According to the 2008 Visitor arrivals statistics as of December, the two markets which have significant decrease were the markets from Taiwan and Philippines.
There were 79,259 arrivals in 2008 compared to 88,175 arrivals in 2007.Markets which posted a significant decrease were tourists from Russia, Switzerland, Germany, Guam and other Europe.The Taiwan market declined when the Far Eastern Airline charter ceased flight in May 2008.In October 2007, the Asian Spirit flight from the Philippines stopped its air services in Palau.Taiwan registered a 31 percent decrease while the Philippine market posted a 45 percent increase.The Japan market increased by 2.81 percent and according to the Palau Visitor’s Authority the rise can be attributed to the June campaign initiated by PVA and Continental Airlines.PVA said that the June campaign aim was to increase Japanese visitors during the month of June which showed the lowest number of Japanese visitors.The campaign was to attract visitors by giving incentives for visitors during the month of June such as free dinner, giveaways and discounts.PVA said the June campaign was effective because the Japanese visitors increased by 40 percent in June 2008 compared to June 2007.PVA said that “this year will be a challenging year for everyone and PVA is hoping to continue working side-by-side with its tourism industry partners in its marketing efforts to promote Palau.”
