Philippines aims to boost tourism ties with Saudi Arabia

In an effort to boost tourism ties with countries in the Middle East, delegates from the Philippines’ Department of Tourism are currently participating in the Riyadh Travel Fair 2014, in Saudi Arabia.

Proud of their exotic island destinations, the Asian country is aiming to reach out to Saudi tourists seeking what the Philippines says is the quintessential beach holiday.

“We hope to see as many Saudi travel professionals and travel enthusiasts as possible at the Riyadh Travel Fair, and then hope to see them again later in the year in the Philippines,” said Raymund Glen Agustin, chief of Russia, India and the Middle East Market Development Group for the Philippine Department of Tourism.

According to the Philippine Department of Tourism, Saudi Arabia ranks as the largest visitor market to the Philippines in the Middle East.

The Asian country saw a total of 38, 969 visits from Saudis in 2013, a 30 percent increase compared to 2012.

Aiming to boost its status as a destination market in the Middle East, the Philippines will also be launching an online portal in Arabic and English.

“For those that can’t visit us, we hope that they will join us on Facebook and Twitter which we will be launching next month in Arabic and English especially for the Middle East,” said Agustin.

The Philippines’ Department of Tourism also emphasized the fact that GCC and Saudi Arabian nationals travelling to the Philippines do not need an entry visa for a visit of 30 days or less.