MANILA — The Department of Tourism (DOT), as it strengthens promotion of the Bring Home a Friend to the Philippines (BHAF), has now gone to Washington, D.C. to introduce the incentive program to Filipinos and Americans alike in the area.
A team from the Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) in New York led by Tourism Attaché Susan Del Mundo spearheaded the launch of the BHAF program at the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC.
“One of the priority agenda of the present administration is to inculcate and instill love of country with dignity and courage, as well as develop a sense of pride for our country’s rich cultural heritage,” she said in her presentation.
“Tourism plays a key role towards a nation’s progress. It applies as both a steady pillar and a solid backbone in nation building and development,” she added.
For his part, Philippine Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Patrick Chuasoto emphasized the importance of tourism in achieving inclusive economic growth while also commending the DOT for its aggressive and engaging campaign to increase tourist arrivals in the country.
“This is the perfect time to bring home a friend to the Philippines,” he told the audence composed of Filipinos and Americans.
During the presentation, DOT-New York featured various tourism promotional videos showing top tourist destinations of the country such as Boracay, Cebu, Bohol, Siargao, Iloilo, and Palawan.
PDOT-New York was in Washington, D.C. to participate in the 2018 Washington DC Travel and Adventure Show held at the Washington Convention Center on January 20-21, 2018.
The BHAF program works in four steps: first is to invite a friend to visit the Philippines; second, the acceptance of the invitation; third, to travel to the Philippines; and lastly to register the trip at its website.
Prizes such as a condominium unit, a brand new car, gift certificate, and travel packages await both the sponsor and the invitee. The program will run until April 15, 2018. (PNA)