Philippines at Arabian Travel Market: Positioning as Preferred Destination for Middle Eastern Travelers
The Philippines is aiming to increase tourist visits from the Middle East and promote itself as a top travel destination at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai.
Over 2,300 exhibitors and delegates from 165 countries will attend the event from May 6 to 9.
Tourism is a significant sector in the Philippines, contributing around 13% or $44 billion to its GDP in 2019.
The Department of Tourism will lead the Philippine delegation, with officials looking to showcase the country's unique offerings to the international market.
Secretary of Tourism Christina Garcia Frasco expressed excitement about sharing the Filipino culture and reinforcing the Philippines' reputation as a preferred tourist destination.
The Philippines is participating in the Arabian Travel Market to maintain the growth in tourist arrivals from the Middle East.
The country will showcase its tropical and natural attractions, diverse gastronomy and culture, and warm hospitality from Filipino workers.
The Philippines has welcomed over 2 million international visitors this year, with a 10% increase from Gulf countries, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
There has been a significant increase in outbound tourism from the Middle East, and this trend is expected to continue.
The Philippines is increasing its efforts to attract tourists from the Middle East, who are becoming an increasingly important segment of the Filipino tourism industry.
CTPH Tour president Manih Karay explained that to appeal to Arab tourists, the Philippines highlights its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality.
Arab tourists contribute to the growth of the industry, foster cultural exchange, and promote economic development.
The ATM (Arabian Travel Market) is a key platform for the Philippines to position itself as a top destination in Asia for Middle Eastern tourists.
The speaker is expressing the value of traveling to new places.
According to her, these trips not only provide personal enrichment but also foster cultural understanding and appreciation between different communities.