THE Philippines has been urged to offer special promotions to restore demand from Hong Kong now that the SAR has removed its travel ban on the destination.
Speaking to TTG Asia e-Daily, Joseph Tung, executive director, Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong, said: “We do not see any special promotion after the lifting of the travel ban and we do not see any tour group movements to the Philippines this period.
“I think what is important now is to work on…promotions to the Hong Kong people which include special offers from airlines and hotels.
“At the same time, special arrangements to emphasise the safety of travel to the Philippines are very important and I am sure that the Philippine tourism authorities will work on both,” he added.
TTG Asia e-Daily understands that the Philippine Tourism Promotions Board is working on sweeteners they will offer, especially for group tours.
A source from within the Philippines Department of Tourism also said a tourism mission is scheduled to go to Hong Kong next month to woo travellers. This would include a VIP dinner for the travel trade at the Grand Hyatt Hotel on June 23.
In April, Hong Kong scrapped the four-year long travel ban after the Philippines apologised and compensated victims and families of Hong Kong tourists who were embroiled in the hostage-taking incident in Manila nearly four years ago (TTG Asia e-Daily, April 25, 2014).
