RP’s ‘hilot’ a hit among tourists

RP’s ‘hilot’ a hit among tourists
By Roderick T. dela Cruz
January 9, 2006
Manila Standard Today
http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=business03_jan09_2006

The Philippines, a newcomer in the $24 billion global wellness tourism, is promoting two indigenous therapies in order to lure foreign tourists to its world-class spa destinations.

Elizabeth Nelle, director of the Department of Tourism’s Office of Product Research and Development, said foreign tourists who have experienced hilot and dagdagay claimed that they are among the world’s best.

A traditional Filipino therapy, hilot is a deep-tissue therapeutic body massage while dagdagay is a traditional foot massage first popularized in the Mountain Province.

Nelle said the country has bright potentials in spa tourism, given the caring attitude of the Filipinos. Under its wellness program, the DoT integrates and promotes traditional healing modalities and use of local herbs, oils and essences to promote health tourism, which comprises a wide range of body pampering, health and beauty treatments.

She noted that the country has gained international recognition for establishing a well-organized industry association and for putting up world-class spa destinations.

In the Baccarat AsiaSpa Awards held in November last year, the Philippines bagged five top prizes, which included the Spa Association of the Year award for the Spa Association of the Philippines.

Other awards for the Philippines were Medi-Spa of the Year and Spa Retreat of the Year award for the Farm at San Benito and the Destination Spa of the Year and Spa Treatment of the Year for Mandala Spa in Boracay.