VPA 2016 gains support from private sector

THE DEPARTMENT of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) expects bigger and more thrilling events and attractions for its Visit the Philippines Again (VPA) 2016 campaign as the country’s private sector offers more perks and privileges to returning visitors.

VPA 2016 is a retail-based campaign recently launched by DOT and TPB to drive urgency and excitement among foreign travelers to visit the Philippines and return for more fun, friendship, feel-good adventures, and fabulous memories to cherish in 2016.

In cooperation with the private sector, se- lected tour operators, travel agencies and hotels are giving returning visitors blockbuster discounts on travel deals, flights, hotel accommodations, and tour packages.

Bigger, greater and more exciting events and destinations that showcase the beauty of the Philippine islands and the warmth of its people also await foreign visitors.

Lots of rip-roaring, top-notch events will once again make their stay in the country worthwhile and productive, including the Asian Tourism Forum 2016 and Routes Asia 2016 for jetsetters and business people; Madrid Fusión Manila 2016 for foodies, 2016 Ironman 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championship for sports and outdoor enthusiasts, and the MTV Music Evolution 2016 for music and concert lovers.

VPA 2016’s bigger and better attractions will provide unending reasons for visitors to return to the country again and another bright year for the tourism sector.

This year’s campaign, Visit the Philippines Year (VPY) 2015, attracted a total of 2.6 million international visitors from January to June 2015 alone and had total earnings generated from tourism activities of P111.05 billion for the first six months of 2015.