ALTHOUGH the Philippines has seen a steady increase in Singaporean arrivals in recent years, the perennial issues of accessibility and better marketing and packaging of tourism highlights persist.
Despite Singapore’s relatively small size, it is the sixth largest tourist market for the Philippines. About 179,000 Singaporeans visited the archipelago last year, signalling mere four per cent year-on-year growth, down from the 18 per cent posted in 2013.
James A Sy, officer-in-charge, ASEAN and the Pacific division, Tourism Promotions Board Philippines, told TTG Asia e-Daily at a business session held in Singapore that the Visit the Philippines Year campaign is underway and a Facebook page targeted to reach five per cent of Singaporean Facebook users will also be launched.
Charles Leong, marketing director, Singapore & Indonesia, of the Philippine Department of Tourism (DoT), told TTG Asia e-Daily that the DoT would continue marketing beach resorts to Singaporeans.
“Other than the Singaporeans here, we are also targeting the expatriates, who love the sun, sea and sand; the divers, as the Philippines has some of the world’s best diving spots; and of course, the golfers, as we have lots of golf courses in the Philippines,” Leong added.
Cindy Loo, manager leisure of Holiday Tours & Travels, noted an increasing demand for Philippine destinations, such as Palawan and Boracay. However, challenges remain due to inaccessibility.
“There are no direct flights, especially to Palawan, so (travellers) have to go by Manila,” Loo said.
“Even if there’s a way to get there, it’s pricey,” said Andrew Tan, head of South-east Asia of BeMyGuest, adding that that is how tourists wind up settling for more “developed” destinations with better infrastructure.
Furthermore, Tan noted a need for products specific to the Philippines’ events and festivals. “Their festivals are amazing… but there is no ready-made package to promote these festivals, so (travellers) don’t know how to experience them.”
By Jerlene Ng
