Saudi visitors to the Philippines continue to record significant growth in 2013
Dubai, 16 December 2013:
The Philippine Department of Tourism, in conjunction with the
Philippine Embassy in Riyadh and the Philippine Consulate General in
Jeddah, have come together to launch a new revitalised promotional push
to encourage more Saudi nationals and expatriates to holiday in the
Philippines in 2014. To kick-off the activities a week-long promotional
campaign to both the cities of Riyadh and Jeddah will be conducted from 14 – 20 of December, 2013,
that will include seminars, industry meetings and events to highlight
the attractions of the Philippines as an exciting destination for
seaside luxury escapes, outdoor adventures, urban experiences and family
fun.
The Philippine
Department of Tourism has identified the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a
priority outbound market for development, especially as it currently
ranks the largest visitor market to the Philippines from the Middle
East. In 2012, the country hosted a total of 30,040 visitors from Saudi
Arabia, which was an increase of 7.5% compared to the previous year.
2013 results also bode well, with arrival numbers from the Kingdom
between January to September 2013 standing at 30,258 and already
exceeding the 2012 total. The number represents a robust 34.7% when
compared to the same 9 month figures experienced in 2012. The propensity
for further increase also remains strong following the increase in
direct flights services between the Philippines and Saudi Arabia with
the re-launch of Philippine Airlines direct flights between Riyadh and
Manila, and then Dammam and Manila in November 2013.
Says Mr. Raymund
Glen Agustin, Chief, Russia, India and the Middle East Market
Development Group, Philippine Department of Tourism: “Our commitment to
deepen our engagement with travel industry professionals, airlines,
media and consumers in the Middle East, to further spread the message
that travel and tourism to the Philippines offers great value and is
more fun, is resolute. With the support of our industry partners,
compatriots at the Philippine Embassy and consulates in Saudi Arabia,
and our new marketing representative office with AVIAREPS, a cohesive
programme of promotional activities, events, seminars and participation
at key travel exhibitions will be rolled out over the forthcoming
months, with the objective of enticing more visitors to the
Philippines.”
Says His
Excellency Ambassador Ezzedin H. Tago, Philippines Embassy in Saudi
Arabia: “An increasing number of Saudis are experiencing the joy and
value that the Philippines have to offer as a holiday destination. We
hope to encourage even more Saudis to discover the unique charms of our
country and let them know that through tourism and by travelling to the
Philippines, visitors can not only have a memorable and enjoyable
experience, but also know that their tourism spend will directly help
with the development of the Philippines economy, especially following
the aftermath of super Typhoon Haiyan.”
The Philippine Tourism Development Mission to Saudi Arabia will be conducted from December 14 – 20, and include presentations to industry professionals as well as high level industry meetings in both Riyadh and Jeddah.
For further information please contact the Philippine Department of Tourism Middle East Marketing Representative Office at:
Tel: +971 (0)4 433 5952
Fax: +971 (0)4 439 3582
