JEDDAH – The Philippine Department of Tourism, in conjunction with the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh and the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah, have come together to launch a new revitalized promotional push to encourage more Saudi nationals and expatriates to holiday in the Philippines in 2014. To kick-off the activities, a week-long promotional campaign in Riyadh and Jeddah is ongoing until Dec. 20, 2013 that includes seminars, industry meetings and events to highlight the attractions of the Philippines as an exciting destination for seaside luxury escapes, outdoor adventures, urban experiences and family fun. The Philippine Department of Tourism has identified Saudi Arabia as a priority outbound market for development, especially as it currently ranks the largest visitor market to the Philippines from the Middle East. In 2012, the country hosted a total of 30,040 visitors from Saudi Arabia, which was an increase of 7.5 percent compared to the previous year. 2013 results also bode well, with arrival numbers from the Kingdom between January to September 2013 standing at 30,258 and already exceeding the 2012 total. The number represents a robust 34.7 percent when compared to the same 9 month figures experienced in 2012. The propensity for further increase also remains strong following the increase in direct flights services between the Philippines and Saudi Arabia with the re-launch of Philippine Airlines direct flights between Riyadh and Manila, and then Dammam and Manila in November 2013. Raymund Glen Agustin, Chief, Russia, India and the Middle East Market Development Group, Philippine Department of Tourism, said “OUR commitment to deepen our engagement with travel industry professionals, airlines, media and consumers in the Middle East, to further spread the message that travel and tourism to the Philippines offers great value and is more fun, is resolute. With the support of our industry partners, compatriots at the Philippine Embassy and consulates in Saudi Arabia, and our new marketing representative office with AVIAREPS, a cohesive program of promotional activities, events, seminars and participation at key travel exhibitions will be rolled out over the forthcoming months, with the objective of enticing more visitors to the Philippines.” Ezzedin H. Tago, Philippine ambassador in Saudi Arabia, said “an increasing number of Saudis are experiencing the joy and value that the Philippines have to offer as a holiday destination. We hope to encourage even more Saudis to discover the unique charms of our country and let them know that through tourism and by travelling to the Philippines, visitors can not only have a memorable and enjoyable experience, but also know that their tourism spend will directly help with the development of the Philippines economy, especially following the aftermath of super Typhoon Haiyan.” – SG
