MANILA, Philippines – With the aim of stamping passports of 10 million visitors to the Philippines, the Department of Tourism (DOT) is banking on both traditional and non-traditional tourist attractions to raise the country’s international profile for Visit the Philippines Year (VPY) 2015, an invitation for all to experience the enduring promise of “It’s More Fun in the Philippines.”
DOT has declared 2015 Visit the Philippines Year as it coincides with major events like the Papal Visit in January and the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministerial Meetings and Leaders’ Summit. These make 2015 the perfect year for the private sector, which includes airlines, hotels, resorts, restaurants, event organizers, and travel and transportation agencies, to entice foreigners to visit the Philippines.
The recent upgrade of the country’s aviation safety rating to Category 1 will also be a boost to tourism not only for international flights but for domestic as well. VPY 2015 also comes at the time DOT makes progress on measures to realize the planned regional economic integration of Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which includes the readiness of the Bureau of Immigration to honor the common visas extended by all member countries to those traveling to the Philippines.
Reinforced by the country’s back-to-back investment upgrades and high economic growth performance, DOT attributes jobs generation to foreign tourism revenues, which posted Php 109.77 billion for the first six months of 2014.
“These are reasons enough for the private sector to maximize the potential benefits of our growing tourism. We hope that all stakeholders partake in spreading the word about Visit the Philippines Year 2015 as everyone gradually is getting on a plane,” said Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr.
To drum up more interest for VPY 2015, the DOT has given its website a makeover, redirecting its home page to the revitalized “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” website with more features to assist potential tourists, travel agencies and event organizers. The website aims to be the one-stop portal for all queries about traveling to the Philippines, its must-visit destinations and events in 2015.
In support, the DOT has developed a microsite inside the “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” website to serve as directory to everything the Philippines has to offer. All stakeholders, from event organizers to tour agencies, are encouraged to go to the Visit the Philippines Year 2015 (VPY 2015) website and register and promote their activities to an international audience.
VPY 2015 aims to have one major occasion every quarter that would attract not only domestic but also international tourists to visit the country. The Tourism Department sees this as a great opportunity for businesses and stakeholders to share with the world the unique experiences and adventures Philippines can offer.
With the private sector’s cooperation, the world will know that the Philippines is the best place to be on the planet next year.
