The Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) is participating in the ongoing Riyadh Travel Fair 2017 which kicked off on Friday (April 7) at Prince Sultan Grand Hall, Al Faisaliah Hotel Riyadh. The event runs until Monday (April 10) with the aim of strengthening its initiative to proactively attract family and young travelers from the Kingdom to visit the Philippines during its 2017 promotions. The fair was inaugurated by Majid A. Al-Hokair, Chairman of the Committee for Tourism and Entertainment Riyadh Chamber and Chairman of Board Directors for Riyadh International Conference and Exhibition Center. The four-day event will become the focus of business networking opportunities, insightful seminar sessions, ministerial discussions and the recognition of twelve months of the tourism industry's achievements. Travel and tourism professionals as well as the general public attend the fair to discover more about exciting and exotic travel destinations. By using the Riyadh Travel Fair platform, the Philippine delegation that includes members from the Philippine Department of Tourism, Cebu Pacific Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Sheridan Hotel and Resorts Palawan and Riyadh-based tour operator Safari Travel aim to further intensify relationship with Saudi nationals and residents and provide them with detailed information on travel to the Philippines, exciting attractions that the destination has to offer, as well as answer any questions visitors may have. Philippine Department of Tourism Assistant Secretary Reynaldo L. Ching said "the Riyadh Travel Fair proves an excellent platform for Philippine tourism leaders to meet with Saudi travel industry professionals and the general public to highlight the attractions, fun, special events and value-added campaigns designed exclusively for Middle Eastern visitors." Ching added: "With a year-long special calendar of events planned in 2017, there is absolutely no better time to visit and return to Philippines than now." In addition to its participation at the Riyadh Travel Fair, Philippines Tourism delegation will also be visiting Riyadh-based industry partners to conduct a series of presentations and meetings with leading travel agencies from the kingdom's capital to further highlight the special celebrations and campaigns that the Philippines has on offer. The Philippines' no visa requirement for GCC and many other nationals, plus it's many popular shopping experiences, tranquil beaches and numerous family-friendly attractions has resulted in an increasing number of GCC residents choosing to make the Philippines their holiday destination of choice. Middle East arrivals to the Philippines has shown steady increase in the last three years. From 68,916 arrivals in 2013, arrivals to the Philippines in 2014 reached 76,163 growing by 10.52%. 2015 and 2016 arrivals, on the other hand, reached 83,546 and 91,501 respectively, growing by 9.69% and 9.52% over previous year's figures. The Philippines received a total of 56,081 arrivals from the kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2016, a 10% increase compares to number of arrivals from KSA in 2015. Ching further said: "We hope to see as many people as possible at the Riyadh Travel Fair to fully help visitors plan their next Philippines adventure. Information regarding new tour packages and promotions will also be available. We are excited that there are several special promotions that are valid for the coming months, including the upcoming summer holiday season, and hope many families will take advantage of these great value offers full of Philippine fun for all." For further information about the Philippines visit the Philippines Department of Tourism English and Arabic social media sites at: Facebook: It's More Fun in the Philippines – Middle East; Twitter: @PhilTourismME; or the Philippine Department of Tourism Middle East Marketing Representative Office at: Tel: +971 (0)4 433 5952; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://itsmorefuninthephilippines.com. — SG
