12 August 2014 – Two Filipino travel and tour companies namely CCT.168 Travel & Tours and Profil Holidays - Tours & Travel Corporation visited Muscat recently to explore the Omani travel market for Philippine inbound tourism.

During their courtesy call on Philippine Ambassador to Oman Narciso T. Castan?eda, they informed the Philippine Embassy of their plans to work with Oman-based travel operators to offer tour packages that will encourage Omani tourists to travel to the Philippines. Individually, the two companies have at least 30 years experience in the travel business and strong exposure in the Middle East market.

Ambassador Castan?eda welcomed this private sector initiative as this will boost tourism exchange between the Philippines and Oman. The Embassy believes there is great potential in developing the market, especially in the high-end spectrum. Talks are currently underway with their Oman-based partners to launch the first tour group package by November this year. The tour program, billed “Yallah Philippines” (Let’s go, Philippines) will include Manila and Boracay as well as medical tourism/investment components. Not having seen any active marketing campaign in previous years, local partners are now optimistic that the November program will open doors for more opportunities. END