Switzerland and Monaco are both eager to see more Filipino tourists, with Switzerland already experiencing a major boom in Filipino arrivals since the pandemic.
In an interview during TravMedia’s International Media Marketplace Asia 2024 in Singapore last October, Nazrul Jumahat, Switzerland Tourism’s Marketing & Communications Manager for Southeast Asia, shared exciting news. Switzerland recorded a 600% increase in Filipino visitors in 2023 compared to 2019, and arrivals are still climbing.
Jumahat credited a new satellite office in the Philippines, which has been promoting Swiss highlights like delicious chocolates, cheeses, mountain hikes, and famous train rides.
Monaco, the world’s second-smallest country, also wants more Filipino tourists. Benoit Badufle, from Monaco’s Promotion Bureau, said the return of Air France’s direct flights between Manila and Paris could make travel easier, encouraging more Pinoys to add Monaco to their European trips.
Philippine Airlines (PAL) is even considering launching its own Manila-Paris flights, according to PAL’s President Stanley Ng.
Badufle added that his team is working to raise awareness by inviting well-known Filipino personalities, like Tim Yap and Raymond Gutierrez, to experience Monaco and show its charm to fellow Pinoys.
