Philippines targets MiCE & weddings

After crossing the 100,000 mark in Indian arrivals to the Philippines, Daks Fernandez Gonzales, Head, Office of Product and Market Development–India and Middle East, Department of Tourism, Philippines, believes that the numbers would only grow, owing to i

The year 2017 proved to be a landmark for the Philippines, as the number of arrivals from India to the archipelago crossed 100,000. Ecstatic about the achievement, Daks Fernandez Gonzales said, “It was a tremendous year and we surpassed the mark of 100,000 arrivals from India. We are expecting further growth of the Indian market or inbound Philippines from India of about 25 per cent more. India is the 12th largest source market for inbound in the Philippines and continues to have the second most significant growth rate of inbound arrivals for the country. The projections of growth become stronger with the efforts of our team in India, which is continuously educating the agents. In fact, once connectivity issue is resolved, our projected growth will be even more.”

Connectivity

Since there is no direct connectivity between Philippines and India, Gonzales believes that once this is sorted and direct connectivity is established between the two countries, the arrivals will only improve. “We are continuously fighting to get a chance to have direct connectivity between India and the Philippines and we are very happy that a lot of interest is coming in from our partners both the countries. We are very confident that very soon this vision of direct connections from India to the Philippines will be fulfilled,” he added.

Focal point

The Philippines is presently focusing on MiCE, as it is one of the booming segments from India. “Currently, the strongest market segment is MiCE and we will continue to put our efforts on that and while strengthening the market. Leisure market is also very strong. A new segment, which is really growing in the Philippines, is family segment. In fact, there is a very strong interest for Golf travel as well as diving. Besides, weddings is a very big segment and we are making efforts to further boost this segment,” said Gonzales.

Competition

While there are many beach destinations with abundant natural beauty, the Philippines stands out because of its people, said Gonzales. “Apart from the fabulous beaches, it is the warmth and friendliness of the Filipino people which adds to the attraction. Another advantage is that the population speaks English,” he added.

Trade connection

Association with the travel trade is vital, and Gonzales believes that a constant networking with them is important. “We continuously engage with the travel trade and educate our partners of new products and better access into the Philippines. We conduct roadshows, not just in the big metros, but also in Tier-II and III cities. Our Indian partners are very happy, and business continues to be very strong for the Indian inbound to the Philippines,” he said.

Destinations in focus

Insisting that the Philippines continues to be a strong destination for Indians, in terms of beach holidays, shopping, as well as wellness, Gonzales said, “These are some components chosen by the MiCE groups and leisure travellers. The islands of Boracay, Cebu, Bohol and the city of Manila are very strong in terms of interest. The best part is that once Indians have experienced the Philippines through MiCE travel, they will come back and bring their families to see and experience what they did in their previous trip.”

We are expecting further growth of the Indian ian market or inbound Philippines from India of about 25 per cent more. India is the 12th largest source market rket for inbound in the Philippines and continues to have ave the - als for the country. Daks Fernandezez Gonzales Department of Tourism, Philippines hilippines

Infrastructure

Gonzales revealed that Boracay is continuously increasing its capacity. “There are new developments in Western Coast of the island, adding inventory of around 3000 pax. Infrastructure is being worked on, domestic connectivity is improving, and we are ready for the growth. Additionally, the cruising infrastructure in the Philippines is being improved,” he shared.