PH expects 7.7% share of Asean tourists by 2015

MANILA, Philippines – Of the projected 107 million tourists visiting members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) by 2015, the Philippines expects to corner 8.2 million, a 7.7% share.

The Philippines, one of the laggards in attracting tourists among the neighbors, is aiming for 10 million tourists by 2016. Around 3.7 million tourists visited in 2011.

The Philippines initially aimed to double tourist arrivals to 6 million by 2016, but Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez said the Philippines need to drum up efforts to reduce the gap between the country and its Asean neighbors, who have been upping their game.

The tourism industry is banking on the new and non-traditional branding campaign that uses the tagline “It’s more fun in the Philippines” to reach this goal.

Tourism contributes about 5.8% to Philippine economy.

One visa for all

The 10-member Asean are fast tracking the development of a common visa for foreign tourists to meet the 107 million target 4 years from now.

In 2011, the combined tourist arrivals to various Asean destinations was 79 million.

The new tourism goal was set at the 15th meeting of the Asean Tourism Ministers recently held in Manado, Indonesia. – Rappler.com