Phl bags ‘Best National Tourism Organization’ award

MANILA, Philippines - Travel and tourism professionals in South India voted the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) as the “Best National Tourism Organization” for 2013.

“South India Travel Awards will create an all-India platform to recognize those behind the success of the travel and tourism industry and to recognize their achievements,” Amit Bhasin, convener of the India Travel Awards, said.

The DOT was awarded for its branding campaign and roadshows in South India, particularly in the cities of Chennai, Hyderabad and Bangalore. Last year, the DOT organized three roadshows and one location meeting with filmmakers in the region to promote various destinations and facilitate business-to-business deals among private sector partners.

“We are very pleased to know that our Indian counterparts recognize and appreciate how serious we are in what we do. India is one of our priority opportunity source country markets with a potential for high growth. This award will definitely inspire the industry stakeholders to raise our country’s comparative advantage in terms of product offerings, as well as conduct more in-depth studies of this market segment to better prepare and match evolving preferences,” Tourism Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr. said.

In 2013, India contributed 52,206 visitors to the Philippines, a 12.53 percent growth from the 46,395 visitors recorded in 2012.