Friday, November 18, 2005

The Department of Tourism (DOT) further intensifies its campaigns in China with its added tourist attractions in line for next year. China is the
Philippines’ fastest-growing market, with an average increase hitting almost 200 percent over recent months.

China has consistently recorded a growth rate of almost ten times than its usual average and six times faster than any of Philippines’ other source markets.

Soon to be included in the list of tourist destinations advertised to
Chinese travelers are Subic, Clark, Davao, and the new Manila with its new upbeat look.

In addition to putting up marketing offices in two of China’s key cities
Beijing and Shanghai; familiarization trips for tour operators and the
media; and extensive broadcast and print ads, the Philippines has
participated in numerous travel fairs, wherein diving and golf; wellness and spa; and incentive travel and tourism-related investments were showcased and have recorded an overwhelming response from the Chinese.

Tourism Secretary Ace Durano disclosed, “China has become our
fastest-growing market. In latest arrivals statistics, it has posted a
growth rate of 186.4% for the month of September 2005 as compared to same period last year. This impressive improvement has roused our spirits in our incessant pursuit of acquiring a sizeable portion of their outbound travelers. With the Department continuously developing new tour packages and marketing schemes to capture the awareness of the Chinese, we aspire to make the Philippines one of the preferred choices in South East Asia for their leisure vacationers.”

Just before the year draws to a close, the DOT will again embark on another venture as they join the 7th China International Travel Mart (CITM) slated from 24 to 27 November 2005 at the Kunming International Convention and Exhibition Center.

Headed by the Tourism chief himself, the contingent will include DOT China Team Head/Assistant Secretary Eduardo Jarque, Jr., and members Director Rolando Cañizal and Rene Reyes.

CITM 2005 is deemed to be yet another potent platform that will help promote the islands as a premier destination. With almost tens of thousands of visitors, over 1,500 high-quality buyers, and more than 60 countries from all over the world participating, new business opportunities for everyone is indeed a huge possibility.

There are also several press conferences and symposia that create opportune breaks to gain knowledge and insights about travel and trade and likewise speak to international tourism organizations, tour wholesalers, travel agencies, automobile rental companies, airlines, railways, and cruise, hotels and resorts management groups, reservation systems, media, among other tourism-related agencies.

Furthermore, prior to the CITM, Philippine Tourism Conference and Travel Mart will be held on 21 November at the Regal International East Asia Hotel. Private sector participants are lined up to conduct individual one-on-one meetings. DOT officials will also convene with Shanghai-based Filipino-Chinese entrepreneurs to finalize possible joint promotions.

Interviews with Secretary Durano by different local television programs have likewise been arranged. “The Department has been vigorously carrying out plans to beef-up our marketing promotions in China. It is good that we have participated the travel fairs and consumer events as this will definitely be very favorable for the Philippine tourism industry and will signify continuation of the success we have been achieving in the East Asian market” added Durano.