Philippines expects India to be among its top 10 tourist markets

Philippines Tourism yesterday said it expects India to be among its top-ten markets in the coming years as it is targeting to attract more tourists from across the country through promotional efforts, the PTI reported. ?It (India) is an important market for us. This is a market which will be in the top ten markets in the coming years. Philippines recorded 46,395 visitor arrivals from India last year and we are looking at a 50 per cent growth in 2013," Verna C Buensuceso, Director, Market Development Group, Department Of Tourism (DOT), Philippines, told reporters in Hyderabad.

A total of 4.3 million foreign tourists visited Philippines in 2012, which grew by 11 per cent during January to May this year, while the Indian market has grown by 22 per cent as compared to the corresponding period a year ago, she said.

She said that South Korea topped the international tourist inflow to Philippines with one million visitors, followed by US and Japan, while India is positioned at 14th place. ?We are looking at an overall 5.5 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2013 and targeting ten million by 2016,? Buensuceso added.

She said that Philippines Airlines was looking into reinstating direct flights from either Delhi or Mumbai probably towards the end of this year or next year while another Philippine carrier Cebu Pacific intended to fly from India from the third quarter of 2014.

?We want to create lot of awareness in India about the tourist destinations in Philippines,? Buensuceso stated. She added that DOT's campaign 'It's More Fun in Philippines' and the recently announced visa-free entry for international travellers with valid and current visa of AJACSS UK has helped boost the number of Indian arrivals to Philippines.

Source: http://www.travelbizmonitor.com/philippines-expects-india-to-be-among-its-top-10-tourist-markets-21213

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