DOT Aims at $6.6 B Japanese Wedding Market

The Department of Tourism DOT) has been working to take part in the estimated $6.6 billion Japanese wedding market.

The initial step to tap the Japanese wedding market began last September 18 – 21 when the Department participated in the Japanese Association of Travel Agents (JATA) World Tourism Congress and Travel Fair 2008 held at the Conference Tower of Tokyo Big Sights in Tokyo, Japan.

Based on several published articles, reports from the Japan Tourism Board, Japanese couples who hold their weddings abroad spend an average of ¥1,474,400.00 or $15,930.00 for the entire package. Couples spend an average of ¥566,000 or $6,115.00 for air fare and accommodations and another ¥215,000 or $2,320.00 for their wedding outfits. These couples spend as much as ¥791,000 or $8,550.00 for the wedding details. Most Japanese couples prefer beach and island destinations, making the country a possible venue for their special day.

DOT Secretary Ace Durano has made Cebu as the wedding capital for Japanese couples. Aside from the Queen City of the South, other destinations in the Philippines which include Boracay, Bohol and Davao are being marketed by the Department as a wedding destination.

In response, Dir. Benito Bengzon Jr, head of DOT Team Japan, said, during his interview with the press, "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 setting for weddings.” He adds, “We are certain the Philippines is indeed an attractive and ideal wedding location for Japanese couples; our beach resorts all have the necessary services such as experienced wedding coordinators which effectively caters to the needs of the clients.”

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Kasal.com thanks the following sources for this article:

Manila Bulletin. RP wants bigger slice of 6.6 billion Japan wedding market (Posted October 14, 2008) Retrieved December 8, 2008 from
http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2008/10/14/TOUR20081014137904.html

Philippine Daily Inquirer. RP to get bigger slice of $6.6 billion Japan wedding market (Published November 2, 2008)

Business World. Manila targets Japan’s $6.6-B wedding mart (Vol. XXII, No. 54) p. 6/S1
Posted at GMANews.tv at
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/126150/Manila-targets-Japans-66-B-wedding-mart