In an effort to revive the tourism industry, the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association (HSMA) is bringing back its biggest travel sale hit with massive promotions and discounts for travelers who have been longing to go out after more than a year in lockdown.

In a virtual briefing on Tuesday, Sept. 7, the HSMA announced that it will hold again another edition of its September Online Sale (S.O.S) following its successful run last year.

Benjie Martinez, HSMA President and Area Director of Sales & Marketing for Bayleaf Hotels, said they extended this year's S.O.S from the previous 15 days to a month-long event and included "more exciting" packages" for travelers.

"We have planned a month-long travel mart. We are also including the ancillary services of the properties such as restaurants, bars, banquet packages, spa, gym and pool, and other facilities of the hotel, making this year’s campaign more thrilling and inviting," Martinez.

Participating in the online travel sale are 80 hotels and resorts from key destinations across the country including Manila, Pasay, Parañaque, Ortigas, Pasig, Quezon City, Makati, BGC, Alabang, Cavite, Laguna, Bataan, Clark, Ilocos, Baguio, Boracay, Iloilo, Cebu, Bohol, Palawan, and Davao.

Interested travelers can score as much as 70 percent discount on more than a hundred vacation and food & beverage packages which will be sold as e-vouchers that can be used within a year from the date of purchase and may be extended upon request.

The S.O.S 2021 will run from September 15 to October 2021 and can be accessed at the HSMA website hsma.org.ph/sos.

The inaugural S.O.S held last year was among the projects initiated by the local hotel association in response to the COVID-19 crisis. The tourism industry was one of the hardest hit by the pandemic with 4.8 million workers displaced due to various restrictions placed across the country.

According to the HSMA, last year's event sold almost 2,000 vouchers which brought in much-needed revenue for the participating hotels and resorts' operations and upkeep, keeping millions of Filipinos employed in the sector.

Anchored on the Department of Tourism's (DOT) "Have a Safe Trip, Pinas" campaign, the HSMA noted that the S.O.S aims to contribute to the momentum of local tourism recovery by boosting public confidence and driving anticipation for travel.

"This is our chance to extend a helping hand to the travel sector, so that they may regain their footing and continue serving the Filipino people through essential quarantine accommodations and leisure services," said Margie Munsayac, HSMA Board Chair and Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Bluewater Resorts.

"This is also a kind of victory over the pandemic, that we are seizing the opportunity to rediscover and reconnect with the beauty of our country," she added.