RIYADH , 4 June — Saudi families are being targeted by the Philippines for leisure travel this summer. Manila’s tourism promotion drive comes in the wake of a sharp drop in the tourist traffic from the Kingdom to the US and European countries.

The camapign is underlined by the first ever Philippine travel agents’ visit to Riyadh.

Travel agents point out that only five percent of Saudi travelers now visit the US, while some 20-25 percent head for destinations in Europe.

Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco are currently the favorite haunts of Saudis during summer vacation. Malaysia ranks as their No. 1 destination in Southeast Asia.

The objectives behind the "WOW Philippines" campaign were spelled out yesterday when the Philippine tourism delegation called on Ambassador Rafael E. Segius at his office in the Diplomatic Quarter here.

The delegation included Corazaon Tan-Endozo, president and general manager, Macro Travel & Tours International Inc., Norolyne M. Tamano, area manager, Prudentialife Plans, Inc., and Ferdie Mar P. Absesamis, chief accountant, Golden Bird Travel, chief accountant, Golden Bird Travel.

"WOW" is part of the Philippine government’s drive to promote the archipelago of 7,107 islands.

As part of the campaign, incentive packages will be offered to tourists who have been promised a wealth of wonders (WOW) ranging from its idyllic beach resorts (with "talcum powder" beach sands) to its rich cultural pageantry.

Corazon told Arab News that many Saudis showed interest in visiting Manila with their families. However, for reasons of safety and security, only Luzon, Palawan and Visayas islands will be targeted for the promotion drive.

To this end, they have entered into a tie-up with Golden Bird Travel.

During their two-weeklong stay in Riyadh, members of the Philippine delegation will visit compounds, major hospitals and other utilities for a video presentation.

Omar Pangarungan, trade and tourism attache at the Philippine Embassy, said that as part of the campaign, Arabic-speaking guides will be hired to accompany visiting Saudis. He said the number of tourists from the Kingdom, including both Saudis and expatriates, stood at over 2,000, last year and it was growing steadily.

The figures for this year showed that 900 Saudis and expatriates went there in the first quarter of this year. The overall trend was encouraging, he added.