10 M tourist arrivals in 2019 possible – travel operators

Local travel operators cited positive developments in the country’s tourism that they hope should help bring in 10 million foreign tourists as early as this year from only 7.2 million in 2018.

Ritchie B. Tuano, president of the Philippine Travel Agencies Association, told reporters at the opening of the 3-day Travel Tour Expo (TTE) 2019 at the SMX Convention Center that while the government is targetting 10 percent increase in tourism arrivals this year, “It is possible to hit 10 million this year.”

“10 percent increase is already an alltime high, but anything is possible because everything looks so positive and bright,” said Tuano.

The industry pinned its hopes on the influx of Chinese tourists this year. The Chinese government has promised to bring in 2 million Chinese tourists over time.

They are also looking at attracting more Indian tourists as Philippine Airlines resumes direct flights to New Delhi. PAL, he said, is set to relaunch the Manila-New Delhi four times direct weekly flights on April 16. PAL used to fly to New Delhi but with a stopover in Bangkok.

“With this new connectivity, we expect India to grow faster,” he said.

The usual volume tourist contributor countries still remain Korea, US and Japan.

In addition, he said Cebu Pacific has been beefing up its fleet.

Other airlines are also expending their frequencies and capacities to the Philippines.

Tuano further noted that the opening of new international airports in the provinces have opened opportunities for airlines to mount direct flights to the islands like Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, Clark and Bohol.

“The good thing is both PAL and Cebu Pacific and even Air Asia have started operating international flights from other airports aside from Manila, Cebu and Clark. I think that is the best immediate solution to decongest Manila,” he said.

The 3-day travel expo, features 400 travel agencies comprising 150 PTAA member firms and tour operators from 13 countries.

Tuano said there are lots of promos and discounts of as much as 50-70 percent.

Marlene Dado Jante, TTE 2019 organizing committee chairperson, cited the rapidly evolving tourism landscape.

Jante urged members to take advantage to explore new opportunities in partnership with international players.

She cited the eight national tourism organizations participating to showcase their destinations.