TOKYO – The “Love the Philippines” tourism campaign, led by the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT), received the Jury’s Special Award at the recently held Tourism EXPO Japan 2024.
The award recognizes the campaign’s outstanding efforts in promoting the Philippines’ cultural richness, natural beauty, and commitment to sustainable tourism through a collaborative approach.
“This jury citation reflects the shared passion and commitment of Filipinos to showcase the best of our nation to the world, aligning with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s vision for the tourism industry. Through the ‘Love the Philippines’ campaign, we continue to highlight our rich history, stunning landscapes, and the warmth of our people, resonating with travelers globally,” DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said.
Frasco added, “This award reflects the deepening bond between the Philippines and Japan, as we continue to share our culture, heritage, and natural beauty with our Japanese friends. The steady increase in Japanese visitors underscores this growing rapport and solidifies the Philippines as a tourism powerhouse on the global stage.”
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene Garcia-Albano represented Frasco at the 7th Tourism EXPO Japan Ministerial Roundtable themed “Creating a New Travel Journey” and held in cooperation with UN Tourism. She introduced the “Philippine Experience Program” as part of the “Love the Philippines” campaign.
Tourism EXPO Japan 2024, jointly organized by the Japan Association for Tourism Promotion, the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA), and the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), is one of the world’s most significant international travel events, with participants from more than 80 countries and regions. The DOT Tokyo Office, in partnership with the Tourism Promotions Board – Philippines and the DOT Branding and Marketing Communications Office, spearheaded the country’s participation in the Expo, featuring DOT-accredited hotels and resorts, major airlines, DOT-attached agencies, airport and seaport representatives, and partner tour operators.
As of Sept. 26, the Philippines had welcomed 290,123 Japanese visitors, making Japan the third-largest source of tourists, trailing only South Korea and the United States. - PR
(Photo courtesy of Philippine Department of Tourism – Tokyo and Tourism Promotions Board – Philippines)
