Six Senses Bhutan- Discover the Enchantment

Stories: PH’s International Tourism Performance; Protecting Eastern Visayas' Forests

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KGM Resorts
August 23, 2024

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Hello Everyone,

Welcome to Finding Utopia, your go-to newsletter for discovering how to travel the Philippines and beyond.

Here is what we have for you today.

  • Luxury Resort Pick of the Week: Six Senses Bhutan- Discover the Enchantment

  • The Pulse: PH’s International Tourism Performance: On the Road to Recovery

  • The Pulse: Protecting Eastern Visayas' Forests: DENR Reactivates Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force

Luxury Resort Pick of the Week: Six Senses Bhutan- Discover the Enchantment

Welcome to Luxury Resort Pick of the Week! Our latest blog post, published last Wednesday, which features the luxurious and culturally immersive Six Senses Bhutan. Nestled in the heart of the Kingdom of Bhutan, this unique resort offers an extraordinary experience spread across five distinct lodges, each capturing the essence of Bhutan's stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

Journey Through Bhutan: The Ultimate Luxury Experience

Six Senses Bhutan is more than just a resort—it's a journey through the mystical beauty of Bhutan. Comprising five lodges located in Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, Bumthang, and Paro, each lodge offers a unique perspective on Bhutan's diverse environments. Whether you're exploring the vibrant capital city of Thimphu or the serene valleys of Gangtey, every lodge provides an intimate connection to the local culture and breathtaking surroundings.

Highlights of Six Senses Bhutan

  • Five Unique Lodges: Experience the diversity of Bhutan through five different lodges, each offering its own atmosphere, from bustling urban settings to tranquil rural retreats.

  • Sustainability at its Core: Six Senses Bhutan is committed to sustainable tourism, integrating eco-friendly practices throughout the resort, ensuring that your stay supports the preservation of Bhutan’s natural and cultural heritage.

  • Cultural Immersion: Engage in authentic Bhutanese experiences, including traditional ceremonies, local cuisine, and visits to nearby monasteries, offering a deep dive into the country's spiritual and cultural richness.

  • Holistic Wellness: Enjoy a range of wellness activities designed to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit, including yoga, meditation, and traditional Bhutanese hot stone baths.

  • Tailored Experiences: Create your perfect Bhutanese adventure with personalized itineraries that cater to your interests, whether it’s hiking through pristine forests, visiting ancient temples, or simply soaking in the serene landscapes.

Travel Tips

  • Best Time to Visit: Bhutan is a year-round destination, but the best times to visit are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is perfect for outdoor activities.

  • Packing Essentials: Bring layers to accommodate Bhutan’s varying climate, along with comfortable hiking shoes and a camera to capture the stunning landscapes.

  • How to Get There: Six Senses Bhutan can be accessed via flights to Paro International Airport, followed by short drives to the various lodges. Detailed travel information is available on our blog.

Take Away

Six Senses Bhutan is a destination that offers an unparalleled blend of luxury, cultural immersion, and natural beauty. Whether you’re seeking adventure or tranquility, this resort promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you deeply connected to the spirit of Bhutan. 

Explore more about this enchanting getaway in our full blog post here. Six Senses Bhutan: Luxury Resort Pick of the Week (kgmresorts.com)

Thank you for being part of our community. Stay tuned for more exciting travel insights in our next newsletter!

The Pulse: PH’s International Tourism Performance: On the Road to Recovery

Manila- Today, we’re diving into the latest updates on the state of international tourism in the Philippines, as shared by the Department of Tourism (DOT). While international arrivals have yet to return to pre-pandemic levels, there are promising signs of recovery and growth that are worth celebrating.

Tourism in the Philippines: A Snapshot

In 2023, over 5.45 million international tourists visited the Philippines. Although this number is still shy of the pre-pandemic high of 8.3 million in 2019, it reflects a significant rebound in the tourism sector. The DOT has set an ambitious target of 7.7 million international arrivals for 2024, bringing the nation closer to its former glory.

A Bright Spot: Visitor Receipts and Employment

One of the most encouraging aspects of the recovery is the 116 percent increase in visitor receipts compared to 2019. This surge not only underscores the economic impact of tourism but also highlights the growing quality of tourist experiences in the Philippines. Additionally, tourism employment has seen an impressive recovery, with over 16 million Filipinos now employed in the industry, a marked increase from previous years.

The Path Forward: Balancing Quantity and Quality

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco emphasized the importance of focusing not just on the quantity of arrivals but also on the quality of the tourism experience and the sustainable development of destinations. This balanced approach aims to ensure that tourism continues to be a significant contributor to the country's economy while preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the Philippines.

Looking Ahead: The 2025 DOT Budget

Despite these gains, the proposed budget for the DOT in 2025 is slightly lower than the current budget, raising concerns among lawmakers who advocate for restoring the budget to pre-pandemic levels. The continued support for tourism is crucial to sustaining its recovery and furthering its contributions to the economy.

Take Away

The road to full recovery for the Philippines' tourism sector is ongoing, but the significant strides made in visitor receipts and employment are promising indicators of what lies ahead. As the country continues to welcome back international tourists, the focus remains on providing high-quality experiences that showcase the beauty and culture of the Philippines.

Stay tuned for more updates on how the Philippines is rebuilding its tourism industry and what it means for travelers like you!

The Pulse:  Protecting Eastern Visayas' Forests: DENR Reactivates Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force

The forests of Eastern Visayas, particularly in the Samar region, are among the most biodiverse in the Philippines. This region hosts expansive tracts of lowland rainforest, home to over 1,000 plant species, with 53% being endemic. It also supports a wide variety of wildlife, including 38 species of mammals, 215 species of birds, 51 species of reptiles, and 26 species of amphibians, making it a critical area for conservation efforts. Photo by Canva.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Eastern Visayas has taken a crucial step in safeguarding the region's vital forests by reactivating a regional task force dedicated to combating deforestation and protecting wildlife.

DENR’s Renewed Commitment to Forest Protection

The reactivation of the regional anti-illegal logging task force marks a renewed commitment to preserving Eastern Visayas' rich forest cover. This task force is a collaborative effort involving key stakeholders, including the Philippine National Police, Aviation Security Unit, Philippine Coast Guard, and various local environmental offices. Together, they will work tirelessly to combat illegal logging activities that threaten the region's unique biodiversity.

Strategic Measures for Forest Conservation

One of the task force's primary focuses will be the establishment of 24/7 checkpoints manned by DENR and law enforcement personnel. These checkpoints are crucial in monitoring and preventing illegal logging operations. Additionally, the task force will develop a comprehensive database to support its initiatives and ensure that all efforts are data-driven and effective.

A Biodiversity Haven in Samar

Eastern Visayas, particularly the island of Samar, is home to some of the Philippines' largest unfragmented tracts of lowland rainforest. This region is a natural sanctuary for an incredible array of wildlife, with over half of its biodiversity unique to the area. The forests of Samar provide a habitat for 38 species of mammals, 215 species of birds, 51 species of reptiles, and 26 species of amphibians, as well as over 1,000 species of plants, 53 percent of which are endemic to the region.

The Importance of Collaboration

DENR Eastern Visayas Regional Executive Director Lormelyn Claudio emphasized the importance of collaboration in these efforts. "It’s time for us to work together as one because we cannot do it alone," she said. This call for unity highlights the necessity of collective action in preserving the natural heritage of Eastern Visayas for future generations.

Take Away

The reactivation of the anti-illegal logging task force is a significant step towards protecting the forests and biodiversity of Eastern Visayas. These efforts not only safeguard the environment but also ensure that the region's natural beauty continues to be a source of pride and wonder for both locals and visitors alike.

Stay informed with us as we continue to bring you updates on important environmental initiatives and other travel-related news from across the Philippines.

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