Tourism Ministers Support Acceleration of theCommon Visa for Non-ASEAN Nationals

The 15th Meeting of the ASEAN Tourism Ministers held in Manado, Indonesia ended on a high note as major accomplishments were reported and key measures committed in order to hasten integration, enhance connectivity and improve the quality of tourism services in the region. A significant measure that the tourism ministers agreed to fast track is the development of a common visa for non-ASEAN nationals. This is also related to the goal of the regional bloc of attracting 107 million tourists by 2015. 

The combined visits to the ten-member nations totalled 79 million in 2011.Department of Tourism Secretary Ramon J. Jimenez, Jr. Is optimistic that of this figure, 7.7% will be generated by the Philippines or around 8.2 million. “We have just successfully rolled out our new branding campaign in the presence of international travel executives, national tourism organizations and media practitioners during the ASEAN Tourism Forum. We have caused excitement and we are expecting a surge of interest in our country and our people, the latter being the aspect that highlights our difference,” Jimenez said.

Talks were likewise advanced with dialogue partners China, India, Japan andKorea on various cooperation activities that deepen cross-cultural relations, improveexchange of information and technology and travel between and among these countries.

New Tourism Campaign Wows International Travel Experts

This year’s ASEAN Tourism Forum at Manado, Indonesia witnessed the newPhilippine brand launch with the line - ‘It’s more fun in the Philippines.’“ATF 2012 is a perfect platform to introduce to some 1,600 international delegates composed of buyers and sellers, the NTO community and media delegates,”Philippine Tourism Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr. said.Focusing on the country’s core strength, the campaign singles out what no other destination can offer - and that is the Filipino people. The Lonely Planet guidebook calls Filipinos ‘among the most easygoing and ebullient people anywhere.’ Meanwhile, a constant truth that comes out in the passenger exit surveys is the “warmth andhospitality of the people.”“Our strategy is simple: while other countries invite you to observe, Filipinos can promise a more heartfelt and interesting experience. Wherever you go, whatever you do in the country, it’s the Filipinos that will complete your vacation and will make your holiday unforgettable,” says the new tourism chief, who accepted the post in September 2011. The Filipinos are already known around the world to be one of the happiest and warmest people on earth. In a survey conducted among expatriates by international bank HSBC, it was revealed that the Philippines is the 8th friendliest country for them.

The campaign hopes to enjoin the whole country in creating positive buzz of thetagline. The campaign was trending on Twitter Friday noon when it was earlier introduced to local media. Catching like wild fire, netizens flooded the web with creativeways to interpret the line through do-it-yourself-memes which could likely land on shirts,billboards, stickers and other collaterals.

Meanwhile, the ‘#1FORFUN’ local slogan aims to rally the Filipino nation tostrengthen and sustain this well-appreciated fun character and be a “constant reminder to make sure people’s experiences in our country are positive, enjoyable, and most of all, fun,” Jimenez added. The presentation was well-received during the Philippine-hosted dinner on 13January 2012 at the Sultanraja Hotel. The occasion was graced by North Sulawesi Governor Sinyo Harry Sarundajang, Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia Maria RosarioClaudio Aguinaldo and Consul General Jose Burgos.Exciting travel prizes were raffled off from generous sponsors Philippine Airlinesand various hotels and tour operators. The high spirits continued until curtain fall withparticipants dancing to band music and cheering the world-class performances by topFilipino artists.