Philippine Tourism Officials are optimistic about achieving the 2023 Tourist Arrival Targets at the Arabian Travel Market. On the second day of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), the Philippines welcomed delegates including policy makers from across the country. Present at the booth were Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) COO Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles and Tourism Undersecretary Shereen Gail Pamintuan.
The country is optimistic that it will hit its tourist arrival target for 2023, with almost two million tourist arrivals as of now.
“We are very positive that we will be able to reach our target for this year. It’s not yet pre-pandemic levels, but it’s a good sign,” said Usec. Pamintuan in an interview with The Filipino Times.
The Philippines presented 16 unique exhibitors at the ATM, including top Filipino tourism and travel brands such as Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines (PAL), and Okada Manila.
Experiential Philippines
The Philippine booth is promoting its world-class and award-winning destinations, such as the world’s best dive and best beach destinations.
“People and studies show that as they travel, they are looking into meaningful and purposeful travels. So, together with our President, Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr., and our Tourism Secretary, Christina Garcia-Frasco, we are setting up an experiential Philippines,” said COO Nograles.
Nograles stated that among the most popular products of the Philippines are diving and surfing. Besides, they are pushing forward community-based tourism.
“I’m very passionate about that (community-based tourism) project because, again going back, we want to highlight that unique Filipino identity. In order to experience that, we encourage the world to come into our community and learn from our indigenous community, really their stories, their craft,” said COO Nograles.
‘More than stunning beaches’
Usec. Pamintuan emphasized that the Philippines has a lot to offer.
“We are more than our stunning beaches; we are more than our breathtaking landscapes. We do offer a lot of more authentic experiences in terms of food, in terms of wellness, health. We also will be branching out to highlight Sports Tourism, more on nature and adventure,” said Usec. Pamintuan.
She also highlighted that the Philippines is ready to offer a premium or luxury travel experience to both Filipino and foreign tourists.
“We also have luxury types and are not limited to the affordable type of travel, but we also have luxurious travel destinations for them to check out.”
Ultimately, she believes that the gem of the country is its people.
“Our advantage really is that we have the warmest Filipino citizens in the world who will be more than willing to welcome you,” said Usec. Pamintuan.
Usec. Pamintuan has highlighted several projects that the Tourism Department is prioritizing, including addressing connectivity problems, ensuring the availability of clean and satisfactory restroom facilities, and establishing Pasalubong Centers with ATM accessibility.
“We are also doing a tourist call center that will facilitate any of your inquiries. Kung may problema kayo habang namamasyal kayo sa Pilipinas, magkakaroon po tayo ng hotline para matulungan po kayo sa inyong mga problema sa pagbyahe. Pangatlo, magkakaroon kami ng travel app together with TPB para siyang isang malaking app kung saan, pwede ninyong makita ang mga produkto ng ating mga rehiyon, kung saan kayo pwede mag-hiking, mag-diving, eco-tourism, at marami pang iba. Makikita rin ninyo ang mga local tour guides doon sa app na ‘yun, said Usec. Pamintuan.
The Philippines Goes ‘Halal’
The TPB is piloting a ‘Halal’ project in Mindanao to embrace inclusivity and welcome more nationalities.
“We will now have our 8th Tourism and Trade Fair in Mindanao, in Davao City. This will be a whole government approach, with the President, Vice President, and Secretary in attendance. All departments will come together to see how we can grow this Halal ecosystem and invite more partners into the Philippines,” said COO Nograles.
The program aims to establish the availability of halal products across the country.
Exhibitors from the Philippines include:
• Divaishnavi International Inc.
• VIA Philippines
• Atmosphere Resorts & Spa
• Annset Holidays, Inc.
• Philippine Airlines
• Earth Explorers Travel and Tours
• CTPH Lifestyle and Travel Services
• The Lind Boracay
• Blue Horizons Travel & Tours, Inc.
• Okada Manila
• JLT Travel and Tours
• Ties That Travel
• Cebu Pacific Air
• Pink Lily Travel and Tours, Inc.
• Atlantis Dive Resorts and Liveaboards
• Travelite Travel and Tours
The exhibit will continue until May 4, 2023, at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
