Tourism booms in Asia’s Latin city
Zamboanga City (19 October) -- Tourism in this Southern Philippines city which has been recently named as Asia’s Latin City continues to flourish as the Department of Tourism (DOT) IX reported a 10% increase in tourist arrivals for the last 9 months of this year.
Travel advisories issued by other countries not to travel to the southern part of the country have not prevented tourists to visit the city with Koreans, Chinese and Malaysians topping the list of visitors according to DOT IX Regional Director Ricardo San Juan.
“Despite the advisories, Philippines is still the favorite place of Koreans, Chinese and Malaysians and they make up the market left by travelers from countries affected by the advisories”, he said.
San Juan is also optimistic of a further increase in tourist arrivals before year ends as the last 3 months of this year is considered as traveling season for tourists.
San Juan credited this success to the leadership of DOT Secretary Ace Durano giving emphasis on marketing and promotion of the whole country which is instrumental in exceeding the target last year. Sec. Durano commissioned marketing teams to countries abroad like USA, China, Japan, Korea, Europe, Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia promoting Philippines’ tourist destinations.
San Juan quoted “the strategy is effective and all missions are initiated by the private sectors”. He emphasized the participation of private sectors as a plus factor in the department’s promotional efforts.
Very recently, the city celebrated its biggest festival, the “Fiesta Pillar”, which attracted both foreign and local tourists. Mayor Celso Lobregat was elated on the success of the celebration which aimed at promoting the city of Zamboanga as tourist destination. As part of the effort, the City Government passed a resolution renaming the city from “City of Flowers” to “Asia’s Latin City” which heaped praises from other Chief Executives in the different parts of the country. (PIA ZC) [top]
