Sunday, September 10, 2006
Tourism dep't eyes 5M tourist arrivals in 2010
MANILA -- The Department of Tourism is eyeing to draw in five million foreign tourists in 2010, Tourism Secretary Ace Durano said Friday.
"We are getting traffic now coming from Australia, Russia and Germany, these are the market we're focusing on right now," Durano told media during the Philippine Travel Mart launch in Pasig City.
He cited that tourist arrivals during January-July grew by 10 percent.
Nationals from Japan, Korea and Greater China comprise the top foreign travelers.
"We are nearing our 3 million target for the year," he added.
The three-day Philippine Travel Mart held in Megatrade Hall in Megamall's Building B is a travel destination expo showcasing the country's old and new tourism spots. It has a theme Health and Wellness, which also promotes the country's emerging medical tourism industry.
Durano cited that as of July, domestic tourism grew by 7.1 percent reflecting the country's vibrant tourism. Top destinations remain Boracay, Palawan and Baguio, among others.
"This event will basically focus on that market," Durano said.
The Philippine Travel Mart is participated by regional tourism agencies and various commercial travel agencies which both aim to lure both foreign and domestic tourists.
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