ETW STAFF – New Delhi
The Department of Tourism, Philippines (DOT) announced that it has achieved a new milestone with the country recording 4,272,811 visitor arrivals and showing a 9.07 per cent increase from the 3,917,454 tourist arrivals in 2011. It is for the first time that tourist arrivals to the country breached the four million mark. The Indian market generated 42,844 tourists and posted a growth of 8.29 per cent over 2011 arrival figures.
The growth in arrival figures to the country can be attributed to the success of the ‘It’s More Fun in the Philippines’ campaign launched by DOT early January last year. The campaign focused on promoting the country’s rich source of tourist attractions and culture, and the gift of the Filipinos to make people feel welcomed. It received an overwhelming response not only within the country, but also in its global markets.
Komal Seth, general manager, Philippines Tourism Marketing Office in India said, “The success of the ‘It’s More Fun in the Philippines’ campaign, coupled with the recently announced visa free scheme for Indian travellers with valid AJACSS UK visa, has helped boost the number of Indian arrivals to the Philippines. Other factors like affordability, rising levels of disposable income and the growing number of young population looking for adventure activities in unexplored destinations has also contributed to the growth in the number of Indian travellers to the Philippines.”
