THE United Nations (UN) Tourism lauded the country’s powerful slogan “Love the Philippines” that attracts travelers to learn more about Filipino culture and destinations.
“The good thing that I observed here is that, you know we associate with the Philippines ‘It’s More Fun in the Philippines.’ I love that catchphrase. But now, I see the ‘Love the Philippines’ is very significant,” UN Tourism Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific Harry Hwang said in an interview on the sidelines of the recent 36th Joint Commission Meeting of the Commission for East Asia and the Pacific and the Commission for South Asia (CAP-CSA) in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.
Hwang agreed that the Philippines cannot focus only on the fun aspects of its destinations, given the country’s cultural and historical wealth, and most importantly, its people.
He said Filipinos “know how to welcome the people” and conveyed how he felt after visiting this province.
“It’s very right, the slogan, and only the Philippines can do that because when you say love Korea, love Japan, it doesn’t come up with the association,” he said.
“And now, (with) the ‘Love the Philippines,’ people understand why you’re saying that. So, I think it’s a very powerful tourism tagline,” he added.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) introduced its slogan “Love the Philippines” last year to emphasize that the country has a lot more to offer beyond fun such as its natural assets, history and rich culture.
Along with the new campaign, the DOT sought to increase travel activities in other regions by helping them develop lesser-known tourism destinations.
For his part, UN Tourism for Asia and the Pacific senior officer Sinyoung An said it is also the Filipino people that made a lasting mark on him during his second visit to Cebu.
“What’s interesting to me here is the Filipino people. The big smiles and your mabuhay (long live) and salamat (thank you) gestures are impressive. I think the best asset for Philippine tourism is its people,” he said, after the Cabecera Tour in Argao on June 27. (Philippine News Agency)
