THE PHILIPPINE Department of Tourism (DOT) strengthened its presence in the Middle East by opening a marketing office there two weeks ago. DOT will be represented by tourism marketing and consultancy firm BizGate Dubai.
DOT assistant secretary Benito Bengzon Jr. said: “We are excited that after so many years, we have permanent marketing representation in the Middle East. It is a clear reflection on how we view the importance of the Middle East outbound market.”
Bengzon said Middle East outbound travel to the Philippines has grown steadily over the last four years since DOT resumed participation at the Arabian Travel Market. “By having a representative in the Middle East, we believe the numbers will increase further,” he said.
DOT Middle East Office director, Mohamad Ibrahim Masri, said they would be focusing on Gulf Cooperation Council countries, as “they are a major outbound source”.
Activities to be organised by the new office include fam trips, educational seminars for agents, tactical campaigns and digital marketing initiatives.
