E-commerce firm upbeat on tourism

MANILA, Philippines - Travel consultancy and e-commerce firm Amadeus Philippines plans to expand operations even amid the global economic slowdown as the firm expects the tourism industry to make a strong recovery in 2009. In a statement, Amadeus Asia-Pacific President David Brett said that the Philippines remains a growing tourism market largely due to its strong economic fundamentals and continued demand from overseas workers and corporate travelers. As such, the firm plans to roll out new services for airlines, hotels, and travel agencies next year. "We plan to invest a lot of resources to develop our business in this market. We will be expanding our operational capabilities in the country next year," Mr. Brett said. - BusinessWorld