Talk about female empowerment, travel trade trendsetting, industry trailblazing, fashion trending, it’s “been there, done that” for Maria Paz Alberto, the president of 39-year-old Ark Travel and chairperson of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Philippine chapter. She also sits as president of the Philippine IATA Travel Agents Association (PIATA).
Paz Alberto
Accredited with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for ticketing access and services, Ark Travel specializes in both inbound and outbound domestic and international travel. It bagged the top platinum award for domestic and silver awards for international travel.
Part of the indefatigable Alberto’s turf is assisting incentive groups which allows her the perks of visiting various countries. Ditto, attending trade shows worldwide to promote the Philippines as a destination.
Logically, she has chosen places to visit time and again, and names Japan as her favorite for having a unique culture, beautiful sceneries and is a short trip away from home. Locally, Alberto lists Boracay, Bohol, El Nido, Legazpi, and Tagaytay as her preferences.
Sustainable tourism
As for this and next year’s travel trends, Alberto enthused that, “many Filipinos are now conscious of sustainable tourism. And many tourists practice going green by not changing bedsheets and towels often, and [are starting] to bring their own reusable drinking bottles and recyclable green bags.
Moreover, Filipinos are getting more supportive of local restaurants, buying souvenirs from local stores and much as possible avoid using plastics to be more environment-friendly.
“Ï would also like to share that travelers now are more conscious and respectful of the local people’s customs and practices,” she said.
Revenge travel
Pre-pandemic, Alberto shared that it was cheaper and easier in terms of airfare costs and accommodations. The world has seen and still is experiencing the effects of revenge travel. “The airlines are still not fully back with their original number of flights due to aircraft issues and manpower shortage.”
Alberto also observed that Filipinos are traveling not once, twice but at every opportunity they see with long weekends, locally or internationally. The pandemic has taught us the importance of travel to our well-being.
As per IATA reports, travel will continue to grow and will even surpass the pre-pandemic level, she said.
Alberto enthused that she is very much honored to be given the chance to make a difference in the industry she most loves. “The projects under the PATA and PIATA have helped me grow and the fact that I get to share my knowledge and experiences has even inspired me to do better each time.”
Bring on challenges
The travel trade and fashion icon who’s wearing many hats at the same time feels very much fulfilled whenever she hears from her clients about their satisfaction in Ark’s rendered services and as they share beautiful memories and experiences from travels that she and her team have created for them.
“Appreciation of what we do really makes us feel important, even if the process can be stressful and tedious.”
Finally, Alberto shares her de-stressing activities – going for a good massage when time permits, or home work-outs.
This pandemic might be over, but the challenges in travel still remain. And we can only imagine Alberto grinning and bearing it while saying, “bring it on!”
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