MANILA, Philippines—On the celebration of the golden year of the Department of Tourism (DOT), President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., together with Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and other officials, led the unveiling of the country’s enhanced tourism campaign “Love the Philippines” as the highlight of the Department’s 50th founding year celebration at the iconic Manila Hotel, Tuesday (June 27).
Proudly presenting “Love the Philippines” to a crowd composed of former DOT chiefs, officials and employees of the Department’s central and regional offices, heads of government agencies including Cabinet Secretaries, house representatives, tourism stakeholders, and the media, Secretary Frasco described the enhanced campaign as timely for the DOT’s golden anniversary celebration.
“As we cap the last fifty years of the DOT and welcome this new era of tourism for the Philippines, it is but right that we welcome this opportunity to reintroduce the Philippines to the world,” Secretary Frasco said.
“Love the Philippines goes to the very heart of every single Filipino with the distinct grace and hospitality with which we welcome every guest that comes into our shores, our communities, and our homes. Love the Philippines is a recognition of our natural assets, our long and storied history, our rich culture and diversity,” she said, while noting that there is so much more to the country than “the fun and adventure” that has so far been articulated.
“The Philippines is a powerhouse of mega biodiversity, being only one of 18 mega biodiverse countries in the world, a deep well of culture and history, a profound burst and taste of flavor and gastronomy, a tapestry of indigenous peoples and creative communities by whose work of their hands have safeguarded the dignity and integrity of the Filipino identity. This is who we are. These complexities and nuances of the Philippines have yet to be fully articulated to the world for indeed, the story of the Filipino has yet to be fully told, and we shall tell that story by telling them the story of love. Love the Philippines,” Secretary Frasco said.
PBBM’s unequivocal support
Gracing the milestone event for Philippine tourism, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. expressed his utmost support for “Love the Philippines”, saying that the enhanced tourism campaign “springs from the genuine love that you, me, and all of us have for the Philippines.”
“And what better way to express that love than by directly incorporating it into our country’s newest tourism campaign slogan, Love the Philippines. This new branding which we unveil today, will serve as our guidepost for the Philippine tourism industry moving forward. Allow me then to express my sincerest appreciation to Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and for the DOT team, because aside from the promotion of the country’s tourist destinations, the campaign that you have conceptualized aims to enhance the overall experience of every travel, included in that list of targets are to promote regional products, build more infrastructure for ease of travel, and champion green movements, among others,” the President enthused.
Adjusting to the post-pandemic tourism landscape and changing trends
With the ever-changing global tourism landscape post-pandemic, and the growing desire of travelers for more immersive experiences in their travels, the DOT viewed the enhanced brand as a timely response to the demands of the industry.
In a recent survey conducted by the United Nations World Travel Organization (UNWTO) among its member countries, market repositioning, and rebranding strategies are among the priorities identified after the pandemic based on its Survey Findings on Member Priorities for UNWTO program of work 2024-2025.
With an enhanced tourism campaign in tow, the DOT’s focus now is to show more of what there is to “Love the Philippines” as it works towards the realization of President Marcos, Jr.’s vision for the country to become a tourism powerhouse in Asia.
“Indeed, if we are to compete with our neighbors in our effort as well to partner with them for Asia to become a powerhouse tourism region in the world, the time has come for us to add to the value proposition of the Philippines by telling the world how much more we have to offer,” Secretary Frasco said.
“We have multiple facets of tourism destinations that present a golden opportunity for we have only scratched the surface thus far,” she added.
Rosy prospects for Philippine tourism
According to Secretary Frasco, the world has “the world has noticed that there is so much to love about the Philippines.”
This, as the Philippines has recorded 2,641,993 visitors from January 1 to June 26, 2023, and is close to breaching the 2.65 million arrivals it recorded for 2022.
Further, the tourism sector is regarded as a stalwart as far as contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) is concerned. According to the 2022 Philippine Tourism Satellite Accounts (PTSA) the Tourism Direct Gross Value Added (TDGVA) share of the sector to the Philippine economy, as measured by the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), was estimated at 6.2 percent and amounted to PHP 1.38 trillion in 2022.
The Philippines is also seeing a boost in tourism-related enterprise employment, with 5.35 million estimated tourism employment last year.
As she rallied their support for the DOT’s vision of showcasing the best of the Philippines to the world under the Marcos administration, the Secretary said: “As we usher in this golden era for tourism, for our fellow Filipinos, for our beautiful country, let us find it in our hearts to have that burning pride of place for the Philippines, to Love the Philippines, to usher us into the continued recovery and vigorous comeback of the Philippines to the world.”
Article Link: https://beta.tourism.gov.ph/news_and_updates/dots-enhanced-branding-is-philippines-love-letter-to-the-world/
Today, the Philippine Department of Tourism ANZ is joined by Consul Emmanuel Donato K. Guzman and Consul Melanie Rita B. Diano of the Philippine Consulate General in Sydney NSW to mark the launch of our latest bus ad campaign. Keep an eye out for stunning scenes of Bohol’s Chocolate Hills in Sydney's CBD as the campaign continues to clock up the kilometers.
#itsmorefuninthephilippines #ItsMoreFunWithYou #Bohol #chocolatehills #sydney
By reimagining travel, the Philippines bounces back after 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic as host of the 21st Global Summit of the World Travel & Tourism Council. Through sustainability and inclusive growth, the country strives to ensure a more resilient and progressive tourism sector.
Learn more here: https://cnb.cx/3t1yiaE
MANILA— The Department of Tourism (DOT) has teamed up with Funko and Disney to bring one of the world’s most iconic and beloved characters, Mickey Mouse, to the Philippines via Funko Pops – with a locally inspired design for the first time!
This new line of Mickey-themed Funko Pops were specially created together with Disney and Funko, featuring Mickey Mouse in a barong tagalog, the national attire of the Philippines, an embroidered long-sleeved shirt commonly used as a formal outfit. The package also contains a postcard from the country’s major tourist magnets Boracay, Baguio, Cebu, Manila, and Siargao Island.
The items are now in the market starting May 18, 2022.
On Tuesday, Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat met with Ban Kee Trading, Inc CEO, Eric Bautista, the authorized Philippine distributor for Funko and Funko Funatic Philippines founder Nikko Lim to formally forge the partnership with the DOT.
“We believe that having a global icon like Mickey Mouse will help promote the Philippines, and its tourist destinations, to the world. This collectible will not only be enjoyed by children, but also adults who want to reminisce about all the good times they had with their favorite Disney character,” Puyat said, citing that this collection would also contribute to the recovery of the pandemic-hit tourism industry.
Last November 2021, the DOT collaborated with The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia for the Mickey Go Philippines campaign, which included the production of various digital content featuring local travel destinations, and Mickey-inspired versions of local delicacies such as arroz caldo, halo-halo, and Vigan empanada.
In November 2018, Mickey Mouse also traveled around the Philippines wearing a barong as part of world-wide celebrations honoring 90 years of Mickey Mouse.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) launches the second phase of the Save Our Spots (SOS) campaign titled, “Keep the Fun Going”, to encourage tourists to practice eco-friendly travels.
The campaign builds on the gains of the SOS phase one that was launched in 2019 to educate travelers about becoming responsible tourists. “Keep the Fun Going” aims not only to educate but also motivate travelers to take part in sustainable tourism practices, mainly through gamified challenges.
“The DOT has been integrating sustainable tourism principles in its projects, programs and policies, even involving tourists to be part of these efforts. Through the SOS campaign, we aim to raise awareness about responsible travel and emphasize that every small act goes a long way to ensure that future generations will continue to benefit from and enjoy nature’s abundance,” said Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat.
The Philippines is home to some of the world’s richest ecosystems and diverse species, which are facing both climate change and human threats, such as overtourism and neglect of the environment.
Loboc River Cruise, Bohol. Photo courtesy of the Department of Tourism.
Article Link: https://sos.philippines.travel/dot-launches-keep-the-fun-going-sustainable-tourism-campaign-with-gamified-challenges/
7641 Islands of the Philippines Digital Magazine.
In a bid to further promote the various destinations in the country and fast-track tourism recovery, the Department of Tourism (DOT) launches “7641 Islands of the Philippines”, a digital magazine that will provide readers with travel inspiration and information.
The tourism circuits that the different regional offices of the DOT have developed, as part of the tourism recovery program, take center stage in the digital magazine. Among the featured circuits are the Bike Trails of Bicol and Central Visayas, Camiguin and Misamis Oriental’s Green Adventure Loop, Davao’s Dive Tourism, Boracay Food Crawl, SOCCSKSARGEN’s Farm Tours, and the Interregional Cuisine and Culture of Ilocos, Central Luzon, and Cordillera.
The 7641 Islands of the Philippines Microsite Home Page.
7641, which is part of DOT’s philippines.travel website, supplies travel information through feature articles that provide detailed itineraries, suggested activities with accompanying reminders for a safe adventure, and interesting stories for each place.
“In 7641, we go in-depth into the stories of a destination, a cultural tradition, a dish, a personal affiliation to a place, while also providing the basic information you need as a traveler,” said Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat.
This will also feature more of those destinations that are lesser-known but are equally stunning as the country’s popular tourist sites, like Marinduque’s white sand beaches, the healing island of Siquijor, the caves and paragliding sites of Nueva Vizcaya, the pink sand beaches of Zamboanga City, among others.
Paragliding adventure in Nueva Vizcaya. Photo courtesy of the Department of Tourism.
“We want to promote all tourist destinations in the archipelago that have already reopened to visitors. Each month, we will highlight different places so that the public can discover the marvelous sites that our 7,641 islands can offer,” said Puyat.
The DOT invited feature and non-fiction writers, some of whom traveled to the destinations themselves, for more immersive writing. The DOT also collaborated with regional creatives, including SinoPinas and Playground Films of Zamboanga City, to document the sites and motivate people to travel through images and videos.
Also featured are collaborations with writers like multi-awarded poet and novelist Edgar Calabia Samar, author of Janus Silang; Palanca awardee Joyce Roque; and MJ Tumamac, Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino’s 2019 Poet of the Year.
7641 Islands of the Philippines
The microsite’s name was inspired by the number of islands in the Philippines. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA), has an ongoing islands inventory.
Based on the preliminary results of the inventory conducted by NAMRIA in 2013, the latest islands count that was announced is 7,641.
Everyone is invited to discover the country’s islands and be updated on your next travel inspirations and bucket lists. Visit 7641islands.ph.
Article: https://beta.tourism.gov.ph/news/dot-launches-digital-travel-magazine-7641
TOKYO, Japan— The Philippines Department of Tourism (PDOT) continues its marketing and promotional efforts a month after reopening to international leisure travelers, this time setting its sights on potential visitors from a major source market- Japan.
Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat led the Philippine delegation to Japan to engage with the latter’s tourism stakeholders and promote the country as a safe travel destination in the new normal.
Japan has consistently been the Philippines’ fourth-biggest tourism source market prior to the pandemic. In 2019, the country recorded 682,788 tourists from Japan. Since the country’s reopening last February 10, the Philippines welcomed 2,125 leisure travelers from Japan as of March 20, 2022.
During the delegation's official trip in Japan, Puyat met with Japanese travel agents, tour operators, tourism organizations, English studies operators, economic federations, as well as Japanese media from Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka.
Some of the notable participants included STWorld; Japan Association of Travel Agents; JTB Corp; Japan Travel and Tourism Association; Hankyu Travel International Co., Ltd; Kansai Economic Federation; and the Japan Philippine Tourism Council.
The tourism chief highlighted, among others, the country's low COVID-19 cases, the high vaccination rate of tourism workers, compliance with global safety and hygiene protocols, and simplified entry requirements and process. She assured Japanese tourism stakeholders that the DOT will continue to provide marketing support including that of chartered flights to the Philippines.
Secretary Puyat also introduced a program to entice fully vaccinated Japanese travelers who have yet to receive their booster jabs by providing COVID-19 vaccine booster shots at popular tourist destinations in the country. This will enable Japanese tourists to go back to Japan without having to do quarantine.
“Like other tourism ministries, the Philippines Department of Tourism exhausted all possible efforts to revive the industry, primarily to restore jobs and rebuild revenue streams. Now, we are glad to see the fruits of our labor after nearly two years of preparations to push for the recovery of the sector,” the tourism chief said.
Puyat emphasized that the Philippines is by far the first country in Southeast Asia to have the simplest travel process with no quarantines nor testing upon arrival.
"We are aware that the pandemic is still here and health should always be the priority. We strive to balance public safety and economic recovery by crafting policies that safeguard our citizen’s well-being as well as revive the tourism sector,” she stressed.
Puyat also met with the DOT's counterpart, the Japan Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MOLIT) to discuss the resumption of two-way tourism traffic between the two countries.
"The Philippines and Japan share a common goal for the tourism sector, that of promoting our respective destinations and thereby contributing meaningfully to the growth of our nations’ economies.", said Puyat
The tourism chief took the opportunity to invite Japanese tourism players to the much-anticipated World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit, which will be held in Manila, Philippines for the first time from April 20 to 22.
The upcoming Philippine-hosted WTTC Summit will "open discussions between industry stakeholders, organizations, and governments to support economic recovery through the restarting of travel and tourism and attracting investments centered on the safe and secure reopening of the industry," she disclosed.
The tourism chief earlier said that such hosting is an advantage to the Philippines, as it is a way to showcase what the country could offer more in the global arena in terms of boosting investments.
“Through this event, we aim to stimulate discussions on how to solve the social, environmental, and economic challenges faced by the global travel and tourism industry. Likewise, we aim to increase the public’s appreciation for the travel and tourism industry's role as a driver of economic growth, livelihoods and employment, and sustainable development,” she said.
Philippines Department of Tourism (PDOT) Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat speaks during her 14 March 2022 meeting with Japanese travel agents at Imperial Hotel Tokyo. The meeting was one of the activities organized by the PDOT to promote the Philippines to Japanese tourism stakeholders as a safe travel destination in the new normal.
Philippines Department of Tourism (PDOT) Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat met with the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Japan Secretariat on 15 March 2022 at Imperial Hotel Tokyo. The tourism chief enjoined Japanese tourism players to participate in the much-anticipated WTTC Global Summit which the Philippines will host for the first time on 20-22 April 2022.
Philippines Department of Tourism (PDOT) Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat (fourth from left) poses for a photo opportunity with officials of ST World. The company, considered to be one of the leading travel agents and active sellers of Philippine tour packages, will be mounting charter flights from Japan to Bohol starting on August.
As part of its recent delegation to Japan, the Philippines Department of Tourism (PDOT) engaged Japanese media in a meet and greet activity on 15 March 2022 at the Imperial Hotel Tokyo.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) bared better industry numbers in terms of foreign tourist arrivals–hitting the 100,000 mark–as COVID-19-related restrictions are further eased in the country.
According to data generated from the One Health Pass (OHP), inbound visitor arrivals to the Philippines have now reached 102,031 as of March 16, a high note for the country since its closure of borders at the onset of the pandemic in 2020.
Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat shared her satisfaction with the development, as such reflected the inevitable revival of the sector.
"We are happy to see the gradual reopening of our borders finally bearing fruit as evidenced by the much higher foreign visitor arrivals. This will help safeguard the industry's revival, providing more jobs and livelihoods to Filipinos in the tourism sector,” Puyat explained.
Tourists from the United States of America (USA) remain the top contributor to the total foreign tourist arrivals to the Philippines since its reopening of borders on February 10 until March 16 with 22,243; followed by Canada with 4,852; the United Kingdom with 4,386; South Korea with 3,748; Australia with 3,387; Vietnam with 2,656; Germany with 1,976; and Japan with 1,752.
According to the DOT chief, the various measures imposed by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) such as the suspension of the country classification system and relaxed entry protocols for fully-vaccinated leisure travelers from visa-free countries listed under EO 408 have helped facilitate the influx of tourists visiting the country.
Just last week, the DOT announced that the Philippines will open to fully vaccinated travelers from all countries, as well as the resumption of visa issuances by Philippine embassies starting April 1 to coincide with this development.
Along with the said move, it allowed the submission of negative laboratory-based antigen test results taken within 24 hours from departure as an alternate option for arriving passengers, in place of the initial requirement of a negative result of an RT-PCR test taken 48 hours prior to departure from point of origin.
“Our numbers are still far from pre-pandemic levels, but we are optimistic that this will continue to increase amid the sustained decline in COVID-19 cases in the country as well as the ongoing efforts of the Philippine government to improve its healthcare capacity. On the DOT’s part, we shall continue working with the IATF, and our partners in the government and the private sector in coming up with measures that will sustain this growth,” Puyat noted
The Department of Tourism (DOT) wishes to remind hotels and other accommodation establishments (AEs) on the relaxed guidelines on room occupancy in areas under Alert Level 1, 2, and 3.
The DOT issues the reminder upon receiving reports that several hotels insist that, based on DOT guidelines, guests are unable to share rooms if they are from different households.
The DOT would like to clarify this with Administrative Order number 2022-001 or the Guidelines on the Operations of Hotels and Other Accommodation Establishments under the Alert Level Systems for Covid-19, which states that regular hotels in areas under alert levels 1, 2, and 3 may accommodate leisure and business guests. The hotels are also allowed full room occupancy, regardless of whether the leisure guests are from the same household or not, subject to minimum public health standards.
Moreover, the DOT has already given the green light for daily housekeeping, room service, and food delivery for the comfort and benefit of hotel guests.
Any violation of these guidelines, which may include making any false, deceptive, or misleading claims for the purpose of soliciting business from guests and clients will subject the AEs to penalties and fines, depending on the gravity of offense.
The Department urges all stakeholders to observe the guidelines for a fun and seamless travel experience, especially with the anticipated influx of guests who wish to enjoy the summer season in the Philippines.
To view a copy of AO no. 2022-001, please click here.
Starting April 1, there will be no limit to the number of international passengers arriving in all ports of entry in the country.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Friday (March 11) made this announcement following the decision of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) to lift the arrival quota for unvaccinated passengers in all ports of entry.
The IATF, under Resolution 164-A, made the submission of a negative laboratory-based antigen test result taken within 24 hours from departure an alternate option for arriving passengers, in place of the initial requirement of a negative result of an RT-PCR test taken 48 hours prior to departure from point of origin.
The resumption of visa issuances by Philippine embassies and consulates will also start on April 1 to coincide with total removal of arrival quotas.
“This latest development opens the country to all fully vaccinated tourists from all countries, and means the country's tourism industry is well on its way to recovery”, Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat said.
“We at the DOT thank our colleagues in the IATF for approving such measures that will help sustain the recovery of the sector in the coming months. We have high hopes that all of these will result in an uptick in international travelers visiting the country during the summer season,” Puyat added.
The IATF Resolution 164-A also allows the entry of passport holders from Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR for a period not exceeding 14 days.
IATF Resolution 164, on the other hand, approves the reciprocal recognition of Covid-19 vaccination certificates from Croatia, Cyprus, and Nepal which are among of the 157 countries whose citizens can enter the Philippines without a visa under EO 408.
“While our domestic tourists have been the pillar of our recovery, we are also excited to welcome more foreign visitors in the weeks ahead. Such a move to further ease our borders and recognize the vaccination certificates of other countries is very important, noting that our top foreign markets were part of the visa-free countries,” she added.
To recall, the Philippines reopened its doors to foreign leisure travelers from visa-free countries on February 10.
Based on the DOT's data as of 09 March 2022, the number of arrivals to the country's main airports have reached 76,736. Of this number, 43,249 are foreign tourists, while 33,487 are balikbayans.
Manila, Philippines – The Department of Tourism (DOT) sees a sustained recovery of the heavily impacted sector as the Philippines becomes the first country in Asia to accept fully vaccinated foreign leisure travelers with the most relaxed entry protocols, including quarantine-free entry, while also allowing visitors to freely travel to reopened destinations around the country.
“We are proud to say that our entry requirements are delivered in a simple format, without the need for facility-based quarantine primarily for fully vaccinated visitors. Tourists are allowed to travel to all reopened tourist destinations in the country as long as they comply with the requirements from the local government units with jurisdiction over these areas,” Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat said.
The Philippines has since welcomed fully-vaccinated foreign leisure travelers from visa-free countries starting February 10. Puyat said tourist arrivals since then have been gradually picking up and the Department looks forward to an uptick during the summer season and the Holy Week break this April.
As of February 28, the number of international tourist arrivals has reached 47,715, of which 26,306 foreign visitors and 21,409 are balikbayans.
Aside from the suspension of the country classification system, fully-vaccinated leisure travelers from visa-free countries listed under EO 408 are no longer required to undergo quarantine as long as they are able to present a negative RT-PCR result.
In late February this year, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) called for the lifting of travel bans, stating that they do not provide added value and continue to contribute to economic and social stress.
To recall, the DOT has been proactive in making proposals to the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) that would balance the recovery of the sector and the restoration of jobs without compromising the health and safety of the workers and visitors.
Along with the goal toward sustained recovery, Puyat has high hopes to yield stronger programs and partnerships with other tourism ministers and global leaders as the Philippines will host the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) global tourism summit in April.
“We only want what is best for the sector. This hosting of the WTTC Summit will benefit the country by showcasing what the Philippines can offer to the world. More than the recognitions we received over the past years, our goal is to restore jobs and revenue streams for our tourism workers and stakeholders,” she noted.
Manila, Philippines—The Department of Tourism (DOT) welcomes the lowering of the COVID-19 alert level in the National Capital Region (NCR) and various areas across the country to Level 1, noting that this will further boost travel and tourism activities amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Based on the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) Resolution No. 163-A, the 16 cities and one municipality in the NCR as well as 38 other areas (visit philippines.travel/safetrip) have been downgraded to the lowest alert level system as COVID-19 case transmission over the past few days have been decreasing, and the total bed utilization rate and intensive care unit utilization rate in hospitals are also low.
“The Department welcomes this development as it not only indicates that we are well on our way to recovery, but is also a testament to the all the work and sacrifices we have made to reach this point,” Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat said.
Under the Updated Guidelines on the Nationwide Implementation of Alert Level System for COVID-19 Response, implementation of Alert Level 1, the use of Safe, Swift, and Smart Passage (S-Pass) travel management system is not required for interzonal travel to areas under the same alert level.
“Traveling between places under Alert Level 1 status, such as Baguio, Boracay, Ilocos Region, Aurora, Batanes, Laguna, Puerto Princesa City, Bacolod, Guimaras, Camiguin, and Davao City, is now easier and more convenient. The DOT anticipates with optimism the revival of many tourism jobs and opportunities that were once lost to the pandemic,” the tourism chief emphasized.
While health declaration forms will no longer be required for all agencies and establishments, vaccinated individuals eighteen (18) years old and above" are still required to present proof of full vaccination before entry into any venue for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE); participation in social events such as parties, wedding receptions, engagement parties, wedding anniversaries, debut and birthday parties, family reunions, and bridal or baby showers; and visit to tourist attractions such as libraries, archives, museums, galleries, exhibits, parks, plazas, public gardens, scenic viewpoints or overlooks, and the like.
The same rules apply in mass gatherings or entry into indoor establishments, such as venues with live voice or wind-instrument performers and audiences such as in karaoke bars, clubs, concert halls, and theaters; indoor ancillary establishments in hotels and other accommodation establishments; and venues for election-related events.
Puyat said that the existing guidelines imposed by local government units (LGUs) with jurisdiction over tourist destinations should be adhered to help in the full restoration of the heavily impacted tourism sector.
Article Link: https://beta.tourism.gov.ph/news/dot-hopeful-higher-tourism-growth-downgrading-ncr-38-areas-alert-level-1
The Department of Tourism (DOT) presents the “Sounds More Fun in the Philippines” Playlist, a compilation of specially selected Filipino music that will welcome listeners back to the Philippine destinations they love, and let them relive those epic travel memories.
The initial playlists will be available on the digital music streaming app Spotify. The first 10 playlists to be launched are Manila Night Lights, Boracay Beach Bar, Onshore in La Union, Cordillera Calm, The Pan-Philippine Highway Road Trip, Marilaque Bike Trail Mix, Balikbayan Juke Box, Counting Clouds in Camiguin, Wedding Vows in Tagaytay, and Deep Dive in Palawan.
The chosen songs aim to set the soundtrack of one’s stories—like the Cordillera Calm playlist that provides laidback OPM tunes to warm the bones like a strong cup of Cordillera coffee; or the Boracay Beach Bar playlist that surrounds one with beach vibes perfect for grooving; or the Manila Night Lights that brings listeners back to the eras of disco, dance-rock, and neo-soul, reliving those dazzling nights when the city truly comes alive.
“These tunes will allow listeners to evoke the getaways, secret spots, and homes away from home that every traveler can find somewhere across the 7,641 islands of the Philippines.”, said Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.
The playlists are attuned for every kind of listener—the listed songs can be played loud to get one going before that early morning bike trail or to keep them company on an epic road trip, or these can be played softly in the background as one savors the bliss that follows a good surf, or daydreams while lounging and gazing at the sea on a white sand beach.
Through this, the DOT intends to provide the feeling that, wherever you are, the fun is never far away.
To create the playlists, the DOT enlisted the help of Filipino music obsessives. These include legendary rock DJ and Sandwich bassist Myrene Academia, podcast personality Ryan Joseph, music pundit Jocelyn Blwg, Matt San Pedro of Manila Community Radio and Transit Records, musicologist Patricia Brillante-Silvestre, and music producer Abdel Aziz.
The songs and artists featured in these playlists are Pinoys as well as international artists and bands with Filipino roots.
Follow DOT’s official Spotify account, Tourism Philippines, and explore the archipelago’s diverse soundscapes and get to know the artists who made the music that has defined generations, and those that are charting its future course.
#SoundsMoreFunInThePhilippines is a celebration of why—and where—music sounds more fun in the Philippines.
Full Article: https://beta.tourism.gov.ph/news/dot-launches-sounds-more-fun-philippines-playlist-spotify
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