The Philippines tourism industry experienced 8% growth in the tourist arrivals during first quarter of this year compared to the same period last year.
According to the Department of Tourism (DoT), tourist arrivals in the Philippines for the first quarter of 2008 were 8% higher at 858,244 against the same period last year, increasing the tourism revenue to $1.02 Billion, as reported by Inquirer.
DoT also revealed that the South Koreans headed the tourist arrivals in the country, as their number increased by 2% to reach at 175,147, and formed 20.4% of the total arrivals during the first quarter of 2008. Surprisingly, the Chinese tourist arrivals grew at the fastest rate of 33%, contributing 5.7% to the total arrivals. The first quarter tourist arrivals indicate that the Philippines has emerged as a preferred destination for high quality tourists.
Upsurge in the Philippines tourism industry has come on the back of wide range of promotional activities and products, including attractive honeymoon and diving packages, golf, and English learning programs.
Boom in the Philippines healthcare industry is also credited for the growth in the country’s tourism industry. Modern facilities equipped hospitals and private specialist clinics are the best in the region. Apart from this, courteous attitude of Filipinos is encouraging foreign patients to come to the country for treatment and their companions to get warm and best-in-class service.
Another factor that contributed to high tourist arrivals in the Philippines is the low cost carriers providing world-class facilities. In addition, low fare carriers are giving opportunities to Filipinos to take advantage of it, and consequently, the departures increased. The developed tourism infrastructure in the country also helped in increasing the inflow of tourists in the country.
Besides, Joseph Ace Durano, Tourism Secretary, will set off a campaign nationwide to promote the industry’s various aspects, including eco-tourism, adventure destinations and other related activities.
According to a Research Analyst at RNCOS, “The tourism industry of the Philippines is growing with the improvement in the country’s tourism infrastructure. The government’s decision to promote the adventure and eco-tourism reflects a positive and constructive step in the direction of attracting more foreign tourists. In fact, it will raise the popularity of the Philippines to present itself as an adventure and experimental travel market, more particularly as an adventure tourism hub in Asia.”
Related Market Research Reports:
Indian Tourism Industry Forecast (2007-2011)
Opportunities in Singapore Tourism Industry (2007-2009)
Opportunities in Malaysian Tourism Industry (2007-2009)
