DOT targets 4.2M foreign tourists in 2012

The Department of Tourism (DOT) targets 4.2 million foreign tourists in 2012, pushed by a must-see destination, the Puerto Princesa underground river, which made it to the list of the new seven wonders of the world.

Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. said this is an upward revision from the original target of 3.8 million, a number he is confident of hitting by the end of 2011.

Jimenez is optimistic of the growth of the tourism industry now that the government has a tourism branding campaign.

The DOT is encouraging agencies to expand their thinking and explore all areas of market offering in order to make the nation appealing to visitors.

"We are very optimistic about the tourism industry. From 8 million domestic travelers in 2007, the number reached 30 million in 2010 based on air and sea ticket sales," he said.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will hold a conference in April with 4,000 bankers and governors expected to participate. The convention will be held at the SMX Mall of Asia and the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).The Philippines will also participate in the travel fair at the World Expo in Seoul, South orea.

"We are excited about launching the new brand early next year which we believe will stimulate great interest and conversion. Our hopes are high to reach an unprecedented 4.2 million visitor arrivals target. More than the numbers, we hope that we draw in longer-staying tourists who will spend more and (will) stimulate brisker business," Jimenez said.

BBDO Guerrero/Proximity Philippines is tasked to create an idea that will shape all forms of communication for the country’s domestic and international tourism promotions.

From January to October, foreign tourists reached 3.2 million, up 11.96 percent from 2.8 million in the same period last year.

Korea ranked No.1 with 756,863 tourists or 23.76 percent of the total arrivals, followed by the United States with 512,436 or 16.08 percent; Japan, 311,402 or 9.77 percent; China, 195,982 or 6.15 percent and Taiwan, 153,575 or 4.82 percent.

Source - malaya.com.ph