The Philippines is eager to improve its air connectivity with the Middle East, continuing to see opportunities in the market despite the ongoing political tensions in the region.

Secretary Christina Frasco said the Department of Tourism (DOT) is focusing its talks with Middle Eastern states, specifically those in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), on boosting connectivity and tourism flows.

In Saudi Arabia and Bahrain alone, Frasco said the interest is present in terms of gastronomy and collaborating in enhancing two-way tourism.

Frasco recently discussed with Bahraini Minister of Tourism Fatima bint Jaafar Al Sairafi the possibility of increasing flights between Bahrain and the Philippines, to include Cebu province.

“For the rest of the Middle East, we note that these countries are very well-recovered in terms of inbound to the country. And this momentum, we wish to be able to grow further by forging strategic collaborations with them,” she said in an interview on the sidelines of the two-day Philippine Dive Experience that ended Friday in Barangay Anilao, Mabini, Batangas.

The DOT had been channeling its marketing efforts to boost demand from the region, including through increased presence in expos such as the Arabian Travel Market (ATM).

Last year, its ATM participation generated at least USD3 billion in sales leads and drew some 2,109 exhibiting companies from 156 countries into the Philippine booth, which showcased the country’s diverse tourism offerings.

The value of the GCC outbound market — Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates — last year was USD70.46 billion and is projected to reach USD181.48 billion by the end of 2036, according to New York-based Research Nester.

The firm attributed the region’s rise as a fast-growing source market to its people’s higher expenditures on international trips, developed airlines in GCC and increasing trade with other nations. (PNA)