Switzerland sees 600% growth in Filipino tourists; Monaco eyeing more Pinoys via Paris
MANILA, Philippines — Two European countries are eyeing more Filipino tourist arrivals in the coming years, one of them in particular already seeing a huge boost in the post-pandemic era.
In an exclusive interview with Philstar.com during TravMedia's International Media Marketplace Asia 2024 in Singapore last October 22, Switzerland Tourism's Marketing & Communication Manager for Southeast Asia Nazrul Jumahat shared positive numbers about Filipino tourists.
He shared that in 2023, Switzerland saw a 600% growth in Filipino tourists compared to 2019 right before the pandemic, and this year so far is seeing a double-digit growth in arrivals.
Jumahat attributed the opening of a satellite office in the Philippines helping in the awareness of possible tourism opportunities in Switzerland, which go from food options like chocolates and cheeses, to experiences like mountain hikes and train rides.
Elsewhere during the International Media Marketplace Asia 2024, Benoit Badufle spoke to Philstar.com on behalf of the Promotion Bureau of the Principality of Monaco about the possibility of having more Filipinos visiting the world's second-smallest country.
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Many maritime people visit Monaco during the summertime (June to August). While it’s a growing leisure market for Southeast Asia, Monaco is yet to welcome an incentive group from the Philippines.
Badufle added that the return of Air France's direct flights between Manila and the French capital of Paris will be a huge boost to the possibilities of having more Filipinos in Monaco.
Additionally, Philippines Airlines' President and Chief Operating Officer Stanley Ng told Philstar.com in a separate inteview the country’s flag carrier airlines is studying whether to launch its own Manila-Paris route.
"Filipinos are aware of Monaco's possibilities, [there's] just really no flights," Badufle explained, adding his colleagues are working on bringing Tim Yap and Raymond Gutierrez to Monaco in order to boost awareness.
Another thing Badufle highlighted was the potential of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) travelers from the Philippines, and how Monaco could tap into that industry given its world-class venues and tailored experiences on top of its connections via Paris.
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