The Taiwan Tourism Administration (TTA) has launched the Taiwan Tourism Information Center (TTIC) in Manila to solidify its presence in the Philippine travel market. Officially inaugurated on December 20 in Makati City, the TTIC aims to enhance tourism services and promote Taiwan as a premier destination for Filipino travelers.
The grand opening ceremony was graced by prominent figures, including Ambassador Wallace Chow of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines, Ben Huang, TTA’s Director of the International Division, and Mariegel Manotok, President of the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA). Representatives from local tourism organizations, airlines, and travel agencies were also in attendance.
Positioned in the heart of Manila’s financial, cultural, and entertainment district, TTIC serves as a hub for tourism information and a platform for collaboration between Filipino and Taiwanese travel agencies. “TTIC will play a crucial role in directly conveying Taiwan’s tourism offerings and fostering closer ties within the travel industry,” Huang said.
The Philippines has been identified as a high-growth market by the TTA, thanks to its dual strategy of engaging celebrity ambassadors and incentivizing travel agencies. These initiatives have contributed to remarkable results: more than 378,000 Filipino tourists visited Taiwan between January and October 2024, a 35% increase compared to the previous year. The Philippines now ranks as the top Southeast Asian source of tourist arrivals to Taiwan.
To further entice Filipino travelers, the TTA has rolled out exclusive promotions, including group discounts for the Taipei 101 Observatory, “Buy 2, Get 1 Free” ticket deals for independent tourists, and free Pocket Wi-Fi rental services. Additionally, a Taiwan-themed train has been introduced on Manila’s Light Rail Transit system, adding to the buzz around Taiwan’s appeal.
With flights between the two countries taking just two hours and hundreds of weekly connections available, Taiwan has cemented its status as a favorite destination for Filipino tourists. “TTIC will enhance Taiwan’s brand image and strengthen ties with local media and travel agencies to attract even more visitors,” Huang noted.
As Taiwan continues to expand its tourism initiatives in the Philippines, the TTIC stands as a testament to the growing partnership between the two nations in the travel sector.
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