PHILIPPINES EYES 5 MILLION TOURIST ARRIVALS IN 2010

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MANILA, – The Philippine Department on Tourism is eyeing to draw in five million foreign tourists in 2010, Tourism secretary Ace Durano said Friday.

“We are getting traffic now coming from Australia, Russia and Germany, these are the market we’re focusing on right now,” Tourism Secretary Ace Durano told media during the Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) launch in Pasig City.

He cited that tourist arrivals during January-July grew by 10 per cent.

Nationals from Japan, Korea and Greater China comprise the top foreign travellers.

“We are nearing our 3 million target for the year,” he added.

The 3-day PTM held in Megatrade Hall in Megamall’s Building B is a travel destination expo showcasing the country’s old and new tourism spots. PTM has a theme Health and Wellness, which also promotes the country’s emerging medical tourism industry.

Durano cited that as of July, domestic tourism grew by 7.1 per cent reflecting the country’s vibrant tourism. Top destinations remain Boracay, Palawan and Baguio, among others.

“This event will basically focus on that market,” Durano said.

The PTM It is participated by regional tourism agencies and various commercial travel agencies which both aim to lure both foreign and domestic tourists.

PTM is the premier inbound tourism event that gathers the 16 regions of the country under one roof showcasing their destinations and latest tourism products and services to consumers and members of the travel trade industry, and information on travel possibilities where to go, what to see, where to stay what to do, among other things. On Sept. 8, foreign buyers get an exclusive morning visit to the PTM booths to meet the regional/provincial tourism councils and learn more about the products and services on exhibit.

Durano likewise said that the event is dedicated towards the rehabilitation and recovery of the tourism industry of the Guimaras province, which had been devastated by the effects of the oil-slick.

“Tourism has a unifying effect on a country,” he added, citing both opposition and administration lawmakers’ efforts and tremendous concern towards helping Guimaras province.

He cited that inspite of what happened, the people of Guimaras remain optimistic that their province can rebound from the destruction caused by the oil spill on August 11.

(PNA)