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The Department of Tourism has called on travel-related
establishments and businesses such as hotels, resorts, tour
operators, and transport services to promote the country’s
adventure tourism destinations, as the department is eyeing
participation in three major travel events in France and Russia in
September.
“Europe is one of our growth areas. While we
maintain strong presence in several countries such as the United
Kingdom, Germany and France, we are seeing an overwhelming increase
in Russian arrivals [to the country],” Tourism Secretary Ace
Durano said.
The Tourism department announced that from
September 16 to 19, the country would take part in the annual
TopResa International Travel Market in France. The event, which
celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, is considered the leading
business-to-business venue for the French tourism industry with the
rest of the world. It will be held for the first time in Paris.
The Tourism department said it has reserved a
63-square-meter space in the event where it can showcase the
country’s latest adventure and eco-tourism activities to over
20,000 travel wholesalers and industry decision-makers expected to
attend.
“What makes this year’s participation
exciting is the awareness gained through the latest season of the
Koh Lanta reality TV show, which was shot entirely in Caramoan,
Camarines Sur,” Tourism Undersecretary for Planning and Promotions
Eduardo Jarque Jr. said.
Closely following TopResa is the department’s
first-ever selling mission to St. Petersburg, Russia, from September
19 to 21.
The Tourism department said it has invited over
70 leading tour operators based in the Russian city to participate
and meet with their Filipino counterparts. It also plans to update
the attendees on the latest trends in Philippine tourism, and
promote the islands through a special press conference with the
Russian media.
The promotional activity will help expand the
country’s reach into the Russian market.
After the St. Petersburg event is the Otdykh
Leisure Moscow and Luxury Leisure Fairs at the Crocus Expo in Moscow
scheduled from September 23 to 26.
According to Tourism officials, these are
Russia’s premier venues for travelers planning their winter
holidays and trade players in search of new packages.
Arrivals from Europe in May grew by 15 percent
as compared to figures in the same month in 2007. Tourist traffic
from France showed a 28.3-percent increase, while Russian arrivals
posted a 70.5-percent increase.
-- Rommel C. Lontayao
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