Excellent value and no visa requirement for GCC nationals expected to entice increased family travel during Eid Al Adha holidays
Dubai, 16th August 2015:
The Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT), in cooperation with travel
partners from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Qatar,
Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait and the Philippines, has launched with immediate
effect the second edition of the ‘Kids Go Free’ campaign, to promote the
Philippines as an ideal holiday destination for families seeking
leisure, relaxation, and fun experiences. The campaign, which is
exclusive to visitors from the Middle East, forms part of a long list of
special promotions, campaigns and events being held as part of the
Visit Philippines Year 2015 celebrations.
The
‘Kids Go Free’ campaign was first held within the Middle East between
August and October 2014 and was a resounding success. As a result of the
campaign visitor numbers from the GCC region increased by 17% compared
to the same period in 2013. Following on from last year’s success the
campaign has been re-launched in 2015 and made bigger, better and
longer, with more luxury hotels, resorts and tour operators joining the
campaign with extended complimentary offers and special promotions.
Additionally, the campaign’s validity has also been extended from July
2015 until March 2016, and will include the Eid Al Adha holidays.
The
‘Kids Go Free’ campaign is an original initiative that focuses on
introducing the Philippines as a family destination by offering holiday
packages coupled with exceptional value. The campaign packages include
six-nights/seven-days stays at three, four and five- star properties,
during which two children per family under the age of 11 can enjoy an
exciting array of activities, food, accommodation and other experiences
all on a complimentary basis.
The
packages have been tailored to showcase the very best that the
Philippines has to offer and include a three-night stay in Manila
followed by an additional three-night stay in a regional paradise
destination such as: Cebu, Palawan, Boracay, Bohol, Davao or Bicol. Also
included within the packages are airport and hotel transfers, daily
breakfast, half-day tours of Manila and the chosen regional destination,
English-speaking guide and complimentary Qur’an for Muslim guests. Over
30 hotels and resorts ranging from luxury five-star to stylish
three-star accommodation are participating in the campaign, as are
popular amusement and theme parks including the Enchanted Kingdom,
Manila Ocean Park, Kidzania, Museo Pambata and Mind Museum.
Director
Verna Covar-Buensuceso, Officer-in-Charge of the Market Development
Group, PDOT said, “Back by popular demand and with the support of our
GCC travel agent and tourism industry partners, we are excited to launch
the second edition of the ‘Kids Go Free Campaign’ which is timed to
position the Philippines as a ‘top of mind’ family holiday destination
especially for the upcoming Eid Al Adha holidays.”
The
popularity of the Philippines has been steadily increasing with the
total number of visitors from the Middle East recorded at 76,163 in
2014, an increase of 10.52% compared to the number recorded in 2013.
Visitors from the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia lead the region
in terms of visitor numbers, with Saudi Arabia providing 43,483 visitors
in 2014 and the UAE with 17,000 visitors. The PDOT is hoping that
through such promotional efforts as the ‘Kids Go Free’ campaign, and the
recent launch of its various social media platforms tailored
specifically to the interests of Middle East travellers, that travel
demand from the region will continue to grow throughout 2015 and 2016.
According
to the latest arrival statistics available, the positive trend is
continuing with visitors from the UAE up by 11.98% for the first five
months of 2015 compared to the same period in 2014.
“The
GCC is an emerging market for us, one which we see significant
potential for continued growth. G.C.C. nationals as well as many other
nationalities do not require an entry visa to the Philippines if
visiting for 30 days or less. This ease of entry along with the warm
hospitality offered by Filipinos to all visitors makes the Philippines
truly special as an exciting and fun destination for family members of
all ages and interests,” added Director Verna Covar-Buensuceso.
Philippine-based
hotels participating in the campaign have also lined up family-oriented
in-house activities to add to the fun-filled experiences of families
visiting the Philippines. Hotels and amusement parks participating in
the campaign include:
METRO MANILA
1. Ascott Makati
2. Somerset Millenium Makati
3. Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria
4. Diamond Hotel
5. Dusit Thani Manila
6. Fairmont Hotel Makati
7. Holiday Inn Manila Galleria
8. Hotel Jen Manila
9. The Manila Hotel
10. Makati Shangri-la Hotel
11. New World Manila Bay Hotel
13. Raffles Hotel Makati
14. The Heritage Hotel Manila
BORACAY
1. Azalea Hotels & Residences Boracay
2 Henann Lagoon Resort
3. Henann Garden Resort
4. Shangri-la’s Boracay Resort and Spa
5. The Lind Boracay
CEBU
1. Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan
2. Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort
3. Shangri-la’s Mactan Resort and Spa
BOHOL
1. Bluewater Panglao Beach Resort
2. Henann Resort Alona Beach
PALAWAN
1. Aziza Paradise Hotel
BAGUIO
1. Azalea Residences Baguio
CAGAYAN DE ORO
1. Seda Centrio
DAVAO
1. Seda Abreeza
2. Park Inn by Radisson
AMUSEMENT PARKS
1. Museo Pambata
2. Enchanted Kingdom
3. Kidzania Manila
4. The Mind Museum
5. Manila Ocean Park
The
campaign is also supported by Philippine carriers – Philippine Airlines
and Cebu Pacific Air and Philippines-based tour operators such as: Afro-Asian
Travel & Tours Inc., Annset Holidays Inc., Ark Travel Express Inc.,
Baron Travel Corporation, Blue Horizon Travel & Tours Inc.,
Constellation Travels Inc., CCT 168 Travel, Golden Sky Travel &
Tours, INTAS, Marsman Drysdale Travel & Tours, Mart Evers Travel
& Tours Corp., Rajah Tours Philippines, Rajah Travel Corporation,
Rakso Travel, Select Travel Services, Shroff Travel Care Inc., Tamber
Travel, Travel Village Tours & Travel, T.R.I.P.S. Travel Inc. and Uni-Orient Travel Inc.
GCC
carriers – Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways and Oman Air and
Philippine carriers – Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air are also
offering special rates for families travelling to the Philippines and
availing of the Kids Go Free packages.
The
Philippines, has a plethora of exciting attractions for the whole
family, from gorgeous beaches and stunning islands, exciting shopping,
fun-filled amusement parks, nature experiences, as well as the endless
pampering, rejuvenation and gourmet experiences to be had at one of the
many luxury resorts and spas.
