Campaign value and no visa requirement for GCC nationals expected to entice increased travel during Eid Al Adha holidays
Dubai, 19 August, 2014:
The Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT), in cooperation with travel
partners from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Qatar,
Kuwait and the Philippines, has launched a ‘Kids Go Free’ campaign to
promote the Philippines as an ideal holiday destination for families
seeking leisure, relaxation, and fun experiences. The launch, which was
held at the Shangri-La Hotel Dubai on August 18th, provided travel
agents with detailed information regarding the campaign and travel to
the Philippines. It is the first time the Philippine Department of
Tourism has conducted a ‘Kids Go Free’ promotion in the Gulf countries,
the timing of which has been designed to be valid throughout the Eid Al
Adha holidays.
The
‘Kids Go Free’ campaign is the most recent initiative by PDOT that
focuses on reintroducing the Philippines as a family destination and
offers holiday packages coupled with excellent value for families. The
campaign packages are available immediately right through to the end of
October 2014 and span six-nights/seven-days, 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
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, a half-day city tour of Manila and the chosen regional
destination, English-speaking guide and complimentary Qur’an. 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, Zoobic Safari, Paradise Ranch, Subic Zoocobia and Ocean Adventure.
Assistant
Secretary Benito C. Bengzon, Jr., Officer-in-Charge of the Tourism
Development, PDOT said, “We have launched this campaign exclusively for
families from the Middle East to encourage them to experience the value,
friendliness, excitement and fun that the Philippines has to offer,
positioning the country 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 68,916 in
2013, an increase of 20% compared to the number recorded in 2012.
Visitors from the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia lead the region
in terms of visitor numbers, with Saudi Arabia providing 38,969 visitors
in 2013 and the UAE 15,155. 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 in 2014. According to the latest arrival
statistics available, the trend is continuing with visitors from the UAE
up by 7% for the first six months of 2014 compared to the same period
in 2013.
“The
GCC is an emerging market for us, one which we see significant
potential for growth. G.C.C. nationals as well as many other
nationalities do not require an entry visa if visiting for 30 days or
less and alongside the warm hospitality offered by Filipinos to all
visitors we truly believe we have something special to offer all people
of all ages and interests,” added Director Verna Covar-Buensuceso,
Officer-in-Charge of the Market Development Group, PDOT.
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.
For
further information on the Philippines and ‘Kids Go Free’ campaign,
access the Philippine Tourism Middle East social media sites at:
Facebook: It’s More Fun In The Philippines – Middle East
Twitter: PhilTourismME
Or the Philippine Department of Tourism Middle East Marketing Representative Office at:
Tel: +971 (0)4 433 5952