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Friday, August 19, 2005
Spas seen to lure Japanese
The Department of Tourism (DOT) plans to take advantage of the 50th anniversary of the “friendship” between Japan and the Philippines in July next year to showcase the Philippines’ tourist attractions, like its spa services, to the Japanese tourism market.
According to DOT 7 Director Aurora Patria Roa, the agency has begun preparations this early to be able to come up with attractive and well-prepared events that will be held in key tourist areas all over the country, including Cebu.
“Cebu is one of the major destinations of Japanese tourists. We (DOT 7) are serious in getting back the Japanese market because they are high spenders. They really help in the country’s economic development,” she said on the sidelines of the Kapihan sa DOT at the SM City Cebu yesterday.
Spa industry
Roa said Cebu’s improved and professionalized spa industry is one of the province’s new attractions that could get the attention of the Japanese.
Japan is one of the short haul tourist markets, apart from Korea and China, where the DOT is focusing more its limited resources for marketing and promoting the Philippines, said DOT chief of staff lawyer Ina Asirit.
Aside from the mushrooming of spa outlets in Cebu, popular resort hotels have also invested substantial amounts to incorporate the spa service in their hotel services.
A few years back, Japan Association of Travel Industries-Cebu former president Yuji Kobayashi said the Japanese, especially women, visit Thailand and Singapore because of the spas and other wellness services in these countries.
Roa said the profile of Japanese tourists in Cebu have changed over the years. Cebu is now attracting Japanese women, families and honeymooners aside from “old” Japanese men traveling alone.
The Japanese used to top the foreign arrivals in the region, but their government issued a travel ban against the Philippines following the 9/11 attack on the US. (JBN)
(August 19, 2005 issue)
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