PHILIPPINES - Wooing an elusive market

manilastandardtoday.com, march 31, 2007

Seven thousand one hundred seven islands must be pretty tough to sell, especially to tourists 10,000 km. away.
But with patience, perseverance and a little creative promotion, things are finally looking up for Philippine tourism and travel officials courting the European market.
In the past year alone, tourist arrivals from the region have increased by 8 to 9 percent (most of these arrivals coming from the German and British market, with Russia showing a surprising growth). Because of this, tourism officials are expecting an influx of European arrivals by 2010.
“More than half of the world’s tourists are in Europe. The European market is a desirable market for several reasons,” points out Undersecretary Oscar Palabyab, deputy minister of the Department of Tourism.
“One, they are an affluent market. Two, they take long vacations and are big spenders. Most important of all, they respect the environment and are well-behaved visitors when traveling in a foreign land.”

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