‘#All4FUNinPhilippines’
group photo competition launched to promote Philippines as luxury and
fun-filled family destination in the Middle East'
Dubai, 6th May 2014:
The Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) officially launched its new
Middle East social media platforms on Twitter and Facebook to further
promote the country as a luxury and family friendly destination for the
Middle East market. The platforms were launched on May 5, 2014 in both
English and Arabic by the Philippine Department of Tourism Assistant
Secretary Mr. Benito Bengzon Jr. at the Philippine Pavilion at the
Arabian Travel Market being held at the Dubai International Convention
and Exhibition Centre. The initiative is expected to generate greater
outreach, engagement and awareness for the Philippines as an ideal
leisure destination for exciting urban lifestyle and shopping
experiences, family attractions, idyllic beach and mountain luxury
resorts and outdoor adventures for visitors from the Middle East.
As
part of the launch, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia residents
will have the opportunity to win a complimentary return trip to the
Philippines for two that includes return air tickets sponsored by
Philippine Airlines and a 3-night stay at the luxury Makati Shangri-La
hotel in the nation’s capital.
To
enter the competition, entrants must simply “Follow” the Philippine
Department of Tourism (PDOT) on Twitter (@PhilTourismME) and “Like” PDOT
on Facebook - It’s More Fun In The Philippines – Middle East (https://www.facebook.com/
“We
are very excited to launch our Middle Eastern social media channels and
expand our outreach and engagement with both the Arabic and English
speaking communities here,” said Mr. Benito Bengzon Jr., Assistant
Secretary Philippine Department of Tourism. He added: “By introducing
special promotions, information about festivals and events, Halal
eateries, travel tips and even traditional Philippine recipes and
popular culture trends we hope that even more people will build an
affinity with our country and a desire to travel and explore the 7,107
islands that makes the Philippines so special. We are also enthusiastic
to virtually meet, greet and engage directly with our Middle Eastern
friends – especially now also in Arabic.”
The
social media channels were launched with the Philippine Department of
Tourism Assistant Secretary Mr. Benito Bengzon, His Excellency Frank R.
Cimafranca, Philippine Consul General to Dubai, Mr. Raymund Glen
Agustin, Chief, Russia, India and the Middle East Market Development
Group Philippine Department of Tourism, Philippine Airlines
representatives and Philippine co-exhibitors at the Arabian Travel
Market Philippine Pavilion all taking a ‘groupie’ and posting it on the
social media sites.
The
popularity of the Philippines has been steadily increasing with the
total number of people visiting the Philippines from the Middle East
recorded at 68,916 in 2013, an increase of 20% compared to the number of
visitors recorded in 2012. Visitors from Saudi Arabia and the United
Arab Emirates lead the region in terms of visitor numbers, with Saudi
Arabia providing 38,969 visitors in 2013 and the UAE 15,155. The
Philippine Department of Tourism is hoping that through such promotional
efforts as the social media platforms that demand for travel from the
region will continue to grow in 2014.
The Philippine Tourism Middle East social media sites can be accessed at:
Facebook: It’s More Fun In The Philippines – Middle East
Twitter: PhilTourismME
