The Philippines Department of Tourism (PDOT) has confirmed its participation at the Riyadh Travel Fair 2015 edition, to be held on April 14-19 at the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh, as part of a strengthened initiative to proactively attract family travellers from the kingdom to visit the Philippines during the Visit Philippines Year 2015 promotions. Verna Buensuceso, Officer-In-Charge, Market Development Group, Philippines Department of Tourism, 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.”
She added: “With a year-long special calendar of events planned as part of the Visit Philippines Year 2015 celebrations, there is absolutely no better time to visit than now!”
Visit Philippines Year 2015 celebrates a long list of special festivals and events being held throughout the year that are based on a number of themes including: history and culture; lifestyle and entertainment; music and the arts; and sports, adventure and eco-tourism. During the year, a number of popular international musical acts including “One Direction” and “Justin Timberlake” will be holding concerts in the Philippines, in addition to special culinary events such as Madrid Fusión Manila - one of the world's most celebrated gastronomic events to be held this year for the first time in Asia.
In addition to its participation at the Riyadh Travel Fair, the Philippines Tourism delegation will also be visiting Dammam to conduct a series of presentations and meetings with leading travel agencies from the Kingdom's Eastern Province to further highlight the special celebrations and campaigns that the Philippines has on offer.
Of particular note is the “Kids Go Free Campaign 2015” which has been designed exclusively for families (both national and expatriate) living in the GCC and offers exceptional value. The campaign packages will be launched at the Riyadh Travel Fair and provide two children per family under the age of 11 with an exciting array of activities, food, accommodation and other experiences all on a complimentary basis. Additionally, the packages allow families to twin both the Philippines capital Manila with another exotic Philippine destination such as Cebu, Palawan, Boracay, Bohol, Davao or Bicol, allowing for both an urban and idyllic getaway experience.
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.
A total of 76,163 visitors from the GCC visited the Philippines in 2014, resulting in a 10% increase compared to 2013 figures. Among those, the number from Saudi Arabia was the highest at 43,483 travellers, which was an increase of 11.5% compared to the year before. Visitors from the United Arab Emirates were the next highest, followed by visitors from Kuwait.
Moreover, Buensuceso 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 the special Kids Go Free campaign will also be available. We are excited that these special promotions will be valid throughout the year, including the upcoming summer holiday season, and hope many families will take advantage of these great value offers full of Philippine fun for all.” — SG
