The Department of Tourism is set to welcome more than 300 tourists from two Indian groups: Italco, which is Cement Company and members of the “Quality Circle Forum”.

Italco is a cement manufacturing company, while Quality Circle Forum is a group of professionals involved in quality control for both government and private entities in India. The groups are scheduled for shopping and clubbing around Metro Manila’s cosmopolitan districts and island hopping in Cebu’s prime beaches.

Philippines is now catching up on MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) tourism. India’s outbound travelers recorded a 13% increase in overall trip volume in 2008, according to a report from the International Tourism Bourse (ITB) World Travel Trends Report 2009. India has been billed as a star emerging market with its more than 1 billion residents and burgeoning middle class. The UN world Tourism Organization (UNWTO) likewise predicts more Indian travelers.

“The emerging market of India is a significant source of arrivals, specially since global tourism groups point to the remarkable growth of India’s outbound tourists which are also in the high-spending bracket,” said Hon. Ace Durano, Secretary of tourism.

“Indians also travel in groups not only for MICE events but also with their family. And as a recession-proof segment, they will not hesitate to spend on high-end accommodations such as five-star hotels and shopping sprees at our first-rate malls,” shared Eduardo Jarque, Jr., Undersecretary for Tourism Planning and Promotions.

On a separate note, according to an Indian Travel agent, the Philippines has not even initiated any plans to lure “Indian Overseas Weddings” in the Philippines. Many weddings are being held in Thailand, Malaysia and specifically Bali [Indonesia] by Indians from Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai, and the rest of the world in lieu of having wedding in their home country. The Singapore government is giving full support to an upcoming Indian wedding on a cruise this month. Main concerns regarding overseas wedding are easy flight access, visa concerns, security, and economical rates with 5 star hotels and restaurants. Philippines only passes the economical rate concern. Their English speaking power could be a powerful tool and an add-on compare to Indonesian and Thais.

Welcome to the Philippines. Namaste and Mabuhay.