MANILA, Oct. 01, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ctrip Co-founder and Executive Chairman James Liang today met with Philippines Secretary of Tourism Bernadette Romulo-Puyat. The pair discussed areas for collaboration ranging from destination marketing to strategies for improving customer service and safety for travelers to the Philippines and the wider South-East Asia region.
The Philippines is an archipelagic state made up of over 7000 islands. Known for its world-famous sunsets and beaches, the country is already a favorite destination among tourists from across the globe, having hosted a record 7.1 million tourists in 2018 according to the Department of Tourism. Tourism is also a core industry for the country, accounting for 12.7% of GDP in 2018, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.
The Department of Tourism has its sights on sustained growth, with a target of 8.2 million arrivals this year. Chinese tourists are a significant driving force, said Ms. Romulo-Puyat. “In the first half of 2019, we hosted a record number of over 700,000 Chinese tourists,” said Ms. Romulo-Puyat. "Ctrip is an invaluable partner in helping us to increase exposure in this key market."
During the meeting, Ctrip Chairman James Liang outlined the country's potential as a destination for tourists, as well as its significance as a base for the company's customer service operations in the region. “The Philippines is a promising destination for both outbound Chinese tourists and for our customers globally,” said Liang.
As the largest OTA in Asia with a userbase of over 300 million, Ctrip's partnership promises to increase exposure for the Philippines as a holiday destination for outbound Chinese tourists. In addition to destination marketing, Liang emphasized the importance of helping the local market to cater better to the needs of tourists.
"Improvements in customer service, traveler safety and emergency response are certain to give a boost to Philippines as a destination for tourists worldwide, and Ctrip is glad to assist in these areas. We look forward to working more closely with the Philippines to provide a superior level of service to travelers, and sharing in this unique nation's prosperity," said Liang.
As Ctrip expands its global presence, Liang said, the company's efforts in the Philippines are an indication of its upcoming plans for the region. "The South-East Asia market will be a focus point of ours moving forward, and as an increasingly popular regional tourist hub, we are excited to the have the support of the Philippines."
About Ctrip.com International, Ltd.
Ctrip.com International, Ltd. is a leading travel service provider of accommodation reservation, transportation ticketing, packaged tours and corporate travel management in China. It is the largest online consolidator of accommodations and transportation tickets in China in terms of transaction volume. Ctrip enables business and leisure travelers to make informed and cost-effective bookings by aggregating comprehensive travel related information and offering its services through an advanced transaction and service platform consisting of its mobile apps, Internet websites and centralized, toll-free, 24-hour customer service center. Ctrip also helps customers book vacation packages and guided tours. In addition, through its corporate travel management services, Ctrip helps corporate clients effectively manage their travel requirements. Since its inception in 1999, Ctrip has experienced substantial growth and become one of the best-known travel brands in China.
For further information, please contact:
International PR
Ctrip.com International, ltd.
Tel: (+86) 21 3406 4880 ext 196455
Email: Pr@ctrip.com
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