The Consulate General of the Philippines in Dubai and N. Emirates notes the 27.5% increase in its visa issuance for the month of August year on year. This is also 10% higher than August 2011 intake.

Following the familiarization trips held this year in line with DOT’s branding campaign, fourteen (14) agencies from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates were chosen to participate in the Travel Exchange (TRAVEX) last 5 September 2013. Travex is a component of the 12th Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX 2013) organized by the Tourism Promotions Board from September 4-6 2013 at the SMX Convention Center, MOA Complex, Pasay City with theme “Unending Possibilities of Fun in the Philippines.”

TRAVEX, the principal module of PHITEX, provided a venue for Foreign Buyers of tourism products and services from all over the world including the Middle East region to transact business with Philippine Sellers on one-on-one scheduled appointments. On the other hand, the post tours provided an opportunity for an exceptionally fun discovery of the Philippines’ key attractions, destinations and activities.

DOT-ME representative BizGate coordinated the Post Tours last September 06 to 11 covering Manila, Cebu, and Boracay. Emirates Airline supported this event.