The Department of Tourism (DOT) Philippines is all set to hit the 100,000 mark soon from India market. India currently is the 12th largest source market for Philippines and the Philippines Tourism is seriously working on establishing direct connectivity between both the nations and also implementation of visa free travel for the Indians.
“The numbers to Philippines from India are good and growing. The arrivals to Philippines from India will soon reach 100,000. Presently India is at number 12 as a source market but soon to be in the top 10. Philippines is perceived as unique and niche destination in India. There has been over 20 per cent average growth pattern over past several months primarily due to increased visibility, aggressive marketing, word of mouth referential publicity and support by the DOT team in India to the trade, corporates (for MICE) etc,” SanJeet, Tourism Attaché, Philippines Tourism Marketing Office India said.
According to him, there has been a saturation of other South-east Asian destinations in the vacation portfolio of the traveller. “Millennial from India want something new and Philippines fits the bill perfectly due to English speaking nation. Philippines Tourism is also working rigorously on implementing on ‘no visa’ for Indians and starting direct flights to Philippines from India. On an average, Indians spend four days five nights and cover at least three locations during the visit.”
After tasting success in the major metro cities, Philippines is now looking to tap tier II & III cities in India. “After the metro cities, the next source markets to Philippines from India are the tier II cities which have the potential as well as are aspirational. These markets are being tapped through roadshows and trade shows,” he added.
Speaking about the growth in MICE and wedding segments, SanJeet said : “Philippines offers an array of choices to the MICE travellers, resulting in fair amount of MICE movement to Philippines from India. We recently invited 20 wedding planners for a FAM trip. They all had a good experience and were quite thrilled with the wedding opportunities they saw in Philippines.”
Philippines Tourism is in touch with major airlines to explore opportunity. “The Department is exploring all possibilities to start a direct flight between India Philippines. During our recent four city roadshow in India, airlines such as Philippines Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Thai Airlines were invited to see the vast market and the potential it holds.”
