TRAVEL suppliers from the Philippines this week conducted a sales mission to Hong Kong to regain market share after the lifting of the travel ban in April (TTG Asia e-Daily, April 25, 2014).
Cebu Pacific Air’s general manager for Hong Kong regional office and China operations, Joe Kwok, said travel agencies like Hong Thai Travel remain conservative and have not resumed tours to the Philippines, but Sunflower Travel has already sent its first group to Cebu.
Wing On Travel, assistant general manager for South-east Asia & longhaul operations, Simon Ma, observed: “While other neighbouring countries like Singapore and Malaysia woo visitors with new offerings, Manila doesn’t have any new tourism initiatives.”
Furthermore, the shortage of Cantonese-speaking tour guides is another concern. Said Ma: “After the four-year travel ban, we need to reassess hotels, tour guide, coach companies etc, before relaunching a tour to the Philippines. Frankly, there aren’t many enquiries and the response is not good.”
Philippine Department of Tourism secretary, Ramon R Jimenez, Jr said: “We have to improve our offer to win traffic back, including substantial discount for group tour and FIT packages.”
The current campaign will promote specific destinations in the Philippines such as Davao, Cebu and Boracay, with more locales to have their turn in the spotlight eventually.
Some 40 travel trade suppliers arrived in Hong Kong for a sales mission, networking lunch and gala dinner that saw a turnout of over 550 attendees. The Asia mission also covers Japan, South Korea and other South-east Asian destinations.
