PHILIPPINES REGISTERS DOUBLE-DIGIT GROWTH IN INDIAN ARRIVALS
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The Department of Tourism, Philippines (DOT), has announced that it registered 52,206 tourist arrivals from India in 2013 as against 46,395 in 2012. Amongst Philippines’ key tourist markets in South Asia, India registered the highest annual growth of 12.53 per cent in visitor arrivals. The DOT welcomed a total of 4,681,307 foreign visitors in 2013, surpassing the 4,272,811 arrivals recorded in 2012 by 9.56 per cent. This performance marked a new milestone for the tourism industry as visitor arrivals demonstrated sustained growth despite the challenges of the previous year.
“Our key source markets generally performed well during the month of December, proof that international confidence has been regained. The Philippines is profoundly grateful for the outpouring of support, aid, and goodwill from all over the world. They were all instrumental in our road to recovery. We foresee better opportunities for growth this year as we continue to roll-out programs under the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP). We also hope to engage more Filipinos in appreciating the value of tourism in the country’s inclusive growth agenda and encourage them to take an active role in growing the industry by being better hosts to both local and foreign tourists," said Ramon R. Jimenez Jr, Tourism Secretary.
Philippines will play host to a number of international conferences and events, which include the 5th World Ecotourism Conference in Cebu this February and WEF East Asia Summit in May. The country is currently preparing Visit the Philippines Year (VPY) 2015, which will feature a calendar of events and an exciting mix of activities inviting all to come and partake of the more fun promise in the Philippines.
SanJeet, Tourism Attaché, Philippines Tourism Marketing Office, India, said, “The double-digit growth affirms our consistent effort in promoting the destination. We owe this achievement to our team who have relentlessly worked towards increasing the level of awareness about the Philippines in the country. It is also quite encouraging to note that we have performed well despite the unfortunate natural calamity that occurred last year. The positive growth will inspire us to intensify our promotional campaigns in India this year while focusing on our key markets.”