The Department of Tourism (DOT), through its Office of Product and Market Development (OPMD), successfully hosted a high-level Business-to-Business (B2B) networking session between Mongolian travel trade delegates and Philippine tourism stakeholders on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at the Hilton Manila, Newport World Resorts.
This strategic initiative aims to capitalize on the growing interest from the Mongolian market and follows the recent launch of direct chartered flights connecting Ulaanbaatar and Manila.
The B2B event served as a vital platform for Mongolian travel agents to engage directly with Philippine private sector partners, including hotels, resorts, and tour operators. The primary goal is to foster long-term commercial partnerships and develop curated travel packages that highlight the Philippines’ diverse offerings—from world-class beaches to rich cultural heritage sites. “Mongolia represents a promising and emerging niche market for the Philippines,” said Tourism Attaché to Beijing, Ireneo Reyes. “By facilitating these direct connections between our local stakeholders and Mongolian agents, we are laying the groundwork for sustained growth in arrivals from Central Asia.”
A key catalyst for this engagement is the introduction of special direct chartered flights operated by Hunnu Air LLC. These flights significantly reduce travel time and eliminate the need for layovers, making the Philippines a more accessible destination for Mongolian travelers.
The current flight schedule includes four rotations, concluding on January 10. The success of these initial flights is expected to serve as a proof-of-concept for more regular seasonal charters or scheduled commercial services in the future.
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Direct Networking: Over a dozen Mongolian travel agencies met with Philippine counterparts to explore joint marketing opportunities.
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Market Expansion: Focus on the Philippines as a premier “Sun and Beach” and leisure destination for Mongolian travelers seeking an escape from the continental climate.
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Operational Support: DOT officials, including Director Azucena Pallugna, were present to provide institutional support and ensure a seamless experience for the visiting delegation.
The Department of Tourism remains committed to diversifying its market portfolio and identifying new geographic regions with high growth potential. The collaboration with Mongolia underscores the Philippines’ proactive approach to capturing emerging travel trends in the Asian region.
