01 September 2003 Visit Philippines extended to year 2004
The World Tourism Organization (WTO) recently announce extension of Visit Philippines Year (VPY) until 2004. The WTO announcement was based on a decision taking into consideration the effects of several global and regional events to the industry this year; such as the war in Iraq, outbreak of SARS and attacts on tourists in Bali and Jakarta
Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon, who initiated the move for the extention, said "WTO's approval of our request to extend "Visit Philippines Year" is a sign of their strong support and trust on the Philippines. The events this year had affected not only the tourism of our country and but the whole region as well".
Gordon, who is also Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Chairman for East Asia and the Pacific, said that events like SARS and bombings affect not only the country concerned, but also the whole region. He further added that all countries must work hand-in-hand in the promotion of the region as a whole.
"We should not let these events hinder us from achieving what we aimed for. We should all remain bullish as ever in the promotion of our country and its destinations. Tourism is the world's biggest industry. It means job and opportunities for our people. As I always say, where tourism advances, poverty retreats".
WTO Secretary General Francesco Frangialli conveyed WTO's full support on the continuation of Visit Philippines Year until next year. Frangialli sais that the WTO has always urged members to undertake active, targeted marketing and promotional programmes to revitalize their tourism industries.
Last Year, Frangialli hailed the Department of Tourism and its stakeholders for all their aggressive efforts to boost Philippine Tourism. "We are very pleased to learn of the Government of the Philippines' initiative to designate 2003 as "Visit Philippines Year" and the entire WTO Commission for East Asia and the Pacific gave its unanimous support to the initiative", added the WTO Secretary General.
Gordon, who is also Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Chairman for East Asia and the Pacific, said that events like SARS and bombings affect not only the country concerned, but also the whole region. He further added that all countries must work hand-in-hand in the promotion of the region as a whole.
WTO Secretary General Francesco Frangialli conveyed WTO's full support on the continuation of Visit Philippines Year until next year. Frangialli sais that the WTO has always urged members to undertake active, targeted marketing and promotional programmes to revitalize their tourism industries.
