The Department of Tourism (DOT), Philippines recently conducted a series of roadshows from covering Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru and Mumbai. A delegation led by DOT Philippines’ director, Verna C Buensuceso, officer in charge, market development group; and Raymund Glen A Agustin, chief tourism operations officer, market development group – Russia, India, and the Middle East, gave an overview of the booming tourism industry in the archipelago. The event brought together hoteliers, resorts, spas, representatives of travel attractions and tour operators from the Philippines to interact with over 100 local travel trade partners and buyers in B2B sessions.
Buensuceso affirmed that India is an important source market for the Philippines with 74,824 Indians visiting the destination last year, registering a 22.36 per cent year-on-year growth. He said, “Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru and Mumbai are the important feeder markets and hence we are looking forward to strengthening our relations with local travel partners from these cities. Overall, the Philippines is looking forward to welcome 100,000 Indian tourists by 2017. VPA 2016 campaign aims to drive excitement among travellers so that they revisit the country in 2016.”
Over the last couple of years, DOT Philippines has been actively promoting the destination not only as a holiday destination but also for weddings, luxury, MICE and small group travel. Destinations like Manila, Boracay, Cebu, Bohol, Palawan and Davao have been aggressively promoted in the recent years. DOT Philippines conducted roadshows in Pune and Ahmedabad in February 2016. With the AJACSS UK visa relaxation at all international airports, the Philippines is expecting to attract more Indians by the end of 2016.
