The 18th World Routes event held in Abu Dhabi last week witnessed Philippines’ first-ever strong participation as an exhibitor. Together with Department of Tourism, Clark International Airport Corporation, Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific took part at the show.
The country’s delegation was spearheaded by the Philippine Tourism Assistant Secretary (Deputy Minister) Benito C. Bengzon, Jr. who also conducted the country presentation during one of the Route Talks focused on tourism.
The Philippine delegation took part in a series of table-top negotiations with network planners of over 300 airlines, including the world’s top 25, to discuss new route opportunities and potential increase in flight frequency. The country’s key airport representatives focused on promoting existing market opportunities and route development programs whilst Philippines’ airline executives presented specific requirements and network expansion plans among airports and destinations around the world.
This year’s World Route Development Forum gathered around 3,000 delegates who are senior management and airline network planners as well as representatives of airport authorities and tourist offices under one roof. The presence of the Philippines in this type of international arena demonstrates the commitment to enhance international air access into the country-a key component of the National Tourism Development Plan from 2011 to 2016.
“World Routes brought the largest gathering of senior aviation and tourism executives to the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi. We do realize that UAE and the Middle East continue to play a key role in the aviation industry by being among the globe’s fastest growing international air hubs. And our colleagues from Clark International Airport Corporation, Philippine Airlines, and Cebu Pacific are also very keen to explore the great potential that this region presents,” said Mohamad Ibrahim Masri, Middle East Director of Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) representative office.
This September, the Philippine and UAE governments concluded an agreement that will likely boost air traffic between the two countries. The enhanced air pact will see increased flight entitlements for each side.
Maximizing the country’s presence at the World Routes, DOT hosted a reception that was well attended by top management officials of leading travel agencies and tour operators in Abu Dhabi, as well as media partners, Friends of the Philippines, and members of the Philippine Diplomatic Community led by H.E. Philippine Ambassador Grace R. Princesa. The Department successfully updated the key travel trade decision-makers on the various Philippine tourism products catered to the needs and requirements of Middle Eastern tourists under the umbrella of the tourism campaign -”It’s more fun in the Philippines”. The officials from the Department provided insights on its activities and events lined up to lure more tourists from the region and in particular, the UAE. This will include series of Familiarization trips to key tourist attractions in the Philippines.
The Philippines witnessed a remarkable growth in terms of tourist arrivals from the Middle East. Saudi Arabia, UAE and Kuwait remained the top three Middle Eastern source markets from January to August of this year. This provides another feat for Philippine tourism as arrivals from the region yield 2.20% growth for the same period.
“While visitors from this part of the world initially travel to the Philippines for business purpose, most of them who were able to take side trips to the dazzling beaches of Boracay, scenic greenery of Bohol or the underground mysteries in Palawan find themselves making many fun returns to the country with their friends and relatives,” said Masri.
“Philippines also takes pride in its world-class health services and traditional therapeutic practices, made even better with the unique Filipino hospitality and care. In fact, several medical and wellness facilities considered among the best in the world such as St. Luke’s Medical Center, Asian Hospital and Medical Centre, and The Farm at San Benito can be found in the country. Because of this, we have observed a growing interest among Gulf nationals to discover the country’s medical and wellness tourism programs,” added Masri.