Philippines to launch new tourism campaign next year

Following the success of the “Visit the Philippines Year (VPY) 2015” campaign, the country’s Department of Tourism (DoT) will launch a similar initiative again next year. The “Visit the Philippines Again (VPA) 2016” drive is part of DoT’s intensive marketing efforts to establish the Philippines both as a tourist and business destination.

“Visit the Philippines Again 2016 is going to be a massive retail-focused effort. We are negotiating with tour operators and travel agents to give incentives to returning visitors to the Philippines,” DoT secretary Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr. said.

Aside from the special packages for visitors, the DoT, together with its Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), has partnered with the private sector and local government units in promising a bigger, greater, and more exciting line up of events and tourism product offerings that showcase the country’s competitive advantage as a destination.

Among these major events are the Asean Tourism Forum 2016, Routes Asia 2016, Madrid Fusion Manila 2016, 2016 Ironman 70.3 Asia Pacific Championship, MTV Music Evolution 2016, and the Travel Blog EXchange (TBEX).

“Our VPA campaign will again highlight the Philippines as a multi-level experience destination with our warm Filipino people, exciting activities, and endless new discoveries in our award-winning destinations that are worth a repeat visit. We are also putting together packages and rewards, so that when a tourist returns to the Philippines for a second or fifth time, he will get discounts in several establishments,” the tourism chief added.

Of particular note for the Middle East is the “Kids Stay Free Campaign”, which has been designed exclusively for families (both nationals and expatriates), living in the GCC and offers exceptional value.

The campaign packages provide two children per family under the age of 11 with an exciting array of activities, food, accommodations and other experiences all on a complimentary basis. Additionally the packages allow families to twin the Philippines capital Manila with another exotic destination such as Cebu, Palawan, Boracay, Bohol, Davao or Bicol, allowing for both an urban and idyllic getaway experience.

GCC nationals require no visa to visit the Philippines. The country’s many popular shopping experiences, tranquil beaches and numerous family-friendly attractions have resulted in an increasing number of GCC residents choosing to make the Philippines their holiday destination of choice, a statement said.

A total of 65,642 visitors from the GCC visited the Philippines between January and September 2015, resulting in a 12 per cent increase compared to 2014 figures for the same period, data showed. Saudi Arabia accounted for the highest number at 40,453 travellers, an increase of 17 per cent compared to the year before.