MANILA – The Philippines’ Department of Tourism (DoT) is looking into the possibility of tapping the outbound tourist market of Vietnam and nearby Mekong countries, as it participates for the first time in the Vietnam International Travel Expo (ITE) in Ho Chi Minh from September 12-14.
Tourism secretary, Ace Durano, said the DoT’s participation in the upcoming Vietnam ITE will help boost the Philippines as a top Asian destination as the Vietnamese look beyond their shores for new places, taste and cultural experiences.
Travel between the country and Vietnam is hassle-free due to the availability of flights between Manila and Ho Chi Minh.
Low-cost airline Cebu Pacific flies the Manila-Ho Chi Min route three times a week while flag carrier Philippine Airlines flies to Ho Chi Minh daily.
Rica Bueno, head of DoT Team Asia Pacific disclosed that the rapid industrialization of Vietnam is giving its citizens additional cash buffer, which they can spend on travel.
“Vietnam promises to be an important travel market for us. We see potentials in promoting the country as a great place to learn English, as well as a medical tourism destination,” Bueno said.
