The Department of Tourism (DOT) and Tourism Promotions Board Philippines (TPB) opened the Philippine Pavilion commencing the country’s participation in this year’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024 at the Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Happening from May 6 to 9, 2024, the ATM 2024 is considered as the gateway and leading global travel and tourism platform for the Middle East inbound and outbound travel industry, attracting thousands of exhibitors and travel trade visitors from around the world.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, in her message before the Philippine delegation at the DWTC, underscored the significance of the country’s participation in the foremost travel and tourism event in the Middle East.
“I’m so happy to join all of you today at the Arabian Travel Market where the Philippines will make its mark as the Emerging Muslim-friendly Destination for 2023, and hopefully we would be able to defend that very same title especially considering all the strides that have been made by our government to prioritize Muslim travelers from this region coming into our country,” Frasco said.
“In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), we have seen a nearly 420% recovery from 2019 in terms of arrivals.”
“The recovery of this market specifically coming into the Philippines has been quite remarkable and promising considering that here in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), we have seen a nearly 420% recovery from 2019 in terms of arrivals. And on average from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), we have over 100% recovery in all of these countries,” the tourism chief noted.
“This shows you how much interest there is for the many offerings that we have in the country that boast of unforgettable experiences.”
“This shows you how much interest there is for the many offerings that we have in the country that boast of unforgettable experiences,” the tourism head added.
She attributed the successful ATM participation of the country last year to the hard work of the tourism stakeholders, particularly the tireless sellers who serve as “frontliners” of Philippine tourism.
The Philippine contingent is composed of hotel and resorts, tour operators, destination management companies, congressional representatives and members of the media championing Philippine tourism and have business prospects in the global travel and trade event.
Meanwhile, Frasco, together with TPB COO Maria Margarita Nograles, make up the key personalities from the national government this year.
Among the participating Tour Operators/Destination Management Companies include Annset Holidays Inc.; Ark Travel Express; Biyaheko.ph; Boracay Adventures Travel N Tours; CTPH Tours; Rajah Travel Corporation; and VIA Philippines Travel Corporation. Meanwhile, delegates from the hotel and resorts include Atmosphere Resorts & Spa (Dauin, Negros Oriental); Bellevue Hotel; El Nido Resorts (El Nido, Palawan); Lihim Resorts, El Nido by Araw Hospitality Group (El Nido, Palawan); Lalaguna Villas Luxury Dive Resort & Spa (Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro); Lihim Resorts; The Manila Hotel; Megaworld Hotels & Resorts; Okada Manila; and The Farm at San Benito.
