Press Release No. EBB-09-2020
Philippine tourism featured at the Jeddah International Travel and Tourism Exhibition
Jeddah, 1 March 2020 – The Philippines’ beautiful landmarks and notable tourist destinations were featured at the Jeddah International Travel and Tourism Exhibition from 26 to 28 February 2020 at the Conference Hall of the Hilton Hotel.
Officials from the Department of Tourism (DOT) headed by Mr. Dakila Gonzales, Head of the Office of Product and Market Development for Middle East, led the Philippine exhibition which attracted thousands of interested travelers from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and other countries.
Consul General Edgar B. Badajos and other officials of the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah (Jeddah PCG) visited the Philippine booth and showed their support to Philippine tourism promotion initiatives through discussions on possible collaborations between Jeddah PCG and DOT. Consul General Badajos noted that the Philippines has become a popular destination among Saudi nationals, and the exhibit provides a venue for prospective tourists to have an idea of what the country can offer, in terms of landscapes and landmarks, culture, food, and even investments.
“However, the Philippines needs to think of creative ways to stand out among other countries also being considered by Saudis. The concern of most, if not all, Muslim travelers is the availability of Halal certified foods, or at least Muslim-friendly establishments, in the Philippines, which makes prospective tourists to think twice before confirming their travel booking to the Philippines. While Halal foods are becoming increasingly available in the Southern part of the country, the Northern areas need to have more Halal food options for Muslim travelers,” Consul General Badajos said during his meeting with DOT officials, led by Mr. Gonzales of DOT.
The Philippine booth showcased the country’s “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” tagline, with videos of popular tourists spots like Boracay, Palawan, Cebu, etc. being shown to the public.
This year’s edition of JTTX showcased a wide range of accommodation options, amazing travel destinations, travel technologies, medical and educational tourism, airlines of the world's most popular tourist destinations. The JTTX has attracted more than 200 exhibitors from more than 25 countries and had 30,000 visitors including managers of travel and hospitality industries and the general public who are interested to travel to different countries. ---END---
Consul General Edgar Badajos (3rd from right), together with Vice-Consul Alfred Kristoffer Guiang (2nd from left), visits the
Philippine booth at the Jeddah International Travel and Tourism Exhibition held on 26-28 February at the Conference Hall
of the Hilton Hotel Jeddah. The Philippine exhibit was led by DOT officials Mr. Dakila F. Gonzales (2nd from right), Head
of the Office of Product and Market Development-Middle East, Mr. Juanito Sayo (leftmost), DOT Information Officer, Mr.
SanJeet (center), DOT- Middle East representative), and Ms. Seema (rightmost), DOT- Middle East representative.
Consul Mary Jennifer Dingal (right) with Mr. Dakila Gonzales of the DOT at the opening of the JTTX on February 26.
