DUBAI – The Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) officially launched its new Middle East social media platforms on Twitter and Facebook to further promote the country as a luxury and family friendly destination for the Middle East market. The platforms were launched on Monday in both English and Arabic by the Philippine Department of Tourism Assistant Secretary Benito Bengzon Jr. at the Philippine Pavilion at the Arabian Travel Market being held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center. As part of the launch, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia residents will have the opportunity to win a complimentary return trip to the Philippines for two that includes return air tickets sponsored by Philippine Airlines and a 3-night stay at the luxury Makati Shangri-La hotel in the nation's capital. To enter the competition, entrants must simply “Follow” the Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) on Twitter (@PhilTourismME) and “Like” PDOT on Facebook - It's More Fun In The Philippines – Middle East (https://www.facebook.com/funinphili), take a group photo, hashtag #All4FUNinPhilippines and “Share” it to the official Facebook page. The most number of likes and shared group photo will be declared the winners during the first week of June 2014. “We are very excited to launch our Middle Eastern social media channels and expand our outreach and engagement with both the Arabic and English speaking communities here,” said Bengzon, the Assistant Secretary Philippine Department of Tourism. He added: “By introducing special promotions, information about festivals and events, Halal eateries, travel tips and even traditional Philippine recipes and popular culture trends we hope that even more people will build an affinity with our country and a desire to travel and explore the 7,107 islands that makes the Philippines so special. We are also enthusiastic to virtually meet, greet and engage directly with our Middle Eastern friends – especially now also in Arabic.” The popularity of the Philippines has been steadily increasing with the total number of people visiting the Philippines from the Middle East recorded at 68,916 in 2013, an increase of 20 percent compared to the number of visitors recorded in 2012. Visitors from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates lead the region in terms of numbers, with Saudi Arabia providing 38,969 visitors in 2013 and the UAE 15,155. The Philippine Department of Tourism is hoping that through such promotional efforts as the social media platforms that demand for travel from the region will continue to grow in 2014. – SG
