LAPU-LAPU CITY, Philippines —An official of UN Tourism praised the “Love the Philippines” slogan of the Department of Tourism (DOT), which he described as a “very powerful tourism tagline.”
“I think it is something that I am very much impressed. ‘Love the Philippines’ is the very right slogan. Only the Philippines can do that,” said Harry Hwang, UN Tourism’s regional director for Asia and the Pacific.
While he noted that he loved the previous DOT catchphrase “It’s more fun in the Philippines,” the slogan that replaced it was “very significant.”
“It has to be more like something cultural, historical, natural attractions. Most important is your people; Filipinos know how to welcome people. Your people make us beautiful,” Hwang told reporters.
He also commended the Philippines’ hosting of UN Tourism’s Joint Meetings of the Commission for East Asia and Pacific and the Commission for South Asia, as well as the first UN Tourism Gastronomy Forum for Asia-Pacific.
He vowed UN Tourism would continue supporting the Philippines in its tourism programs and projects “in terms of research work and organizing technical events.”
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco thanked UN Tourism for giving the Philippines the duty of hosting the international meetings, which exhibited the country’s ability to give foreign visitors reasons to “Love the Philippines.”
“You have been immersed with the warmth and the love of the Filipino people that will make you come back again and again,” she said.
During the UN Tourism stint in Cebu province, the Philippines showed “eco-tourism marvels and sustainable tourism practices,” as well as the “strength of the culture and heritage of Cebu” through exhibits and technical tours last week.
The DOT launched the “Love the Philippines” tourism campaign in mid-2023.