The Department of Tourism (DOT), Philippines has successfully conducted the ‘Visit the Philippines Year (VPA) 2016’ roadshow for its travel trade partners based in the cities of Pune and Ahmedabad on 22nd and 24th February respectively.
The 25-member delegation, comprising hoteliers, resorts, spas, and representatives of tour attractions, interacted with over 200 key travel and tour operators, MICE providers, up-market leisure operators and media personnel. Raymond Glen A. Agustin - Chief Tourism Operation Officer, Market Development Group- Russia, India & the Middle East, DOT Philippines, led the delegation. The roadshows included interactive B2B sessions, education programmes and workshops to aid trade members in planning itineraries and responding to customer queries in these cities. As a part of its marketing development strategy, the DOT, Philippines has recently branded 100 radio cabs in Pune and Ahmedabad.
Speaking at the event, Raymond Glen A. Agustin affirmed that India is an important source market for the Philippines with 74, 824 Indians visiting the destination last year, which was a 22.36 per cent year-on-year increase. Overall, the Philippines expect to welcome 100,000 Indian tourists by 2017. VPA 2016 campaign’s aim is to drive excitement among travellers so that they revisit the country in 2016 for more fun and adventure and to garner fabulous memories to cherish.
“In order to strengthen co-operation between DOT and our important business partners in the Indian travel industry, several promotional activities such as roadshows, taxi branding, participation in fairs and exhibitions and FAM trips have been carried out and further activities will be organized during this year ”, further added Glen.
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 recent years. DOT Philippines has also participated in the recently concluded OTM 2016 in Mumbai and the response was overwhelming. With the AJACSS UK visa relaxation at all international airports, the Philippines is sure to attract more Indians in 2016.