The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate General in Jeddah recently launched a new campaign in cooperation with the Philippine Department of Tourism to stimulate and encourage Saudi people and expatriates to spend their holidays in the Philippines.
Ezzedine H. Tago, the Philippine ambassador, said: “I hope we can encourage more Saudi people to travel to our country. Our aim is to inform Saudis that their visits will have a direct effect in helping to rebuild lives and keep locals in jobs in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan.”
A weeklong campaign featuring seminars, business meetings and events was organized to highlight the tourist attractions in the Philippines and convey the country as an exciting destination with its luxury coastal resorts and outdoor adventures.
The Philippine Department of Tourism ranked Saudi Arabia as a market with distinct advantages in terms of maximum tourists and positive impact on the wheel of development.
Raymond Glen Agustin, president of Russia, India, and the Middle East market development group in the Philippine Department of Tourism, said: “We are committed to deepen the roots of communication and cooperation with specialists in the travel and tourism sector, airlines, media and consumers in the Middle East.”
In 2013, the total number of tourists stood at 30,258 for the months of January to September. The number represents a robust 34.7 percent when compared to the corresponding nine month figures experienced in 2012.
The Philippine government has also increased the number of direct flight services between the Philippines and Saudi Arabia with the re-launch of Philippine Airlines direct flights between Riyadh and Manila and Dammam and Manila in November 2013.
‘Philippines, the ideal holiday destination’
