MICE to boost Phl tourism revenues

MANILA, Philippines -The Philippines is optimistic that its tourism revenues will be boosted by the increasing number of meetings, incentive travel, conventions and events/exhibitions (MICE) being held in the country.

In an interview on the sidelines of the pre-meeting press conference of the 23rd World Economic Forum (WEF) East Asia, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. said they are hoping to hit the 22 percent target revenues from MICE in 2016.

As of 2013, MICE accounted for only 12 percent of the country’s total tourism income.

“Our income from MICE is six times our income from a regular tourist. We are revising our targets now. We expect this to increase further,” he said.

Recently, the DOT held the international conference on MICECON which is an industry platform for learning and business opportunities, learning from experts on new trends, approaches, methods and insights as well as draw inspiration and energy from their message to reach and fulfil new heights for the Philippine MICE and Tourism Industry.

Sponsoring big forums like WEF, Jimenez said, would signal the confidence of MICE proponents on the capability of the Philippines to host huge high-level business and economic meetings.

At the end of this week, the WEF will hold a meeting in Legaspi, Albay for UNWTO Global Climate Change Forum.

The Philippines will host the APEC meeting next year.

Jimenez also said they are also preparing for the Visit Philippines Year 2015. 

Aside from the VPY 2015, the country would also be hosting the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) in 2016.

“This would be the last major tourism event on January 2016 (by the Aquino administration). We hope to make it big and successful,” he said.

Jimenez said the Philippine government is preparing for adoption of a common visa scheme. He said the Bureau of Immigration (BI) would be ready to honor the visas extended by all member countries to those traveling to the country. 

“In this connection, and to coincide with the holding of the APEC Ministerial Meetings and Leaders’ Summit in 2015, the Philippines has declared 2015 as Visit Philippines Year. Visit Philippines Year will feature a calendar of events and activities that are an exciting mix of all the outstanding work of the Filipino people, as well as the unveiling of many more historic treasures, natural wonders, and unforgettable adventures.

VPY 2015 is an invitation to all, especially our brothers and sisters in Asean, to come and partake of the enduring promise of more fun in the Philippines,” he said.

On the WEF to be held on May 22-23, the Philippines hopes to discuss with its Asean counterparts the growing tourism industry and how to sustain the growth momentum

Jimenez said they would tackle the drivers of Philippines success through the session Philippines: “The Next Asian Miracle”.