13 May 2014 – The Philippines participated in the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) from May 5 to 8 at the Dubai International Convention Center, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Department of Tourism Assistant Secretary Benito C. Bengzon, Jr. led the country’s participation in the event.

Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Grace Relucio Princesa attended the opening of the event and spoke with the 14 industry partners at the Philippine pavilion which included hotels and serviced apartments, resorts, airline companies and tour operators.

The ATM is the leading international travel and tourism event in the Middle East with around 2,700 exhibitors. It featured travel industry companies from the UAE and more than 80 countries around the world. In 2013, the ATM registered 21,906 attendees to the event.

In 2013, the Middle East registered a growth rate of 20.32 per cent from 57,275 visitors in 2012 to 68,916 in 2013. Tourist arrivals from the UAE to the Philippines increased by 19.48 per cent in 2013 from 2012 figures. END