Manila to Host PATA Travel Mart 2012

Manila has been chosen as the host city of the PATA Travel Mart 2012.

Manila hosted the very first PATA Travel Mart back in 1978, when over 300 delegates assembled to experience one of Asia Pacific’s first regional industry trade events. After more than three decades PATA Travel Mart still remains one of Asia Pacific’s leading travel trade shows.

Manila Binondo Chinatown District

Binondo is truly a historic district of Old Manila, serving as the Chinese community since the earliest days of the city.  This area near the Spanish settlement of Intramuros was a major financial center until Makati took over the role (it was even referred to as “The Wall Street of the Philippines” at one time).

Since then, members of the Chinese community who made it big have established new residences in the suburbs, but often still maintain stores and offices in Binondo. Today, the world’s first Chinatown retains much of its heritage, and visitors can enjoy a quick immersion of Chinoy culture by walking along these crowded urban streets, a combination of high-end stores, vintage establishments and iconic institutions.

Shop for Sweets in Eng Bee Tin. Eng Bee Tin is a famous Chinese pastry shop that sells red bean paste pastries, glutinous rice cakes, moon cakes and other tempting delights. There are several branches in Binondo and throughout Metro Manila. The owners of Eng Bee Tin paid homage to their Binondo roots by donating a purple fire truck to the local fire department, in reference to their popular purple yam (ube) pastry.