PHILINDEX 2017 enthralls Chandigarh

Department of Tourism (DOT), Philippines along with its prominent travel partners from the destination successfully conducted PHILINDEX 2017 in Hyderabad (October 23), Jaipur (October 24), Chandigarh (October 25) and will conclude in Lucknow on October 27. These roadshows are in line with the destination’s continued efforts to sensitise the Indian markets, especially those of the Tier-II and Tier-III portfolios. Led by Glen Agustin, Officer-in-Charge, Office of Product and Market Development, DOT, Philippines, this was the largest delegation from the destination to have visited India in recent times and apart from tourism board officials and prominent tour operators, it also included delegates from Singapore Airlines, Philippines Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airlines, Shroff International Travel Care Inc., etc. Talking about the tourism figures from the Indian market at the roadshow in Chandigarh, Glen revealed “We are very excited to see an average annual growth of 20-22 per cent from the Indian market and are looking to cross the 100,000 milestone by the end of this calendar year. Our team has identified four feeder markets namely Hyderabad, Jaipur, Chandigarh and Lucknow where we see a huge potential to educate and subsequently gain a lot of business through the agents of these regions.’’ The interactive event also saw two regional directors of Philippines in attendance from Mimaropa and Bicol respectively, to inform the agents of the various offerings and opportunities that their region presents to the Indian market. In recent times, DOT, Philippines has been aggressively promoting MICE, small groups; luxury and the wedding segment in addition to the holiday segment. As a result of this, Glen further informed that the MICE and Corporate FIT segment have become one of the biggest revenue providers for Philippines.