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Led by DOT Philippines’ 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, the delegation gave an overview of the booming tourism industry in the Philippines. The event brought together hoteliers, resorts, spas, tour operators and airlines from the Philippines to interact with over 100 local travel partners and buyers in B2B sessions.
Speaking at the event, Buensuceso 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% year-on-year increase. “Kolkata is a key market in the East and hence we are looking forward to strengthen our relations with local travel partners from the city. 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,” she added.
Over the last couple of years, DOT Philippines has been actively promoting the destination not only as a holiday destination but also for luxury, MICE, weddings and small group travel. Destinations like Manila, Boracay, Cebu, Bohol, Palawan, and Davao have been aggressively promoted in recent years. DOT Philippines conducted road shows in the cities of Pune and Ahmedabad in February 2016 and received an overwhelming response. With the AJACSS UK visa relaxation at all international airports Philippines is sure to attract more Indians in 2016.
Raymund Glen A Agustin said, “I am very positive that Kolkata may give a bigger share, precisely because it is very near and we would also like to have the support of the airlines for the direct connectivity. We would like to introduce all our destinations slowly so that we can offer more variety. Palawan and Davao are new destinations and have huge potential as a destination for the Indian travellers. We are also putting in our efforts to bring in more group travellers and that is why we are also focussing on Indian weddings.”
SanJeet, Market Representative, Philippines Tourism Marketing Office – India said, “For Kolkata this is the right time to meet the travel agents as the tourist season is coming in and it is a very lean period for the travel agents as they are making the itineraries. We have new products that the agents must know. There is a little challenge regarding the direct connectivity but we are hoping by next year we should be able to put at least one airline for direct connectivity.”
Sanjay Maniar, Director, Travelaid & President, West Bengal, IATA Agents Association of India (IAAI) said, “It is a very interesting destination and a new product for the Kolkata market. It has lot of potential particularly for the leisure market, lot of wonderful beaches. Hopefully there is going to be direct flight connectivity between Kolkata and Manila which would definitely help us to increase our numbers.”
Vichaya Singtoroj, General Manager, Thai Airways Kolkata said, “Thai Airways offers best daily connectivity with wide body aircraft (Boeing 777-200) from Kolkata to Manila via Bangkok along with competitive fares in Business and Economy class.”
“The Philippines is a beautiful destination and it is also very near to Kolkata. Presently the best selling Philippines points are Manila, Cebu and Boracay. It is well connected to Kolkata via Singapore, Bangkok and Hong Kong. As there is no direct flight to Manila, Philippines Tourism or the Philippines government could try their best to have thorough fares from Kolkata to Manila and back on the Philippines Airlines as that will boost the traffic to Philippines in a major way,” said J T Ramnani, Managing Director, Vensimal World Travel Agents Pvt Ltd.
Biren Poh, Manager Eastern India, Singapore Airlines stated, “Singapore Airlines along with our regional wing – SilkAir is committed to working with DOT closely to promote travel to Philippines. The road show provided a platform for us to share the experiences that Philippines has to offer as well as receive industry insights from our trade partners. Philippines has much potential and this forum helped build a holistic approach to developing Philippines as an all-year, go-to destination for Indian travellers.”
Manav Soni, CEO, Exclusive Travels Pvt Ltd and Vice President of Skal International Club Kolkata said, “The Philippines is a very upcoming market here and certainly provides us a new destination to sell in this region. It has one of the best beaches like Boracay or Palawan. It is an amazing country with amazing people. I am sure it will add value to our market and we will grow better.”
Source: travelnewsdigest.in