TravelDailyNews: What are your expectations for your tourism industry in 2006?

Emma Ruth Yulo, Director of the PDOT in New York: Our tourism arrivals have been steadily growing year-after-year due to our reputation for hospitality and the fact that we are a multi-lingual people with English as our official language. We have also been recognized in the travel media for our one-of-a-kind spa resorts which are a big draw for travelers worldwide who wish to experience the type of tropical bliss that can only be found in the Philippines. For 2006, we expect our tourism figures to continue to grow, with an increasing percentage of travelers from the U.S. as well as our neighbors in Asia.

TDN: How does the competition in the region affect your destination policy? Who are your main competitors?

E. R. Y.: Asia is the fastest growing continent in regards to international tourism today with an in-flux in tourist arrivals that greatly exceeds regional competition. In fact, tourism has become quite lucrative for virtually all Asian nations in recent years, from China all the way down to the Philippines. For the Philippines in particular, competition is not a huge issue as we are a unique destination within Asia with many distinct offerings that are not available elsewhere, such as our English-speaking population and our flair for fun and excitement inherited from our former ties with Colonial Spain. When it comes down to it, there really is no competition for the Philippines as we are a truly unique country.

TDN: How do terrorist attacks/natural disasters/epidemics affect your country’s tourism flow?

E. R. Y.: While there have been a few isolated incidents, as there are with nearly all tourist destinations, none have affected areas that are frequented by international travelers. The safety of our visitors is always of our first priority. Unfortunately, these isolated incidents can be blown out of proportion and have the potential to harm our reputation as a safe paradise for travelers seeking fun and relaxation. Vacationers that are not deterred by such issues, however, will feel extremely secure as nearly everyone they meet, from hotel staff to local villagers, will bend over backwards to assure visitors a safe and enjoyable experience.

TDN: What are your destination marketing goals? By what means are you implementing these? Does this evolve innovations?

E. R. Y.: Our greatest challenge today is informing the traveling public of the overwhelming abundance of tourism offerings available in the Philippines. While we are an extremely unique destination with much to offer, this fact in-and-of-itself, does not further our tourism goals unless prospective travelers are aware. Toward this end, we are increasing our marketing activities worldwide, including our recent hiring of a public relations firm in the U.S. The Philippines has always been a hidden gem in the world of tourism and a vacation refuge for those in the know. With the continued expansion of Asia-bound tourism, we intend to let that secret out of the bag and show the entire world how peaceful and exciting the Philippines truly is.