Tourists flock to Daku Island in Siargao Island, Surigao Del Norte on October 24, 2023. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA — The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Wednesday expressed confidence it will be able to achieve its target of 7.7 million foreign tourist arrivals by the end of 2024, especially as the “-ber months” kick in.

According to the agency, the Philippines has so far booked more than 4.1 million foreign visitors since January.

“Last year, we were able to surpass our target so we are confident that we will be able to surpass (this year’s) as well,” said Ivanovich Agote, the Supervising Tourism Operations Officer of DOT-National Capital Region, during a press conference in Makati.

But the agency admits it would have to employ a different strategy amid weak travel demand from China, which has long been a major source of travelers for the Philippines.

Even local airlines have earlier said that they are reducing the number of flights to China in favor of other markets.

Cebu Pacific launching Manila-Chiang Mai route; reducing China flights

“We’re not seeing a good forecast for the China market because of the geopolitical issues that we have, but we are working on developing other source markets: Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Eastern Europe, India,” said Agote.

“These are predominantly Muslim countries. That’s why we’re putting all our efforts on halal tourism so that when they come here, we have the facilities and the services to cater to our Muslim brothers and sisters,” he added.

The DOT is aiming to entice more visitors from Singapore and the Middle East to come to the Philippines too, on top of the usual top markets such as the US, Japan, and South Korea.

It also banking on proposals to implement a value added tax (VAT) refund for tourists to woo more foreign shoppers.

“Because if other countries are very successful with it, replicating it here in the Philippines will certainly yield positive results for us,” noted Agote.

Tourism officials also consider the rehabilitation of the country’s main gateway— the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) as another big plus, despite the expected increase in airport fees.

“The trend now is they (travelers) are willing to spend on comfort and if they see the value in travel. So despite any amount, if one would really want to travel and see other places, it would not matter,” said Catherine Agustin, the Chief Tourism Operations Officer of the DOT-NCR’s Tourism Development Division.

To further boost the industry, particularly domestic tourism, the government is again partnering with private stakeholders in mounting the second edition of the Travel Sale Expo next week.

Unfazed by talk that revenge travel is fading, organizers expect foot traffic to hit up to 50,00 during the three-day expo, which will feature nearly 180 exhibitors.

“With all the discounted fares that we will be offering to our visitors and, of course, with the help of our other exhibitors— airlines, hotels, tour operators offering very attractive tour packages… I’m confident that many will be visiting our expo,” said Michelle Taylan, the Chairperson of the Travel Sale Expo 2024.

The expo will run from September 27 to 29, 2024 at the SM Megatrade Hall in Mandaluyong City.

RELATED VIDEO: