DOT eyeing more tourists from India

The Department of Tourism (DOT) expects the influx of 100,000 Indian nationals into the country as the agency targetted its recent promotional roadshows in four tourist-rich regions of India – Kolkata, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai.

Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo noted that India has been one of the major source markets accounting for nearly 75,000 visitors last year, posting 22.36 percent year-on-year growth.

From January to June this year, the DOT recorded 44,294 arrivals, just tailing the top 12 international tourism markets.

“The four Indian cities we targeted are important feeder markets, hence we are working on strengthening our relations with their local travel partners to assure sustainable growth,” Teo said.

The DOT chief further noted that increased Indian visitor arrivals are facilitated by the free-entry privilege extended to Indian nationals bearing visas from the United States, Japan, Australia, Canada, Schengen, Singapore and United Kingdom.

DOT’s Market Development Group led by Director Verna Buensuceso headed the mission in India, bringing along representatives of hotels, resorts, spas, tourist attractions and tour operators from the Philippines to interact with over 400 Indian trade partners.

Nash Dias, offline sales manager of India’s leading travel agent Stic Travel Group, expressed optimism that the Philippine roadshow will get an excellent response from the Indian market.

Francesca Alberto, vice president for domestic sales and marketing of Ark Travel Express, said, “The market has high potential for luxury and honeymooners. Quality of agents here are good and they are gaining more knowledge about the Philippines.”

Abhay Maheshwari, India district sales manager of Thai Airways said, “At present, we have ten flights servicing the Mumbai-Bangkok-Manila route, and in October, we are going to increase the number of flights.”