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| (Image Source: CheckIn.ph/Department of Tourism - Philippines) |
The Department of Tourism (DOT) has officially launched its new More Fun Awaits campaign to strengthen the Philippines' position as a top-of-mind tourist destination in the global market once international leisure and non-essential travel to the country resumes. The campaign showcases the preparations the DOT has been carrying out while tourism is put on hold due to the continuing threat of the pandemic and is focused on communicating exciting destinations to visit, starting with those who have been ready to welcome local tourists and have health and safety protocols in place.
The More Fun Awaits campaign also includes new tourism products and circuits developed by the DOT in coordination with private sector tourism stakeholders and various local government units (LGUs) based on travelers' preferences in the new normal. Aside from the sun and beach tourist destinations that the country is well-known for, the campaign puts the spotlight on new and enhanced bike tours, dive circuits, farm and food tourism circuits, hiking and trekking and outdoor museums through historical and cultural tours among others. These cater to tourists' new normal preference for outdoor activities and well-ventilated areas. Supporting the campaign is www.morefunawaits.com featuring videos of breathtaking sceneries across the country, travel articles and infographics to entice tourists to consider the Philippines as their next travel destination in Asia once travel restrictions are lifted.
The campaign will also feature a crowd-sourced campaign where Filipinos are invited to become tour guides of their hometown either by posting their own virtual tours on social media or sharing their own photos of their recommended destinations, activities or dishes. Posts must include the hashtag #MoreFunAwaits and those selected will be shared on DOT's official social media pages. At the heart of the campaign are stories about tourism workers and advocates who have been contributing to the recovery of the industry which can be found at the More Fun Awaits website and DOT's social media platforms. These stories emphasize the need to remind both local and foreign tourists that tourism is not just the act of travel, but also about livelihood and supporting the lives affected by the pandemic.
“The More Fun Awaits campaign will sustain the presence of the Philippines as a tourist destination amidst the pandemic, while getting foreign travelers excited for what’s in-store for them once borders for tourism reopen," said Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat. “Travel is more than just a personal experience. The heart of tourism are the workers and the communities who make the experience possible."
