PR-051-2014
13 April 2014

Philippines to Promote Tourism at Riyadh Travel Fair

The Philippines is inviting the public to visit its booth at the Riyadh Travel Fair that starts Tuesday 15 April at the Kingdom Four Season in Riyadh, with participation from the Philippine Department of Tourism and Cebu Pacific and Shangri-La Makati.

Representatives from the Philippine Department of Tourism Mr Glenn Raymond Agustin and Mr. Stalingrad Samson, joined by Mr. Glen Johnston of AVIAREPS, and Mr. Antonio Rodriguez of Cebu Pacific met with Embassy officials led by Philippine Ambassador Ezzedin Tago in preparation for the Philippine participation in the Riyadh Travel Fair.

In 2013, about 36,000 tourists visited the Philippines from Saudi Arabia, which is a 30% percent increase from 2012. The Philippines is intensifying its marketing and promotion of the country as a tourist destination for Saudis and expatriates living in the Kingdom, starting with a launch late last year of “More Fun in the Philippines” campaign with travel

agencies and tour operators. In the past two years, the Philippines has also arranged familiarization tours for tour agencies who visited various destinations in the Philippines.

During a meeting with the Filipino community on 11 April at the Embassy, Ambassador Ezzedin Tago encouraged the community to also promote tourism among their expatriate and Saudi colleagues, and inviting them to visit the Philippines during their holidays.

Saudi and GCC nationals do not need an entry visa for the Philippines for a visit of 30 days or less.

The Embassy invites all Filipinos, expatriates and Saudis to visit the Philippine booth at the Riyadh Travel Fair, starting on 15 April 2014.