Expert hails ‘pearl of the oriental seas'
The Philippines is quickly growing as a new property investment hotspot, argues
one company...
This group of islands in South-East Asia benefits from an intense mix of
peoples and cultures, making it a truly exciting melting-pot and the country's
growing tourism and business sectors are a tribute to this.
Figures recently released by the Department of Tourism (DoT) have
shown that 2008 was a bumper year for the country - with a record number of
arrivals - 3.14 million visitors, an increase of 1.5% on the previous year.
Not only this but interestingly, although South Koreans accounted for the
highest number of visitors (recording an increase of 19.48% in the number of
visitors in 2008), arrivals by Russian visitors were up even more significantly
on 2007 figures - an increase of 34% year-on-year.
Growing economy
As a good indicator of investor confidence, this huge increase in Russian
arrivals is a significant sign for the country's economy, predicting an even
brighter future, as Ace Durano, Secretary of Tourism for The Philippines,
recognised: "Tourism is seen to be one of the strongest propellers of the
economy for the year ahead."
And with a great deal to offer, it is not hard to see why - powder-white beaches,
magnificent coral reefs offering some of the world's best diving, crystal clear
waters, lush mangrove forests to name but a few of the great draws of these
some 7,000 islands.
Great investment potential
With so much to offer and a growing tourist market, this is perhaps the ideal
time to invest in property in the country, as Steve Worboys, Managing Director
of
Experience International comments,
"As soon as you set foot in The Philippines it is easy to see why it is
often known as 'The Pearl of the Oriental Seas': it is a country of beauty and
great potential for those looking to invest.
"As a relatively new emerging market, The Philippines' popularity is set to
continue growing for many years to come and that is why now is a great time to
buy into the boom, especially while property prices are relatively low and
there are real bargains to be had - with excellent rental potential."
Source: www.experience-international.com