Philippine delegation with Ambassador Maria Elena P. Algabre (center), House Representatives Cynthia K. Chan of Lapu-Lapu City and Maria Vanessa Aumentado of Bohol, Tourism Director Paulo Benito Tugbang, and guests. (Embassy Photo)

ANKARA, 03 December 2022 – The Department of Tourism of the Philippines, supported by the Philippine Embassy in Ankara and the Philippine Consulate General in Istanbul, embarked on a tourism roadshow in Türkiye in the cities of Istanbul, Izmir, and Ankara, from 28 November to 02 December 2022 ,  to increase tourist arrivals from Türkiye and enhance   partnerships  with travel trade industry players.

Türkiye is an opportunity  market for the Philippine tourism industry.   Pre-pandemic tourism exchanges between the two countries showed consistent growth.   The Philippine tourism roadshow was aimed at renewing the momentum of continuing increase in tourist arrivals from Türkiye.  Earlier this year,  the Philippines relaxed its entry procedures for fully-vaccinated travelers. Turkish citizens can enter the Philippines visa-free for 30-days.   There are currently direct flights  to Manila from Istanbul via Turkish Airlines 10 times a week. Other airlines also have  regular flights from Istanbul to Manila.

The Philippine Delegation,  led by Ambassador to Türkiye Maria Elena P. Algabre Congresswoman Cynthia K. Chan of Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, Congresswoman Maria Vanessa Aumentado of Bohol, and Tourism Director Paulo Benito Tugbang welcomed around 100 guests from the travel-industry during the three-city roadshow.

Guests learned the key advantages that make  the Philippines an attractive tourist destination, namely; the  country offers something for everyone;  it has diverse range of hospitality services; it offers value for money for a premium experience; and its people are known for  their legendary hospitality that is authentic and uniquely Filipino.  The Philippines also has  schools with excellent facilities and offering English-as-Second Language (ESL) programs to foreigners. END