Philippines eyes more Vietnam tourists

The Philippines is looking to attract more Vietnamese tourists by creating opportunities for travel agencies from the two countries to discuss cooperation and bring Filipino tourism products to domestic travelers.

Last week, tour operators from the two countries had a meeting for this purpose.

Miriam V. Melgar of the Philippine Department of Tourism’s office in Vietnam, said at the Philippine Tourism Roadshow 2011 held in HCMC last week, “The program is part of the Philippine Government’s efforts to strengthen the two-way tourism traffic between the Philippines and its neighboring countries, and to encourage other tourism related business opportunities among them.”

The Filipino tourism sector sees the growing need and interest among Vietnamese trade partners to promote the Philippines as a destination, she said.

Edwin Trompeta, Region 6 Director of the Philippine Department of Tourism, said Vietnam was a key market for Filipino tourism firms, so this year the Philippines would launch many promotion programs in Vietnam.

Last year saw around 15,000 Vietnamese traveling to the Philippines, an increase of over 30% year-on-year.

The program is open for reservation in March and April and the tour will start from April 29 to June 30.

The price includes return air ticket, accommodation at hotel, and transportation from the airport to the hotel.

Tags: Philippines tourism