ETW Staff – Mumbai
The Department of Tourism, Philippines in coordination with the Philippines Tourism Marketing Office in India recently held a series of roadshows in tier II cities of the country, namely Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Chennai. The roadshows gave the tourism department an opportunity to introduce its travel partners to agents in the city and showcase the country’s new attractions and services offered as part of it’s “It’s More Fun” campaign. It aimed at penetrating the outbound tourist market in these cities and share first hand accounts of Philippines’ vast portfolio of tourism products.
Led by Verna C Buensuceso, director, Market Development Group, Russia, India and the Middle East, Department of Tourism and Raymund Glen Agustin, head, Team India, Department of Tourism; the delegation including Luisa A Llave, Department of Tourism gave an overview of the tourism industry in the Philippines.
Speaking on the occasion, Verna C Buensuceso said, “The Philippines recorded 46,395 visitor arrivals from India during the period January to December 2012. It is a direct result of department’s marketing and promotional efforts for the Indian market. In 2013, we are looking at a 50 per cent growth over last year’s arrival figures.”
The delegates from the Philippines interacted with local travel partners and buyers in B2B sessions and shared presentations with the attendees while shedding light on it’s campaign. The recently announced visa-free scheme for Indian travellers with valid AJACSS UK visa, has helped increase the number of Indian arrivals to the Philippines.
Raymund Glen Agustin said, “These cities are major focus in our tourism promotional calendar for this year. We will highlight our premier destinations and work with our local travel partners in these cities to attract more tourists to the Philippines this year.”
