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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOT eyes more foreign tourists through Emirates flights, global promotions

DOT eyes more foreign tourists through Emirates flights, global promotions

Published Apr 30, 2025 06:43 am

dot-uae.jpg

Department of Tourism (DOT) Undersecretary Verna C. Buensuceso (left, seated) and Emirates Senior Vice President for Commercial Operations Far East Orhan Abbas (right, seated) sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote the Philippines as a premier tourist destination. Witnessing the signing are (from left) Philippine Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates H.E. Alfonso Ferdinand Ver, DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco (second from left), Emirates Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer Adnan Kazim (second from right), and Emirates Divisional Senior Vice President for Cargo Nabil Sultan (right).

 

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is accelerating the country’s tourism recovery by improving accessibility and visibility through expanded Emirates flights and targeted global promotions, particularly in the Middle East, Mediterranean, and Europe.

DOT Undersecretary Verna C. Buensuceso and Emirates Senior Vice President for Commercial Operations Far East Orhan Abbas signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Apr. 28 at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, formalizing their collaboration to increase flight options and promote Philippine destinations across Emirates’ global network.

DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco underscored the importance of the partnership in positioning the Philippines as a premier leisure destination while providing more travel opportunities for overseas Filipinos.

The agreement includes joint marketing campaigns and co-promotion of tourism initiatives aimed at showcasing the country’s top attractions and unique travel experiences.

Frasco added that the collaboration is expected to boost visitor arrivals and strengthen the Philippines' presence in long-haul markets.

Emirates, which has served the Philippines for nearly 35 years, currently operates 28 weekly flights to Manila, Cebu, and Clark, offering a combined capacity of 22,700 seats per week.

The airline is also set to expand its local footprint with the opening of an Emirates World retail store in Manila this November to further enhance customer service.

Based on DOT data, tourist arrivals from the United Arab Emirates grew from 2,084 in 2022 to 69,995 in 2024, generating $69.59 million in tourism revenue and reflecting a 536.6 percent recovery.

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