DOMESTIC ferry operator 2GO in the Philippines is working to attract value-conscious leisure travellers from overseas, as well as event bookings.
Stephen Rey Tagud, 2GO vice president and chief commercial officer, explained that there were a lot of Indians who wanted to travel around Asia and the Philippines with their families, but were on a tight budget.
The company has been pursuing leads from India and Taiwan obtained at PATA Travel Mart in Manila last September.
Amy G Leyes, assistant vice president for passage group sales, said: “We’re partnering a Taiwanese party organiser (with networks in the Philippines, Singapore, and Malaysia) to sell Boracay as a party destination.”
She added that leisure enquiries were also streaming in from Latvia, Scotland and South Korea.
2GO has also secured a pink market group for 1Q2013, and some 500 to 600 participants are expected. Theme parties on board and in Boracay will be offered in the five-day/four-night programme, as well as bundled packages that include buffet meals, airport transfers, day tours to Intramuros and Tagaytay for early morning arrivals, shuttle services from Manila to Batangas port, and land and boat transfers to Caticlan. A cruise-fly option is also offered to travellers planning on extending their visit in Boracay or elsewhere.
Meanwhile, 2GO is marketing its Batangas-Boracay and Manila-Cebu overnight ferry trips to overseas MICE markets, offering corporate groups on option to host themed meetings and events on board its vessels.
Seminars can be conducted on vessels plying the Cebu route, with setups available for 200 pax in theatre style. Boracay-bound vessels offer converted space in the cafe and an open deck. Ships on both routes can be used for deck parties with band performances, karaoke nights and teambuilding sessions. Free Wi-Fi would be offered from this year and on board e-gaming facilities were being considered, said Tagud.
Top local companies are being targeted, and 2GO is looking to build ties with the Philippine travel trade too. Corporate rates are available for groups of 10 or more.
