Department of Tourism explores Japanese wedding and gourmet food markets
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The Department of Tourism (DOT) is positioning the Philippines to be the newest destination for weddings and specialty food for Japanese tourists, partnering with the said country’s leading bridal magazine and a culinary club that specializes on fruits and vegetables.
Ace Durano, Secretary of Tourism, recently met with officers of Japanese media group Recruit Co., Ltd., which publishes Zexy Magazine. Published three times a year, Zexy is Japan’s leading bridal glossy magazine and the top resource of Japanese couples who opt for out-of-town and overseas weddings.
“Young, independent Japanese women have always been in the radar of our promotional activities, where we highlight the country’s spa, relaxation, beach and fashion shopping attractions.
As they move on to another stage in their life, we now show them that the destinations that they’ve enjoyed for leisure trips are also perfect settings for weddings and honeymoons,” Durano said.
Yearly, over 450,000 Japanese couples decide to hold their wedding ceremonies outside their home country. For this group, Hawaii and Guam are the top choices with spring (April to May) and fall (September to October) as the popular seasons.
Durano believes this market presents a huge opportunity for the Philippine wedding, food and travel industries. The tourism chief called on travel wholesalers, tourist establishments, wedding and event planners, and other industry players to integrate their services and develop specialized programs.
“Weddings are a major part of the Filipino culture and we have the capability to provide the best celebrations that are set in the most romantic locations and meet a variety of preferences,” he added.
At present, several Philippine wedding and honeymoon packages are being made available to the international bridal market.
These include those of Shangri-La Mactan Island Resort and Spa, Alegre Beach Resort, and Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila. More are expected to develop.
Durano likewise disclosed that talks have begun for promoting the country as a destination for healthy food through the Japan Vegetable and Fruit Meister Association.
The specialty food club highlights good eating habits through educational programs, culinary schools, fresh produce retail stores and cafes. There are currently close to 20,000 members or “meisters” across Japan.
“The Department is coordinating with the Japan Vegetable and Fruit Meister Association in promoting the Philippines as a health and wellness destination by highlighting our country’s tropical fruits such as mangoes, and other organic products,” shared DOT Undersecretary for Planning and Promotions Eduardo Jarque, Jr.
The said marketing project would involve 2003 Ms. International -Japan Saeko Matsumi as spokesperson and ambassador for health and beauty. Matsumi herself is a vegetable and fruit meister.
DOT Team Japan Head Benito Bengzon, Jr. noted, “The collaboration with the wedding media and food club ties in well with our on-going Kokoru Sumaru or ‘Color my Heart’ campaign.”
Japan is currently the third leading source of travelers to the Philippines. Arrivals from this country reached 185,431 from January to june 2008, providing 11.5 percent of over-all tourist traffic.
The DOT attributes this strong presence to its marketing campaign, which targets independent young women, divers and active seniors. These sectors are considered “quality travelers,” who opt for premium activities and accommodations.
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I would think there would be a fair few people from the UK looking at having their wedding in the Philippines’s as well.
Whilst I got married in Barbados, people are becoming increasing worried with the extreme weather that is constantly hitting the Caribbean. My sister has now had second thoughts about her wedding in the Caribbean and I would expect many others to be the same.
I cant wait for these project to happen or to succeed! As a Tagaytay Caterer, this topic means more tourist and more revenue not only for us, but also for our country!
Count us in for this event. We will help in promoting tourist spots that is really essential for wedding (like Tagaytay). Also we will strongly promote our very own Filipino gourmet foods.
Two thumbs up Sec. Ace!
This is a good issue or event for our country. Not only we are creating name for this field, we also making some job or business opportunities for our fellow country men.
Nice job!
PS: Any updates on this matter?
Tagaytay and Neighboring Caleruega along with the Beaches of Batangas and Cavite are perfect for destination weddings.
Weddings held in far, but romantic settings are becoming in vogue and if you watch travel and living or lifestyle channels programs, you will see that along with the caribbean, south east asia, specially thailand is fast becoming favorites for destination weddings which incorporate the wedding and reception it self, as well as honeymoons and vacation for the couples as well as their entourage.
With the DOT focusing on this target market, caterers like us along with venues will gladly cooperate to make this program successful as this will be a big boon to our industry but also for the country.
Tops Catering is all our support for this drive. Good Luck to Us!