2Go and Chinese Commercial News Team Up to Share Travel Industry Insights and Business Opportunities with Binondo-based Travel Agencies

　　Binondo, Manila—The largest end-to-end transportation, logistics, and distribution solutions provider in the country, 2Go has partnered with one of the oldest and most established Filipino-Chinese business newspapers, Chinese Commercial News (CCN) to gather a number of Binondo-based travel agencies for an insightful afternoon filled with travel industry insights and innovative business opportunities. 

　　'Kapihan with 2Go and Chinese Commercial News' was an interactive discussion held on September 22 at the Ramada Manila Hotel in Binondo, Manila. The session facilitated exchange of ideas, networking, and presentation of new ideas, innovations, and opportunities in the maritime domestic travel sector among 2Go, CCN, and the travel agencies, which included Pan Pacific Travel Inc., Golden Lane Travel & Tours, Klikk Travel Inc., Gladex Travel & Tours, U-Huat International Travel, MTTS Travel Service, Filman Travel, Carnation Travel, Cygnal Travel, Cebu Heritage Tours Inc., and Apec 1 Travel and Tours.  

　　"2Go connects people and opportunities through our transportation and logistics network. But connectivity is not simply about the routes, available schedule and all that. It becomes meaningful when it responds to the real needs of businesses and travelers," said Ethel Concepcion, Head of Corporate Marketing and Communications at 2Go Group Inc.  

　　"We want to develop solutions together with you and make it easier for our partners to do business, and in turn make it easier for our customers to travel," Concepcion continued, emphasizing that 2Go recognizes how travel companies bring people, businesses, and communities together, giving customers access to destinations and opportunities.  

　　CCN's Officer-in-Charge for Advertising and Marketing Shirley O. Baula underlined the purpose of the gathering, highlighting the benefits to all parties in attendance. "We believe that this business session will be a valuable platform where entrepreneurs can gain additional knowledge, discover new solutions, and connect with industry experts to help further grow their businesses," she said.  

　　2Go as a domestic travel option 

　　2Go is a subsidiary of SM Investments, bringing numerous advantages to all kinds of travelers through the practical and logical synergy with other brands and businesses in the vast SM Group. As the Sea Solutions unit covering freight and travel, 2Go is operating a fleet or nine big ships, able to transport up to 23,000 passengers every week. 

　　"The company enables the movement of people and goods throughout the Philippines," said Elaine Plopenio, 2Go Travel Senior Manager. "We have a strong fleet powering domestic tourism," she affirmed, highlighting that 2Go currently operates 60 routes across 20 ports of call across the archipelago.  

　　Plopenio reiterated that while it is a fact that traveling by sea can take longer compared with air travel, the reality is that 2Go Travel offers much more convenience and comfort on top of cost effectiveness. Cozy travel times for work, business, leisure, and more are available numerous times per week, especially to the top destinations like Coron, Puerto Princesa, Boracay, Cebu, and Siargao. 

　　Passengers need not worry about carrying much baggage as each of them is entitled to up to 50 kilos of free baggage allowance (regardless of number of baggage units). Businessmen who bring actual merchandise are offered additional 10 kilos free (on top of the 50 kilos) and will be charged just ₱30 per kilo of additional excess baggage through the 'Byahera Kabuhayan Tours' package.  

　　Free meals are cooked on board and not packed nor pre-heated, ensuring that passengers get the likely gastronomic experience several times a day during the entire duration of their travel. 

　　More reasons to travel with 2Go 

　　2Go offers hotel-like experience to travelers onboard. It has Economy Accommodation Options that include Super Value (open-air shared rooms)， Mega Value (most affordable for M Series vessels)， and Tourist Class (private, air-conditioned cabins for a relaxing journey). The Premium Accommodation Packages comprise Business Class (best for couples or small families)， Cabin (for families or groups)， and State Rooms (more space for groups). 

　　Onboard Dining Halls serve good food enjoyed with great views, creating better journeys. The Island Fiesta is the Economy dining hall that can seat up to 120 passengers at a time, while the Horizon Cafe is a dedicated dining hall for Premium Accommodation passengers and can serve up to 80 diners at a time.  

　　For passengers who need to shop for anything they need, onboard retail shops are available—Miniso, Kultura, Goldilocks, Brownies Unlimited, and Watsons. The wide selection of essentials, treats, and souvenirs are ideal for personal needs and pasalubong.    

　　2Go even allows traveling with fur babies by designating a special space or nursery area for the beloved pets throughout the journey. This service is offered on all the M Series vessels. Fur parents can drop by, visit, and check on their fur babies every now and then in the designated section.  

　　There are more services and features that can lure travelers, including: 

　　Connectivity via WiFi 

　　Biyaheng #MasPinasaya (events at sea—customizable for sailebrations, meetings, conferences, or trainings) 

　　Travel packages for youth organizations or athletic groups 

　　Bean Voyage (onboard barista training) 

　　Capt. Shippy Kiddie Cadet (voyage experience designed for kids) 

　　"2Go aims to understand travel and business experiences and identify the gaps so we can work together to find the best solutions," Concepcion told the travel agencies. "In many ways, our partners become an extension of the best 2Go Travel options that we provide," she concluded. 

　　Travel agencies are invited to sign up for 2Go's Partner Program to access the innovative services and opportunities for their clientele. Interested parties may send an email to Elaine Plopenio at elaine_plopenio@2go.com.ph or Grace Regalado at grace_regalado@2go.com.ph.