As the Philippines gears up for the first big tourism trade event of the new year, secretary of tourism H.E. Ramon R. Jimenez, J.R. has been outlining the country’s tourism strategy for 2016.
Manila hosts the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) for the fourth time from January 18-23.
"When the Philippine department of tourism declared 2016 as Visit the Philippines Year Again (VPA 2016), we only had one thing in mind: to cement the Philippines’ reputation as a ‘must-experience’ destination in Asia. And we are claiming it along with our promise of more fun as 2016 becomes our ‘Year of Agains,’" Jiminez said.
Jiminez also cited cruise tourism as a major focus for development in the year ahead.
"Our country’s proximity to major cruise source markets like China, Japan and Hong Kong positions us at a competitive and comparative advantage in the Asia-Pacific region. The ongoing development of the Cruise Tourism Development Strategy seeks to provide a blueprint for positioning the Philippines as a major cruise destination in Asia and the Pacific."
"We are one with the department of transport and communications and other government agencies and the private sector in attaining a common goal: to enhance the cruise experience," Jiminez added.
Secretary Jiminez outlined what the travel trade can expect at ATF 2016.
"ATF 2016 is a major turning point for Philippine tourism by bringing focus on several ‘treasure product’ innovations to suit newer markets and target groups. Buyers are expected to participate in two full days of one-to-one appointments with international and local buyers, conduct business, and provide networking opportunities."
"Four hundred international buyers from different parts of the world and 50 domestic buyers are expected to participate in this much awaited event in 2016" he said.
