RP wants bigger slice of US$ 6.6 billion Japan wedding market

MANILA, Oct. 6 (PNA) -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) is offering the country’s top beach destinations as alternative wedding destinations to Japanese wedding couples wanting to tie the knot abroad, in order to grab a bigger slice of the estimated US$ 6.6 billion market.

Ace Durano, Secretary of Tourism maintained “the various island destinations of the Philippines are highly conducive to the beach and nature inspired weddings that most Japanese couples are looking for,”

Durano said the Philippines is promoting popular destinations such as Boracay, Cebu, Bohol and Davao among the ideal destinations for Japanese weddings.

Data released by the DOT showed that there are about 450,000 Japanese couples who choose to spend their nuptials abroad every year.

A report from the Japan Tourism Board (JTB) showed that the overseas wedding industry in Japan is now estimated at .6 billion yearly.

The JTB said Japanese couples who hold their weddings abroad spend an average of 1,474.400 yen or US$ 14, 744 for the entire package.

Couples spend an average of 566,000 yen for air fare and accommodations and another 215,000 yen for their wedding outfits. They spend as much as 791,000 yen for the wedding day preparations.

JTB said couples prefer beach and island destinations such as Hawaii, Guam, Saipan, Bali, Indonesia, and Australia among others.

“The Philippines can capitalize on its world-famous beaches to attract Japanese couples to spend their wedding here. We believe that this niche market will be an important part of the country’s tourism campaign in Japan,” Durano added.

“The relatively shorter travel to the country over their usual wedding destinations will spell the difference for the Japanese couples and hopefully they will choose to spend their weddings here,” the tourism chief added.

Dir. Benito Bengzon Jr, Head of DOT Team Japan believes that the Philippines can become a preferred wedding destination for the Japanese market.

“Compared to other countries, the Philippines offers a complete array of quality wedding products and services at a reasonable cost. Our magnificent views and picturesque beaches also offer the perfect mood and seting for weddings,” Bengzon said.

At present, three Philippine resorts are offering full-service wedding packages to the Japanese wedding including Shangri-la Mactan, Pulchra and Alegre beach resorts, all in Cebu.

“In order to attract Japanese couples, our beach resorts must have the necessary facilities for a wedding and they must also have support services such as experienced wedding coordinators to cater to the needs of the clients,” Bengzon added.

The DOT launched its campaign to the Japanese market during the recent JATA Travel Fair at the Tokyo Big Sight, during which the Philippine booth featured a wedding gown designed by renowned artist Randy Ortiz and wedding photos in the country’s beach destinations.

Members of the Philippine delegation received numerous inquiries about the wedding packages in the country.

Bengzon said the DOT’s campaign to promote the Philippines as prime wedding destination for Japanese couples, is part of its strategy to revitalize the outbound Japan market.

“We are looking for new and better ways to bring in more tourists into the country. We want to show them that the Philippines is not only a place for relaxation and pampering but also a place to have their weddings,” he said.