Monday, March 4, 2024
At the Saudi Travel Market 2024 in Riyadh, Ricky Solomon Pacquing, Philippine Airlines, the Country Manager for Philippine Airlines in Saudi Arabia, shared valuable insights with Apratim Ghoshal, Founder Editor, into the airline’s operations and strategic initiatives within the region.
Celebrating a decade of service since its launch in 2013, Philippine Airlines has firmly established itself as a bridge between the Philippines and Saudi Arabia, operating daily flights from Riyadh and five times a week from Dammam, city in Saudi Arabia. These non-stop direct flights utilize the Airbus A330, equipped with 345 economy class seats and 18 flatbed business class seats, ensuring passenger comfort and convenience.
Looking ahead, Solomon highlighted the airline’s commitment to expanding its services in the Middle East, particularly as the region prepares for upcoming expositions. With current operations including flights to Dubai, Qatar, and two destinations within Saudi Arabia, Philippine Airlines is exploring the possibility of introducing charter flights to Jeddah, primarily to cater to Hajj pilgrims traveling to Medina. These charter flights, utilizing the same Airbus A330 aircraft, underscore the airline’s dedication to facilitating religious travel.
Focusing on the Saudi market, Solomon emphasized the airline’s efforts to promote the Philippines as a prime leisure destination for Saudi travelers. Traditionally, the majority of the airline’s passengers comprised labor traffic. However, there has been a noticeable shift towards attracting leisure travelers, including Saudi families, honeymooners, and young professionals. Solomon expressed enthusiasm about the increasing number of young Saudis, often traveling in groups, choosing the Philippines for its beautiful beaches and vibrant leisure scene.
In celebration of its 83rd anniversary, Philippine Airlines has launched an “Anniversary Sale,” offering attractive fares not only to the Philippines but also to other popular destinations such as Bali, Bangkok, Singapore, and Malaysia. This initiative aims to appeal to a broader audience, including leisure travelers looking for new experiences.
Addressing the seasonality of travel, Solomon acknowledged that Ramadan represents a lean period for the airline, as fasting leads to decreased travel demand. Consequently, no specific packages are offered during this time, reflecting the airline’s adaptive strategies to regional travel patterns.
When asked about the impact of travel technology on sales, Solomon revealed that 80% of the airline’s revenue in Saudi Arabia still stems from the travel trade. Despite advancements in B2C platforms, the strong B2B relationships cultivated with travel agencies, supported by incentives and performance-based bonuses, remain crucial to Philippine Airlines’ success in the region.
Through strategic expansions, targeted marketing, and a focus on enhancing service offerings, Philippine Airlines is poised to strengthen its position in the Saudi market, fostering cultural exchanges and contributing to the vibrant tapestry of global travel.
The Saudi Travel Market 2024, held in Riyadh, emerged as a pivotal event for the global travel and tourism industry, showcasing the latest trends, innovations, and opportunities within the sector. This year’s market highlighted the growing significance of Saudi Arabia as both a destination and a hub for international travel. With a rich assembly of exhibitors from around the world, the event facilitated unparalleled networking opportunities, strategic partnerships, and insightful discussions on the future of travel. The focus on sustainable tourism, digital transformation, and the expanding Saudi leisure market underscored the kingdom’s ambitious vision to diversify its economy and attract tourists from across the globe.
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
