The Philippines is looking to tap into its overseas Filipino workers
(OFWs) as potential ambassadors for its tourism industry with the launch
of the Bisita Be My Guest (BBMG) programme.
The programme, a collaboration between the Department of Tourism
(DOT) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), incentivises
Filipinos by offering them raffle tickets and a chance to win vacation
tour packages to local destinations when they invite foreign guests to
visit the Philippines.
The programme period runs from 1 January 2023 to 30 April 2024.
"We believe our OFWs are the best ambassadors for the Philippines all
over the world. They are the best to share about their hometowns,
heritage, culture and bring their own narratives to invite foreign
guests into our country," said Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles, COO
of Tourism Promotions Board Philippines (TPB), during the ASEAN Tourism
Forum 2023 in Yogyakarta.
Aside from the guest incentive system, the DOT is also focusing on
new tourism circuits across the country to promote community-based
tourism and voluntourism, which will help in reviving the tourism
industry.
These circuits are being developed in coordination with local
government units and tourism stakeholders, and will feature the
country's different untapped destinations, anchored by the 4Fs: Farm,
Fork, Fitness, and Faith.
Nograles commented, "One example is Bohol, known for its farm tourism
experience, trekking and scenic views. Each circuit offers activities
based on travellers' preferences in the new normal."
TPB is also making an effort to involve tourists in its
sustainability efforts through voluntourism opportunities. Two projects
highlighted at the recent ATF 2023 were the Marine Conservation
Philippines and the Thresher Shark Research & Conservation Project,
which cater to travellers' increased awareness of nature-based
activities and sustainable travel.
Nograles explained, "A total of 2.6 million tourists arrived in the
Philippines in 2022, and we are looking to double tourist arrivals to 5
million this year.
"For the year 2023, we will continue the pursuit of sustainability
and inclusiveness of tourism. The new and more streamlined 'eTravel'
system will also make it easier for tourists to travel to the country."