27-6-2023 (MANILA) Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos called on Filipinos to become “top influencers” in promoting the country as a premier tourist destination. The announcement came as the Philippine Department of Tourism unveiled its new campaign slogan, “Love the Philippines,” during its 50th anniversary celebration.
According to Marcos, the new slogan aims to enhance the overall travel experience for visitors and will serve as a guiding principle for the Philippine tourism industry in the future.
In his address, Marcos appealed to the entire Filipino nation, urging them to embrace the role of tourism ambassadors for the country. Drawing inspiration from the age of social media, he encouraged Filipinos to become the country’s “top influencers.”
The tourism industry has long been a significant contributor to the Philippine economy, accounting for 12.7 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2019. However, the COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted the sector.
With the easing of pandemic restrictions, the tourism sector has started to regain momentum. In 2022, it contributed 6.2 percent to the country’s GDP, as reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority.
To further strengthen the tourism sector, the Marcos administration has unveiled an ambitious five-year plan aimed at positioning the Philippines as a tourism powerhouse in Asia. The plan seeks to “positively transform” the country, leveraging its world-renowned pristine beaches and tropical attractions.
“This prioritization goes beyond mere economic stimulation and job creation. It stems from the genuine love that all of us have for the Philippines,” Marcos stated.
