A special tourism program, focused mainly on Filipino-Americans, is poised for a good start. A group of more than five (500) hundred will travel to the Philippines on July 11 and 12 for the First Ambassador’s/Consuls’ General Tour. The participants, mostly Filipino-Americans, hail from all over the United States.

This tourism-oriented initiative is spearheaded by the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., and the eleven (11) Philippine Consulates General and Honorary Consulates General in the United States, in cooperation with the Department of Tourism, Filipino communities around the U.S., and the travel industry.

The Tour supports the over-all national development strategy that positions tourism as a leading engine of Philippine economic growth. The U.S. is the inaugural launch point for the Tour, since it is the country’s largest tourism market.

The Tour, the first of its kind ever organized, was designed to bring overseas Filipinos, many of whom have not visited the Philippines for many years, back to the country in order to enjoy its beauty and its diverse tourism landscape. It is also intended to encourage young Filipino-Americans, who may never have been to the Philippines, to visit as well.

The Tour program, which was announced in October 2004 in San Francisco, has attracted enthusiastic support from many quarters. With more than five (500) hundred participants, the Tour can help enhance the image of the Philippines as a safe and exciting destination for travel. In addition, the Tour gives participants a chance to see for themselves conditions in the country.

Participants will have a City of Manila tour package and will pay a courtesy call on the President. A trade/investment fair will be held to allow participants to explore the opportunities available back home for potential investors and retirees. They can also choose from a variety of other local tour packages to attractions outside Manila.

Given the positive response to the first Tour, Philippine Ambassador to the United States, Albert del Rosario, expressed the hope that the Tour would be held on a regular basis, and would involve Philippine posts, not just in the United States, but around the world. END

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Reference: Consul Patricia Ann V. Paez
Information and Press Officer
Tel. No. (202) 467- 9400
E-mail: pvpaez@aol.com
Staff Mr. Gerald B. Gloria
Tel. No. (202) 467-9432