Japan, India, Malaysia pushed as travel destinations

MANILA, Philippines - Travel agencies are now actively promoting outound destinations in Japan, India and Malaysia, according to the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA).

“We are now highlighting the main gateways of Osaka and Nagoya, where everybody usually goes but there are really other great places like Nagoya an Hokkaido,” said PTAA president Aileen Clemente.

She said the association is collaborating with the Japanese embassy in Manila in the promotion of more Japanese destinations.

She said agencies are also “intensifying promotions” of destinations in India after Philippine Airlines (PAL) launched flight to the country last year.

In March last year, the flag carrier launched its Manila-New Delhi service as the Indian government relaxed visa rules for Filipino visitors.

The service operates six times a week with three non-stop flights between Manila and New Delhi and three flights via Bangkok.

The Taj Majal, one of the most visited landmarks in India is located 200 kilometers from New Delhi.  

Travel agencies are also keen on promoting travel in Malaysia where Legoland will be launched this year.

Legoland Malaysia is the first Lego-themed amusement park in the Asia-Pacific and the sixth in the world.

Clemente said that to encourage Filipinos to travel, agencies are now making it easier for tourists to purchase tickets. This is done by hosting travel expos and partnering with banks.