CLARK FREEPORT – Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim has vowed to focus on further improving the quality of products and services in every region to invite and attract more tourists in the country.
In a speech read by Assistant Secretary Benito Bengzon Jr. during the North Philippines Travel and Tourism Expo on Friday, Lim said that enhancing tourists’ travel experience through quality service, “and by giving them international class service with a ‘warm heart’ will result in greater appreciation and repeat visits.”
“Our strategy to improve the product will deliver greater value retention that enables us to create more jobs and pay better wages,” Lim said.
He said that part of improving tourism products include training of tour guides, use of the new media or the internet and tapping millions of overseas Filipino workers to market quality Philippine-made products.
Lim noted that at least 85 percent of travelers and tourists get information from the internet and book their trips online.
He also cited OFWs’ “naturally welcoming attitude” makes them the best salesmen in the world.
“We will create a new brand for the Philippines, not just as a tourist destination, but to project a new image for the country. This new brand will be out by November and we are certain it will have a positive impact on the market,” he said.
“We will focus on source markets whose travelers stay longer and spend more money here, consistent with our strategy of value tourism,” Lim added.
The department of tourism is targeting at least six million tourist arrivals by the end of President Aquino’s term. It also expects estimated $4.6 billion earnings and creates at least three million new jobs, Lim said.
In the same speech, Lim also lauded the successful staging of the North Philippines Travel and Tourism Expo for five consecutive years. SM City Clark has been the venue of the annual event.
He said North Philippines made a name for itself, making it easier for local and foreign visitors to remember it.
Lim also expressed confidence that the annual and one of the biggest tourism events in the country will “play a major role in contributing to economic growth in the region, providing job opportunities and showcasing the best of your rich cultural and historical heritage.”
Aurora Governor Bellaflor Angara-Castillo also backed Lim’s statement, noting a 300 percent increase in tourist visits in her province.
“This is the fifth time that we became part of North Philippines Travel and Tourism Expo and we see unity in regions 1, 2, 3 and the Cordillera region,” Castillo said.
Lim urged tourism officials to be more actively involved in the areas of marketing, destination development, security and safety, human resources development and infrastructure development.
The event was also graced by Rosve Henson, chief of staff of Governor Lilia Pineda; SM City Clark Assistant mall manager Ana Datu, and tourism officials in North and Central Luzon.
In a speech read by Assistant Secretary Benito Bengzon Jr. during the North Philippines Travel and Tourism Expo on Friday, Lim said that enhancing tourists’ travel experience through quality service, “and by giving them international class service with a ‘warm heart’ will result in greater appreciation and repeat visits.”
“Our strategy to improve the product will deliver greater value retention that enables us to create more jobs and pay better wages,” Lim said.
He said that part of improving tourism products include training of tour guides, use of the new media or the internet and tapping millions of overseas Filipino workers to market quality Philippine-made products.
Lim noted that at least 85 percent of travelers and tourists get information from the internet and book their trips online.
He also cited OFWs’ “naturally welcoming attitude” makes them the best salesmen in the world.
“We will create a new brand for the Philippines, not just as a tourist destination, but to project a new image for the country. This new brand will be out by November and we are certain it will have a positive impact on the market,” he said.
“We will focus on source markets whose travelers stay longer and spend more money here, consistent with our strategy of value tourism,” Lim added.
The department of tourism is targeting at least six million tourist arrivals by the end of President Aquino’s term. It also expects estimated $4.6 billion earnings and creates at least three million new jobs, Lim said.
In the same speech, Lim also lauded the successful staging of the North Philippines Travel and Tourism Expo for five consecutive years. SM City Clark has been the venue of the annual event.
He said North Philippines made a name for itself, making it easier for local and foreign visitors to remember it.
Lim also expressed confidence that the annual and one of the biggest tourism events in the country will “play a major role in contributing to economic growth in the region, providing job opportunities and showcasing the best of your rich cultural and historical heritage.”
Aurora Governor Bellaflor Angara-Castillo also backed Lim’s statement, noting a 300 percent increase in tourist visits in her province.
“This is the fifth time that we became part of North Philippines Travel and Tourism Expo and we see unity in regions 1, 2, 3 and the Cordillera region,” Castillo said.
Lim urged tourism officials to be more actively involved in the areas of marketing, destination development, security and safety, human resources development and infrastructure development.
The event was also graced by Rosve Henson, chief of staff of Governor Lilia Pineda; SM City Clark Assistant mall manager Ana Datu, and tourism officials in North and Central Luzon.
