Like a lot of my fellow biyaheros and biyaheras, I used to watch a lot of travel shows on TV, way before the onset of travel vlogging trends on YouTube. There was something about watching well-spoken hosts letting us in on amazing destinations with well-researched scripts and dependable resource persons while showing the beauty of the Philippines.
Just when I thought those days were over, here comes GPSTV, a travel show produced by our very own tourism workers in the hospitality industry, now on its second season. It was launched late in September 2020 by the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association (HSMA), the leading group for Philippine hoteliers. Although the idea behind the project was to highlight the local brand of hospitality amid everything that’s going on today, it’s also an ode to what travel shows used to be like a few years ago, but with a modern twist.
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Things you can look forward to from GPSTV
It’s conceptualised by local travel workers
Sure, it’s always fun to see a fellow typical tourist take you through places you’ve always dreamed of visiting. But how cool would it be to also see or hear from people who already have years of experience working in the travel industry? Hosted by travel pro Kevin Lapeña, GPSTV taps real hospitality practitioners who are experts on the business side of travel. It will also see the participation of hotel and resort staff who know the ins and outs of local destinations.
Not only that, the show will seek tourism workers in its filming destinations. “We also recognize the invaluable support that local tourism workers can provide while navigating these challenging times, especially when following their LGU’s safety protocols. We will be relying on them to help us identify and navigate the ‘highlights’ of each destination,” HSMA told TripZilla.
It’s an “appetiser of future travels to come”
Through nine bite-sized online episodes and a one-hour special on cable television, GPSTV’s new season, called Go Safe, Go Travel: Walk and Talk With Us, provides Philippine domestic travellers unique travel content and tips. Unlike its first season, which delved more into the latest updates per locality, the 2021 edition shows a more in-depth approach to experiential travel.
“It’s a great way for all of us to plan ahead on what destinations to check out, what restaurants to eat in, the shops we want to visit, and activities we want to enjoy while never losing sight of the all-important fact of staying safe and healthy,” also shared HSMA President, Benjamin Martinez. Viewers even get a chance to get first dibs on special offers from HMSA-member hotels and resorts, which are also offered in the ongoing September Online Sale.
It’s a mix of effective travel video formats
Sometimes you’ll find yourself opening multiple channels or pages to watch different kinds of travel shows. Some focus more on food, others tend to explore beach over mountain destinations. Meanwhile, there are also those that cater more to business than leisure travellers. GPSTV actually covers those and more. It doesn’t just promote having fun, but also the fact that travel can be safe and worry-free.
GPSTV Season 2 features three segments: gastronomic and cultural experience around the Philippines; city staycation, extended business stay, corporate meetings, and milestone social events; and bakasyon grande in beach and adventure destinations. With the help of HSMA’s 140 member hotels and resorts, you get to find out which way of exploring works for you when you finally pack your bags.
Also read: 7 Comforting Things to Tell Yourself When You Miss Travelling
As HSMA Vice President Loleth So said during a media launch of GPSTV’s second season, travel is not just about leisure. Even more so now that tourism establishments like hotels have become essential places to stay for travellers on transit or under quarantine. Accordingly, travellers from all over the country can see how tourism has truly transformed from the perspective of those in the industry.
You can watch the HSMA’s GPSTV Go Safe, Go Travel: Walk and Talk With Us from September to December via GPSTVofficialph on Facebook and YouTube. Meanwhile, the cable television special airs on November 2021 on CNN Philippines. The show is also produced in partnership with the Department of Tourism, Tourism Promotions Board, and Isentia.
Special thanks to HSMA for inviting TripZilla Philippines to the online media launch of GPSTV Season 2. Featured image credit: Yuriy Bogdanov | Unsplash
