Attractive tour offers needed to lure Aussies

CEBU, Philippines - Australia Ambassador to the Philippines Rod Smith said that the Philippines should strengthen its efforts in implementing “hard-to-resist” travel packages in partnership with airline companies, and other tourism related establishments to compete with the famous and favorite destinations of Australians.

Already, the Philippines has greater advantage over other Asian destinations, because of the growing number of Filipinos residing and working in Australia, that will also be its tourism market. Today, there are a total of 250 thousand Filipinos based in Australia.

The Philippines, he said has all the ingredients that Australian travelers are looking for. However, without the introduction of attractive travel packages, Australian tourists may opt for other destinations with good travel offers.

Sports adventure, diving, hiking, among others are just few of the travel activities Australian tourists are looking for. The Philippines, Smith said offers diverse tourism activities and destinations, which Australians love to explore.

However, at this time, more Australian tourists have not yet discovered the “charm” of the Philippines, because of more aggressive promotions, and attractive packages in other destinations.

Smith suggested that tourism stakeholders, such as the travel operators should partner with Airline companies, to come up with packages that could lure at least part of the growing number of Australian travelers.

Last year, Australian arrivals to the Philippines recorded at 125 thousand. This could hit a double-digit increase, if a more aggressive promotion and programs will be introduced, the Ambassador said.

Although, Australia has similar attractions with the Philippines, specifically the surfing, beach, scuba diving, Australians also love to explore the diversities of attractions Philippines has. The Ambassador specifically mentioned Bohol’s “Chocolate Hills” as one of the destinations that attract growing number of Australian.

“Australia is a big tourism market for the Philippines. With the kind of relationship and partnership with stakeholders—selling packages, introducing attractive bed-nights promotions with airlines, and similar products could lure more Australians to visit your country,” Smith said in an interview.

He emphasized the potential of the Philippines to attract the huge “Family Tourists” from Australia. This is one of the markets that Philippines should target in the Australia traveling market.

Cebu for instance, has an edge in hitting this particular market, because of its good location, and diverse attractions, and also is position being the gateway of different destinations in the Southern Philippines, like Boracay, Bohol, among others.

Family Tourism in Australia is a significantly growing market. Australian families travel more frequently now. The Philippines, if it were to offer good packages, could be a new and fresh destination for the family tourism market in Australia, Smith said. - THE FREEMAN