In the dictionary, a friend is a person whom one knows and with whom one has a bond of mutual affection. In the Philippines, a friend is equivalent to family. And the Depart of Tourism’s Bring Home a Friend to the Philippines is just the perfect campaign to showcase the many beautiful reasons why it really is fun in the Philippines.
The Department of Tourism Davao held a culturally festive regional launch of the Bring Home a Friend to the Philippines campaign last November 13 2017 at the city’s most scenic spot, Pearl Farm Marina.
In attendance during the event were DOT 11 Regional Director Roberto Alabado III, CTTO Officer Generose Tecson, DOT Assistant Secretary Eden David, Davao Tourism Association President Gatchi Gatchalian, Davao City Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre and Japan Consulate in Davao City Tomoko Dodo. Philippine Volcano head coach, Chris Everingham was also present.
DOT’s Bring Home A Friend (BHAF) to the Philippines campaign is a referral incentive program wherein Filipinos or Philippine expats, who invite foreigners to visit the country, will have the chance to win amazing prizes. Promo runs from October 15 2017 to April 15 2018.
Records show that in the first seven months of 2017, the DOT has recorded 3.93 million foreign arrivals, which was an increase from the last year’s 3.54 million. “The numbers show that people around the world have a desire to visit our blessed archipelago.”, DOT Secretary Teo shared through a message read by Assistant Secretary Eden David.
“We are proud Dabawenyos. I am a proud Dabawenyo.”, DOT 11 Regional Director Roberto Alabado III shared. Word of mouth truly plays a very big role in promoting the country. He added, “The island, strip of white sand beaches, coconuts at the back, mountain – this beautiful backdrop we have. This is what we want to communicate to the rest of the world. We are inviting you to come to the Philippines. We are inviting you to come to davao.”
DOT’s BHAF to the Philippines is aimed to attract more foreign travelers to the Philippines and to encourage Filipinos, residing here and abroad, to invite their foreign friends to come and visit the Philippines.
Globally, we are known as the most hospitable and friendly. As such, we are also known as an archipelago of sights, sounds and tastes. What we offer is more than just a place to visit — we offer a home away from home for those who are visiting. Some of which have no intention of leaving — a good sign indeed.
“Now we invite you to share. Share your experience, share your joy. This is where Filipinos thrive and we are the DOT would like to give the ample recognition. Bring them home, and Bring Home a Friend.”, DOT Secretary Teo said.
Sponsors are those that are of legal age, with dual citizenship living in the Philippines or abroad as residents or overseas contract workers or foreigners (expatriates) living in the Philippines permanently or temporarily for a minimum of six months prior to the raffle. Prizes for the sponsors include a condominium unit from Megaworld Corporation, a Toyota Vios and Php 200,000 Gift certificate from Duty Free Philippines.
Invitees are anyone holding a foreign passport or dual citizenship living abroad for a minimum of six months prior to the event or those who have traveled to the Philippines during the specified period of time. Prizes for the invitees include two roundtrip international business class tickets and two roundtrip tickets to Palawan, two roundtrip international premium economy (or economy) class tickets and two roundtrip tickets to Cebu and two roundtrip international economy class tickets and two roundtrip tickets to Davao.
The project was likewise launched in eight major source markets around the world — New York (USA), Los Angeles (USA), San Francisco (USA), Seoul (Korea), Tokyo (Japan), Dubai (UAE), Vancouver (Canada) and London (United Kingdom).
Regional launch and activation of the program will also be held across the country during the BHAF Regional Roadshow.
The event featured a colorful cultural performance from Tribu K Mindanawan Performing Arts and Davao’s pride, Maan Chua. At sunset, Tribu K Mindanawan Performing Arts gave a stellar fire dance with the Samal island at their main backdrop.
Also present were officers of the Provincial Tourism office, members of the City Tourism and Investment office in Samal, and staff and officers of the Department of Tourism 11. Some of Davao’s tour and travel agents were also present. Together with friends from the online and traditional media.
