Market re-emerging in Philippines

CEBU, Philippines - Tourism stakeholders are advised to brace for the influx of Japanese tourists in the Philippines as Japanese are now again eyeing the country as a premier leisure and business destination.

Network of Independent Travel Agencies chairman Robert Lim Joseph said that tourism stakeholders should take the re-welcoming of Japanese guests seriously as this market is deemed as one of the high-spending travelers that could help pull up the country’s overall tourism receipts.

Among the indicators that the Japanese market is gaining ground is the airline companies’ move to open more direct flights from the Philippines to major cities in Japan.

Joseph added that it is not only the tourism sector that will benefit from the resurgence of the Japanese market in the Philippines but also the real estate sector as more and more Japanese are now eyeing property investments in the country.

He further said that Japanese investors have shifted their focus towards the Philippines after realizing that China is not suitable for long-term investments.

A record from the Department of Tourism revealed that from January to October of 2014, Japanese arrivals posted 6.07 percent to 360,721.

A growing number of Japanese restaurants have also been sprouting in many places in Manila and Cebu, which is also another positive indication that Japanese nationals are coming back to the Philippines.   

DOT secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr., said the Philippines aims to strengthen ties with the Japanese travel and trade and to capture a good chunk of this high-value market with the latest “It’s More Fun” products and rebranding efforts, which will help the department meet at least 10 percent growth rate from this market and achieve the target of 10 million tourists.

In 2010, the Philippines ranked 17th as one of the most visited destinations worldwide by Japanese tourists and the 10th most visited in the Asian region.

Japan remains to be the third biggest generator of tourist arrivals to the Philippines.

Japanese travelers are mainly interested in experiencing different cultures, visiting beaches and dive sites, all of which are available in the Philippines.

Joseph said that preparations will involve enhancing packages and services that will suit the Japanese tourists" interests, and needs. (FREEMAN)