DOT sees 10% revenue growth each from local, foreign tourists

The Department of Tourism expects revenues from domestic tourists to grow 10 percent this year, accompanied by another 10-percent growth in revenues from foreign tourists. With 35 million local tourists expected in 2013, “Filipinos have great appreciation of travel, and we need not promote that hard,” said Tourism Assistant Secretary Benito Bengzon at the press launch of 20th Travel Tour Expo in Makati City on Tuesday. In 2011, domestic tourism revenues reached P800 billion from 27 million local tourists, while foreign tourism revenues reached P100 billion with 4.27 million international tourist arrivals. Figures for 2012 have yet to be released. In 2011, the largest group of foreign tourists were Koreans, constituting one million of the total 4.27 million. They were followed by Japanese, American and Chinese tourists. “Malaysia and Taiwan have shown strong performance may likely to increase their arrival frequency in 2013,” said Bengzon. The DOT is expecting 5.5 million foreign tourist arrivals this year, said Bengzon. As a result, it is hoping for at least 50,000 additional rooms. In another move to promote tourism around the country, the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) is holding this year's Travel and Tours Expo, “Gateway to Getaways,” at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City from February 17 to 19. Billing itself the "ultimate destination for the best travel deals," the expo last year drew  more than 65,000 visitors to check out 492 booths occupied by 255 firms, according to the PTAA. — BM, GMA News