No PH Winter? No Problem with DOT!

There is no winter season in the Philippines but the Department of Tourism (DOT) is capitalizing on it anyway!

Bacolod Sunset

As one of its most successful promotions, the DOT just held its annual Winter Escapade inviting prospective tourists and balikbayans from the US and Canada to spend their holiday in the warm weather of the Philippine islands, instead!

Done in collaboration with the Department of Foreign Affairs, 'Winter Escapade' has brought in over a thousand tourists, resulting in increased tourism revenues and investments, much to the delight of Philippine Ambassador to Canada Petronila Garcia.

This year's set brought in a total of 250 tourists joining the 10-day tour which included Bacolod and Davao City! This included the head of the Ceremonial and Protocol Services at the Federal Government of Canada - Carmen Barcena, who is joining the tour with her son.

Garcia said that the demand is actually higher but they are forced to limit the slots due to lack of hotel rooms in other parts of the country.

Davao Zorb Park

Impact on Philippine Tourism

With an estimate total spend of Canadian $4,000 to $5,000 per tourist (total of Canadian $1.046 million = P42.8 million), the annual project hold a great potential in both the short and long-term.

Garcia adds that these kinds of projects are good in countering negative travel advisories issued by some countries against the Philippines when it comes to peace and order situation.

Now on its fifth year, 'Winter Escapade' should be a model program by the Department of Tourism that they should emulate for other countries as well.