Vol. XXII, No. 95-A [ BusinessWorld Online ]
Saturday, December 6, 2008 | MANILA, PHILIPPINES
The Tourism department is upbeat on attracting more East Asian visitors, citing Japanese interest in agri-tourism and a recently concluded travel fair in Taiwan.
In a statement yesterday, the Tourism department (DoT) said a niche market of health-conscious Japanese are looking to experience agri-tourism, particularly on organic vegetable farms and their produce.
"Agriculture has been the traditional backbone of the economy, and there is synergy with tourism. The Philippines can also be known for agri-tourism, since here in our country is a whole selection of quality organic products" Tourism Secretary Joseph H. Durano said in the statement.
There are 35,000 organic farms on 14,140 hectares of land nationwide, DoT said.
"The increasing popularity of the healthy lifestyle in Japan will definitely attract the specialized market segment of vegetable and fruit [enthusiasts] to the Philippines," Mr. Durano said.
Meanwhile, the recent promotion of Boracay and Palawan beaches at the Taipei International Travel Fair is expected to increase the number of Taiwanese tourist arrivals, DoT said.
Boracay Regency Beach Resort, Boracay Mandarin, Patio Pacific, Island Star Express, El Nido Resorts, Alegre Beach Resort and Spa, Tambuli Resort, Pier Uno Dive Resort, Waterfront Hotels and Gold Mines Travel & Tours had joined the exhibit under the Philippine banner.
"Tourist arrivals from Taiwan is expected to further increase due to the growing interest of the Taiwan outbound travel market in the country’s beach hideaways," the department said in a separate statement.
