DOT Unveils New TV Ad at 13th Tourism Awards

Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo unveiled at the 13th Tourism Awards of the Rotary Club of Manila the Department of Tourism’s newest TV ad, whose ending leaves you with a smile and a nod that yes, the Philippines need not only be seen — it has to be experienced. Created by McCann Erickson, the ad features a Japanese national enjoying the tourist spots of the Philippines and interacting with its people. Why must the Philippines be experienced? The last scene explains the entire commercial.

Teo, who was guest speaker and an awardee herself, was described by awards committee chairman Bobby Joseph as a secretary who interacts regularly with all sectors of the industry, and one who makes sure she, or her assistant, answers virtually all text messages sent to her. Joseph said this showed how Teo values inputs from colleagues and major players in the industry.

Teo said that even as the DOT takes pride in the successful hosting of the Miss Universe beauty pageant, it is also proud that it has added 160,000 airline seats in less than a year, and has added new routes for local airlines. It has signed tourism agreements with China, Cambodia, Thailand, Turkey and Russia, she added. “We are also developing new ecotourism sites and conserving heritage sites,” she said.

With peace comes a robust economy. Or does a robust economy bring about peace? All the more reason then to promote tourism in these islands. (You may e-mail me at joanneraeramirez@yahoo.com.)