Tourism & Hospitality | Saturday 8 April, 2017 5:11 am |

The Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) are currently visiting Riyadh to strengthen its initiative to proactively attract family and young travellers from the kingdom to visit the Philippines during its 2017 promotions. The visit coincides with the department’s participation at the Riyadh Travel Fair 2017 which is being held from April 7 – 10, 2017 at Prince Sultan Grand Hall, Al Faisaliah Hotel Riyadh. The fair will be attended by travel and tourism professionals as well as the general public keen 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 strengthen 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.

Says Assistant Secretary Reynaldo L. Ching, Philippines Department of Tourism: “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 G.C.C. 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 G.C.C. 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.

Says Ching: “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: itsmorefuninthephilippines-middleeast@aviareps.com

Website: http://itsmorefuninthephilippines.com