraging the supply-side both domestically and internationally. Alongside this, they engage proactively with public diplomacy partners, as well as with the nations and regions to ensure they deliver on their targets to drive the regional growth of inbound tourism.

VisitEngland and VisitBritain act as a route to market for small tourism businesses through their travel trade, digital and retail activities and provide advice and support to tourism providers in England on setting up their tourism business, as well as destinations.

As a trusted advisor to Government and industry on tourism issues, particularly those that affect the UK’s international competitiveness, they provide policy solutions, market intelligence, and customer insights.

Word Count: 331

References: https://www.visitbritain.org/

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A Gondola Ride in Venice!

Cover your neck and look out the aircraft window when you’re about to land in Venice. You will understand why Venice is rightly called the “Floating City”

Gondola’s are Venetian flat-bottomed rowing boats built specially to waft by the Venetian lagoon. It may look like a canoe, however, it is much narrower and almost always more decorated than a canoe. Gondolas were traditionally the chief means of transportation and though they still hold that role in the public transit system, they are touted to be the most romantic way of exploring the tapering alleys and charming landmarks of Venice you can’t imagine reaching on foot.

Going to Venice and not hopping onto a gondola is synonymous to going to Dubai and skipping the Burj Khalifa. There’s nothing more typical Venetian than a Gondola ride. Descending onto an elegantly black boat and setting off an enchanting glide is one of the most romantic affairs in Venice. Sitting comfortably on the cushioned seats of your traditionally clad gondolas and passing under awe-inspiring bridges flanked by architectural masterpiece and scintillating buildings is an altogether paramount affair.

Riding a gondola is depending on whether you choose to waft by secluded canals or the elaborate Grand Canal, your views will vary from a backdrop of Baroque buildings to brightly colored dwellings. From the neighborhood churches to buildings in intimate spaces, you are likely to encounter many famous landmarks as well as unseen gems, if you happen to cruise under the Bridge of Sighs, don't forget to sneak a kiss to your partner. The legend goes that if you kiss under the b!ridge during sunset, lovers are granted, enternal love.

Riding a gondola is a must! I mean seriously, yes it’s a tourist trap in a heavily touristed city. But think about it, when you were planning your trip to Venice, the canals were kind of the thing, right? If the plane tickets had cost an extra 100 euros, you still would have bought them, just go for it. It probably won’t be exactly what you envisioned, but you’ll definitely have a good time, and you won’t regret that you did it. Cross it your bucket list and fly home without regrets!

Word Count: 379 Words

References: https://blog.headout.com/all-you-need-know-gondola-ride-venice/

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Restaurant Idea Trend

Food writers have been busy covering this year’s hottest restaurant trend, vibrant unicorn themed food. Unlike Heinz’s company failed colorful ketchup experiment because the world just wasn’t ready for it. This colorful trend is going to continue making waves will into 2018. Even Starbucks jumped on the trend with their now infamous Unicorn Frappucino which combined magical swirls or fluorescent pink and purples and flooded the internet and social streams with eye candy for weeks!

It’s not just our food that’s getting a boost of color, restaurant chains are taking a risk by venturing away from neutrals, making a play at the younger demographics desire for a holistic but less cheesy approach to restaurant design. I predict in 2018/2019 that you’ll see sublime pastels balanced by strong jewel tones making their way into your favorite spaces think honey yellows, dusty blues, and olive greens.

Adding color to restaurant chairs, table bases, walls, and floors is a fun way to integrate this trend. It’s one of my favorite trends because of its colorful seating, signature tiles, and tons of natural light. 

In 2018, restaurants will continue to offer more than just food to take photos of, as designers add their touches of whimsy in the form of objects. Think colorful, patterned floor tiles the ubiquitous neon sign, and photogenic antique oddities. The trend keeps driving a fresh, light, bright design, focused around the ambiance and natural materials. and it’s perfect for creating an Instagram moment.

Word Count: 251

References: http://blog.grandrapidschair.com/restaurant-design-trends-2018

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Cultural Tourism

Cultural tourism is that it’s any type of trip that brings, you the traveler, into contact with another culture.  It means connecting with the people, land, manners, philosophies, and customs of another place.

Whether you add a single cultural attraction to your holiday or want to dive in over your head, cultural tourism can expand your horizons, promote a better understanding of the world around you and bring you closer to your global neighbors. Ultimately, cultural travel is the most enriching type of travel of all.

First, we are going to talk about the people of the Philippines.  Filipinos are casual, fun loving, sensitive and hospitable people. Personal and family honor are stressed, as well as dignity and pride. Education is highly valued and families make great sacrifices to educate their children. Shame is installed in Filipinos at an early age. To be shamed is the greatest form of disgrace.

Japan is a highly structured and traditional society. Great importance is placed on loyalty, politeness, personal responsibility and on everyone working together for the good of the larger group. Education, ambition, hard work, patience, and determination are held in the highest regard. The crime rate is one of the lowest in the world.  

When it comes to meeting and greeting a Filipino. Men and women shake hands with everyone present at a business meeting or social occasion and when saying “goodbye.” Handshakes should be friendly and informal, but limp. Men should wait for women to extend their hand.

While Japanese, A handshake is appropriate upon meeting. The Japanese handshake is limp and with little or no eye contact. Some Japanese bow and shake hands. The bow is a highly regarded greeting to show respect and is appreciated by the Japanese. A slight bow to show courtesy is acceptable.

After reading and knowing that you must be hungry!  So let’s head to the diet section of Japan and the Philippines.

Before you eat, we need utensils. As you can see at the picture above, Japanese uses chopsticks while Filipinos use Spoon and fork. Japanese people use chopsticks because it is considered more lacquer ware friendly than other sharp eating utensils. While we Filipinos prefer the easy way and use spoon and fork.

In Japanese marriage, they wear Kimono, for the bride and Hakama, for the groom since it’s their traditional outfits.  The picture of a tea set there signifies the Japanese tea ceremony, which is also called the ‘Way of Tea, it’s a Japanese cultural activity for newly married couples. Lastly, Traditional Japanese weddings are held in the Shinto Shrines with a Shinto priest leading it.

In Filipino weddings are held like the modern western style weddings. The bride and groom wear the common wedding gown and suit. After the wedding, a flock of doves was released in the sky that signifies peace and harmony for the new marriage the bride had a bouquet of flower thrown in the air and according to our traditional beliefs that whoever catches the thrown flower would be the next in line for marriage. Lastly, weddings are held in a church lead by a Christian priest since most of the Filipinos are Christians.

As this article ends, we come to the conclusion that Japan and the Philippines have its own unique culture and traditional beliefs that made them a country. They both continue their culture thus preserving them and keeping them alive. We must always remember our own culture when we visit other countries and we also need to respect the countries culture to avoid unnecessary conflict that may arise or to keep ourselves from embarrassment.

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Word Count: 605

References: http://www.wazzuppilipinas.com/2013/07/culture-difference-japan-vs-philippines_6.html

http://www.ediplomat.com/np/cultural_etiquette/ce_jp.htm

http://www.ediplomat.com/np/cultural_etiquette/ce_ph.htm

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Largest Sea Hole In The World!

The Great Blue Hole is a world-class destination for recreational scuba divers attracted by the opportunity to dive in crystal-clear waters and see myriad species of marine life including tropical fish and spectacular formations.  

This underwater sinkhole is 320m wide and 125m deep, and a large scuba diving attraction. It is part of the Belize Barrier Reef, which turns part of the Mesoamerican Reef.

This hole is believed to have formed during the recent ice ages when a submerged limestone cave system collapsed due to changes in the sea level. Huge stalactites and stalagmites are found in the hole, which contains records of past climates.

Interestingly, the geological formations on display changes as divers head deeper into Belize Blue Hole. Less of a “color” dive than a chance to explore unique formations. The Belize Blue Hole is also home to some strange denizens, including the occasional blacktip tiger, bull, or hammerhead shark, Pederson’s shrimp, neon gobies, angelfish and groupers. A profusion of different coral types thrives in the shallower portions of the Belize Blue Hole, including Elkhorn and brain corals.

Dive excursions to the Great Blue Hole are full-day trips, that usually consists of one dive in the Blue Hole and two additional dives in nearby reef.

Experienced divers will find plenty to engage them in the Belize Blue Hole starting at the surface, divers enter a steeply walled entrance to about 110 feet where the first stalactite formations can be seen. From there, divers can explore overhangs or negotiate around gigantic stalagmites while still enjoying good visibility down to around 200 feet. Further deep, the reduced light levels add a gothic atmosphere, but experienced divers can make their way down to around 270 feet (82 meters) to explore underwater dunes and bedrock ledges.

The reason why it’s appealing to me is that its One of the World’s Most Gorgeous Mysteries. If you are an experienced diver, the dark depths are an impressive sight to behold, and the surrounding reef is a natural wonder. And don’t worry, you won’t fall into a parallel universe thought it certainly looks like it.

Word Count: 354

Reference: 

https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/nature-travel/great-blue-hole-belize-scuba-divers-paradise

http://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20150205-the-15-most-amazing-landforms

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Let’s Talk About Avocado Toast!

Avocado toast has come to define what makes food trends this decade. It’s healthy and yet still considerate. It can be made gluten-free or vegan. It becomes so trendy that it has over more than 100,000 posts. and most important of all, It is genuinely endorsed by Gwyneth Paltrow. 

Avocado toast as we know it today started to take hold in the early 1990s. it was discovered on a menu might be in 1993 when Sydney chef Bill Granger started serving it at his cafe, bills. 

It is indeed, a hearty helping. it’s roughly an entire avocado on some oaty, nutty bread that size at least an inch thick. The flavoring is simple: olive oil, a little lemon, and red pepper flakes. plus a little other secret spice mixed in there. you can add more toppings on it that include a poached egg, which is how I prepare mine.

I’ll say that for my money, I love a little bit of lemon and a lot more sea salt, and crusty French bread or sourdough toast. but the restaurant called “Tap & Barrel” has a decent price for they’re avocado toast which cost $16. and some price complaints, because NAFTA may still be in effect, so the creamy green fruits don't come cheap in Vancouver.

But my Favorite part of the coming is all of you listeners try it for yourselves! If you look at the Google Trend data, searches for “Avocado toast.  The popularity of it continues to rise.

Avocado toast is huge not only in the US but in Canada, Europe, and Australia as well. As is often the case with the new food trends. If this all making you hungry, you have to search up some restaurants that have the best Avocado toast, according to for both ratings and numbers of reviews.

The recipe has been personalized and emphasizes on by so many well-known chefs and food magazines that it has elevated avocado toast from a simple way to showcase avocado to a food trend to a visual feast as iconic as baked Alaska.

Word Count: 356

References: https://www.yelpblog.com/2017/05/unstoppable-march-avocado-toast

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2016/05/06/how-the-internet-became-ridiculously-obsessed-with-avocado-toast/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.9620c2b78360

https://www.marketplace.org/2017/04/06/life/make-me-smart-kai-and-molly/blog-its-avocado-toast-blog-post