The Department of Tourism is set to welcome almost 150 tourists from three Indian MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) blocs, which include Asian Paints Group,  the Federation of Indian Bishops Mumbai Chapter (FIB), and Aashman Travel.

Asian Paints Group, the largest paint company based in India, is scheduled for shopping, Bay Cruise, night entertainment and tours of Manila and Pagsanjan. Another incentive group is Aashman Travel, which is composed of young businessmen and traders, who will be in the county for sightseeing, shopping, and sundown leisure in Manila and nearby destinations.

The FIB Mumbai Chapter meanwhile, are attending the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, and will be given a city tour of Manila, including visits to century-old churches.

“India’s outbound tourists continue to increase worldwide despite the financial crunch.  As one of the high-spending markets, its growth has a significant impact on the entire industry,” said Ace Durano, Secretary of Tourism.

The tourism chief cited the International Tourism Bourse (ITB) World Travel Trends Report 2009, wherein India’s outbound travelers recorded a 13% increase in overall trip volume, surpassing initial forecasts.

“Apart from the MICE events, Indians have a propensity to travel in groups which include their family. It is a recession-proof segment, they do spend on high-end accommodations such as five-star hotels and shopping sprees at our premium shops in our malls,” shared Eduardo Jarque, Jr.,