KAHINI CHAKRABORTY – Mumbai
The department of tourism, Philippines is working towards positioning Philippines as the preferred travel destination in the Indian market. Recognising India as an important market, the department is extending its offerings for the leisure, MICE, families and honeymooners segments.
After receiving 46,000 Indian travellers to the destination in 2012, the NTO is now targeting to attract 66,000 Indians this year, which is an approximately 40 per cent increase. Benito C Bengzon, JR, assistant secretary, international tourism promotions, department of tourism, Philippines informed Express TravelWorld, “With an aim to capture a larger market share, we have extended our presence in Kolkata, Chennai and Bengaluru. Following this, we believe that it is imperative to constantly keep upgrading the frontline staff through continuous training on various products that Philippines has to offer to the Indian market. Apart from leisure, we have been getting increasing number of MICE groups and hence we on our part also have been increasing our MICE facilities to cater to this segment.” With Korea, UK, Japan, China and Australia being its major source markets, the department is confident of the India market to also take the top position.
“As we are relatively new in the market, we will be looking at conducting roadshows in Hyderabad and Ahmedabad this year, as well as continue to participate in major trade show events, conduct sales mission and organise FAM trips. We are also hoping to see an increase in incentive travel. We are targeting the Bollywood segment as we are aware of its importance in the Indian market,” he added.Currently the airline has three direct flights from New Delhi to Manila and other three flights via Bangkok. However, the airline is hoping that Indigo and Jet Airways would consider deploying direct flights to Manila from their sectors in India.
