24 November 2003 Gordon urges Cebuanos to promote province as key tourist destination
Tourism Secretary Richard J. Gordon is urging Cebuanos to take pride in their province's tourism treasures and actively promote the same by aggressively inviting tourists to visit Cebu and other destination to boost the country's tourism industry.
"Cebu is not only the Queen City of the South, it is also the Queen City of Tourism down South and the gateway to many other world renowned tourist destinations, hence I urge Cebuanos to take a more active role in promoting tourism trough the Volunteer-12 (V-12) program," Gordon said.
Gordon graced the re-launching of the department of Tourism's V-12 program last Nov.23,2003 at the Waterfront Hotel in Lahug. The Tourism Chief have also participated in the 2nd MTV Queen City Run in line with the DOT's effort to promote sports tourism.
The V-12 program aims to mobileze Filipinos here and abroad as tourism volunteers who will actively invite foreign tourists, ideally one each month of the year, to visit the Philippines, Volunteers who can invite at least one foreign tourist will get a chance to win up to P 1 million and other perks.
Interested parties can register as a volunteer either at the regional DOT offices in their localities, through the web at http://www.v12.ph or type "V-12" and send to 2360 for Globe subscribers.
"I urge everyone to join us in attracting more tourists to the country via the V-12 program, not only will you help boost the local tourism industry in particular, but the national economy since tourism will mean more jobs and opportunities for everyone," Gordon added.
Sec. Gordon cited the pristine beaches, diverse culture and warmth and hospitality of the people as some of Cebu's major attractions.
Thousands of volunteers have joined the V-12 program, which is also being supported and endorsed by Original Pilipino Music (OPM) stars, who performed in the V-12 Concert series in CCP, Manila and Eastwood Citywalk in Quezon City recently.
Tourism Secretary Richard J. Gordon is urging Cebuanos to take pride in their province's tourism treasures and actively promote the same by aggressively inviting tourists to visit Cebu and other destination to boost the country's tourism industry.
