The Embassy of the Philippines in Riyadh informed people of the launch of the Visit Philippines 2015 campaign by the Department of Tourism in order to create awareness among Filipinos and those wanting to visit the South East nation. The campaign was launched by the Tourism Secretary Ramon R, Jimenez Jr. during the 13th Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX) held at the SMX Convention Center on Sept. 2-5, 2014, so that Philippines would be the most favored touristic destination this year.
It aimed to increase and sustain the ongoing Philippine tourism slogan, “It's More Fun in the Philippines.” A video advertisement, 15 Ways to Have Fun in the Philippines, was also released. It highlighted the different themes of the campaign such as business meeting, sports adventure and eco-tourism, history and culture, lifestyle and entertainment and music and the arts.
A microsite, visit2015.com was also launched wherein the directory of upcoming events in the country are to be posted.
In a recent report by the Department of Tourism last Jan. 5,a total of 3,955,399 international tourist arrivals to the Philippines were recorded from January to October 2014 or 2.285 increase from the same months of the previous year.
According to a travel report in the www.itsmorefuninthephilippines.com site, the Philippines remains a safe and fun destination for all tourists. Both domestic and international transport in the Philippines remain available and continue to be operational.
The Philippines has a great majority of touristic offerings, whether one is looking for natural wonders, historical landmarks, culture and tradition, arts and crafts, shopping, recreation and entertainment, among many others. Tourism activities continue in the country's different regions, each with its own feature destinations and products.
The Visayas region, despite Typhoon Haiyan, plays host to several top destinations such as Boracay, Cebu, Bohol, Iloilo, and Bacolod, which remain open for business with their respective ports of entry still accessible to tourists.
Having one of the world's longest coastlines, the Philippines offers an array of limitless attractions found all over her more than 7,100 islands.
Islands such as Boracay, consistently cited by international travel publications as one of the world's best beaches, serve as a must destination for water sports activities, enjoyment, and relaxation.
Looking inland, the country's varied landscape also offers breathtaking natural sights from the Chocolate Hills of Bohol, the perfect cone-shaped Mount Mayon in Albay, to the world's smallest volcano of Taal featured in the international bestseller 1,000 Places to See Before You Die.
While the 2000-year-old Banaue Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, continues to be regarded by many global experts as a celebration of the Philippine people's genius and soul.
One can also try an adventurous trek to Mt. Pinatubo in Pampanga or Mt. Apo in Davao or swim with the gentle giant whale sharks in Donsol, Sorsogon; explore the Puerto Princesa Underground River, one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature; or dive at the Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park, another World Heritage Site in Palawan.
There are also a number of noteworthy museums and art galleries in Metro Manila and in the provinces, showcasing the rich history and culture of the Philippines. Moreover, Metro Manila, Cebu, and Boracay are some of the places to be to enjoy the nightlife in the Philippines.
The Philippines' top destinations and product offering remain intact and accessible. It is the same beautiful country and the people are still the same . The Philippines continues to be the same fun destination that the world has come to know.
And the root of all that fun has always been anchored on the Filipino people's warmth, hospitality, strength, and indomitable spirit.