The Philippines Department of Tourism (PDOT) revealed that it is making headway in gaining a share in the growing Indian travel market with the arrival of a 125-strong executive group from Kodak India Pvt. Ltd. for a…
The Philippines Department of Tourism (PDOT) revealed that it is making headway in gaining a share in the growing Indian travel market with the arrival of a 125-strong executive group from Kodak India Pvt. Ltd. for a dealer incentive tour from September 2 to 6, 2007.
“This is one of the biggest group arrivals from India so far, showing that the strategic and complementary marketing efforts of the department and our partners in the industry are reaping tangible results,” Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano announced.
The secretary noted that the contingent will comprise of Kodak India’s management executives and representatives from its top dealers from the major Indian cities Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Kolkatta.
PDOT and partner tour operators Mercury Travels in Mumbai, India and Select Global Travels, Manila have planned airport courtesies, including a lei reception and rondalla performance to welcome the group upon their arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. A gala dinner has also been organized, with the Illustrado-based dance troupe Terpsichore One to showcase a colorful and imaginative sampling of Filipino artistry. DOT Team India is also preparing a special pasalubong basket of various Philippine crafts and treats.
The itinerary includes a tour of Manila’s historic and cultural attractions, shopping at the city’s big malls and sight-seeing around Cebu’s urban district and beaches. The group will be billeted at the Manila Pavilion and Waterfront Hotel, Cebu.
According to PDOT Team India marketing head Glen Agustin, “We are making sure that their experience in the Philippines will be unique and memorable –from the attractions they will visit to the warmth and hospitality that the Filipino is known for. More than vacationers, we see them as potential promoters of Philippine tourism.”
Currently, PDOT is pushing the country’s shopping, entertainment and beach attractions to this particular tourist group. Cebu and Manila are the highlighted destinations since these are considered as the more cosmopolitan centers that will appeal to the market. Specific target groups are families and business persons who have a high propensity to shop and look for entertainment and recreational facilities.
Agustin further shared that the Philippines won the Most Promising New Tourist Destination and Best Pavilion Presentation at the Mumbai and New Delhi editions of the 2007 Outbound Travel Mart respectively.
The Outbound Travel Mart is India’s top tourism exposition that brings together representatives from hotels, resorts, tour operators, airlines and public tourism offices from 42 countries around the world.
Agustin explained, “These awards are a cue for us to really look into the Indian market because they’re clearly showing interest in what we have to offer. Singapore and Thailand are so far the most popular destination for this group. Our challenge is to meet their expectations based on their experiences. At the same time, we’re confident that we have something new in store for them.”
Visitor arrivals from India increased by 15.8 percent in the first half of this year compared to the same period in 2006. A total of 13,651 tourists from this country came to the islands between January and June 2007.
“India is a very promising market. Traveler traffic at the international airports of Mumbai and New Delhi alone are already in the millions. Their economy is showing strength and their call center industry is creating a generation with a heightened awareness of the global village, which would translate into an interest for travel. These are clear signs that there are investment opportunities for Philippine tourism,” Durano added.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
