15 December 2017 – Philippine Ambassador Ma. Teresita C. Daza and the Philippine Tourism Marketing Office in India launched branded taxis in New Delhi at the Embassy grounds on 15 December 2017.
The taxi branding is part of DOT’s tourism promotional initiatives in India. India has become the 12th most important source market for tourist arrivals in the Philippines. The Philippine Tourism Marketing Office in India launched fifty branded taxis in Mumbai and two (2) Hop on, Hop off (HoHo) buses in New Delhi.
In 2016, DOT has also launched branded taxis at the Philippine Embassy.
Speaking at the launch, Ambassador Daza said that taxi branding is one way of raising awareness about the Philippines as each taxi displays various tourist destinations an encourage more Indian travelers to discover the beautiful islands of the Philippines.
Ambassador Daza spoke of tourism as one of the main economic growth engines in the Philippines. The Philippines has the most famous touristic offerings in the world, whether one is looking for adventure, natural wonders, historical landmarks, culture and tradition, art and crafts, shopping, recreation and entertainment, among many others. Tourism activities continue to flourish in the different regions of the country, each with its own characteristic destinations and products.
The Ambassador noted that India currently holds the rank of the 12th most important source market for tourist arrivals in the Philippines. During January to July 2017, 72,948 Indian tourists travelled to the Philippines as compared to 60,658 tourists for the same period in 2016, registering a growth of 28.41%. In 2016, over 90,816 Indians visited the Philippines registering a growth of 37%.
The Ambassador conveyed the advantage of visa free entry for up to 14 days for Indian passport holders having valid AJACSSUK visas (US, Japan, Australia, Canada, Schengen, Singapore and UK) which is contributing significantly towards attracting more visitors.
The Ambassador also mentioned the Philippines as a preferred venue to hosting international events such as the Ms. Universe pageant which was held in Manila on 30 January 2017. As the ASEAN Chair, the Philippines also hosted the 31st ASEAN Summit and Related Summits on 10 to 14 November 2017 where Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also present. In these events, the Philippines has made a remarkable impression for its unique hospitality and service-oriented work to foreign visitors.
In terms of connectivity, the Ambassador noted on the developments of the proposed Air Services Agreement between the Philippines and India as well as the re-establishment of direct flights to India which will be will be beneficial for the Philippines and India especially in tourism sector.
Likewise, Mr. Sanjeet, Tourism Representative of the Philippine Tourism Marketing Office in India said that the DOT is tying up with the Philippine Airlines in 2018 for a joint tourism promotional board.
Further, Mr. Sanjeet informed that DOT along with prominent cruise companies in the world seek to position the Philippines as a global tourism cruise ship destination in 2018.
