THE Department of Tourism will led the largest Philippine delegation ever to the world’s biggest tourism trade fair, the Internationale Tourismus Borse, also known as ITB Berlin, in a bid to deepen its penetration of the European tourism market.
Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo said ITB Berlin is attended by the world’s leading travel trade companies and organizations’ top decision makers, experts, buyers and young professionals to network, negotiate and do business.
“It is a must-attend business-to-business event showcasing diverse destinations, trade products and services, as well as attractive packages of the different markets. Indeed, ITB Berlin is the foremost business platform for global touristic offers, where supply meets demands,” Teo said.
Teo joined other DoT officials and its attached agencies, led by the Philippine Tourism Promotions Board, in opening the elegantly designed 276-square meter booth at the colossal Messe Berlin.
Also attending the event is Camarines Sur Gov. Miguel Luis Villafuerte who personally manned the Camsur Water Sports Complex’s booth to entice the ITB audience to come and experience the province’s natural and man-made wonders.
At least 14 tour operators and 14 hotel and resorts from the Philippines were all busy throughout the day, from opening until closing hours, to accommodate guests from all over the world.
The DoT has been a consistent participant of the ITB Berlin for three decades now. Teo noted that at least five of the 28 Philippine exhibitors this year are ITB first-timers.
“I am not at all surprised that the private sector would like to take advantage of the market that accounts for 10.55 percent of the total inbound traffic in 2016. The private sector has become more aggressive in tapping this market, indicating that our tourism stakeholders and movers recognize the great potential of attracting the European source market,” said Teo.
DoT data showed that European markets posted top growth rates in tourism arrivals to the Philippines last year.
Spain posted a 32.94 percent growth rate accounting for 32,097 arrivals in 2016, from the recorded 24,144 visitors in 2015.
France likewise saw a significant increase of 21.71 percent, chalking up 55, 384 arrivals last year while the 86, 363 arrivals from Germany indicates a growth rate of 14.62 percent.
All in all, there were 629, 474 European tourists who visited the Philippines in 2016, The United Kingdom remains the Philippines’ biggest source market in Europe with 173, 299 guests arriving from this country.
