The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Philippine Convention & Visitors Bureau have launched an industry-wide joint campaign to promote Manila throughout the Asia Pacific.
In a bid to win a bigger slice of the conference, exhibition and incentive (CEI) market, the campaign, entitled "Meetings Make Manila 2001", is aimed at encouraging local associations to offer a variety of CEI packages to international and regional delegates.
Both industry bodies hoped to substantially increase that number.
"This campaign is anchored on the premise that most major international and regional events have been held in Manila in the past," tourism secretary Ms Gemma Cruz-Araneta said.
"We are asking our clients to rediscover exactly what Manila can offer this time around. "We specifically positioned Manila as a convention city because we wanted to create a high degree of positive international publicity for the city," Philippine tourism undersecretary for tourism promotions Mr Roberto Antonio added.
Mr Antonio also stressed this campaign is the first to have secured financial support from 24 hotels and will be promoted through a global advertising and publicity programme.
The latest travel advisory from the DOT declared travel to the Philippines to be safe, despite the recent high-profile hostage crises.
