LOOKING to build on momentum gained from the launch of Philippine Airlines’ (PAL) twice-weekly Manila-Bali services in April, Aneka Kartika Tours & Travel Service will embark on its first-ever sales mission to Manila this month.

The Surabaya-based DMC, together with representatives from eight Indonesian hotels and seven Asian airlines serving Indonesia, will jointly participate at Pesta Indonesia in Manila on May 15.

Targeting some 100 travel industry members in the Philippines, the event aims to increase awareness of Indonesia and stimulate interest in sending groups to the destination.

Adjie Wahjono, operations manager, Aneka Kartika Tours & Travel Service said: “We have been working on (the Philippine) market since seven years ago, even before PAL started Manila-Jakarta direct flights, and have seen the market growing well over the past three years."

"Now, with PAL serving (both) Jakarta and Bali, we feel it is important to bring our hotel partners to meet the travel industry in Manila.”

According to Adjie, Philippine visitors to Indonesia usually consist of FITs, families and corporate incentives. They stay an average of three nights, visiting theme parks, and shopping in Jakarta, Bandung and Bali.

“Many Filipinos have no idea where Jakarta, Bali and Borobudur are yet. We have had requests to combine Jakarta with Borobudur or Bali in one day, which is possible but (over intensive),” he said.

“We hope (the Filipino travel trade) will understand Indonesia better (after the sales mission), and in turn look to increase (outbound) traffic (to Indonesia).”