DOT eyes more tourists from France, Russia
To negate the possible adverse impact of the global economic crisis on the local tourism industry, the Department of Tourism (DOT) is mounting an aggressive marketing campaign to lure more big spending tourists from France and Russia.
Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano said the DOT is participating in three more major travel trade fairs in Europe to enable the country to sustain its growth in tourism spending till yearend.
“The DOT is stepping up its campaign for high-spending travelers so we could sustain the 157 percent growth in tourist spending from the French and Russian markets in the first quarter of the year, “ Durano said.
The major travel trade fairs scheduled before yearend are the Travel Trade Gazette Incontri in Italy; the Dive Show 2008 in Birmingham, England; and the World Travel Market 2008 at Excel Docklands in London.
Durano said the significant expenditure growth from Russia can be highly attributed to the DOT’s presence in the International Tourismus Borse last year.
“More than strengthening established links, we will surely gain momentum from these salvos of travel trade fairs slated before the year ends,” Durano said.
He added that the DOT is now packaging a month-long bird watching activity with airfare and lodging costing between $10,000 and $15,000.
The DOT is also preparing a Bird Watching Guidebook that will be offered in Europe.
Early this month, the country was in France’s annual TopResa International Travel Market, touted as the leading business-to-business exchange among key global players. Celebrating its 30th year, TopResa was held for the first time in Paris.
