FRIENDS PHILIPPINES

A project of the Department of Tourism London Field Office and the People of the North

 

 

Project Brief: "FRIENDS PHILIPPINES"

 BACKGROUND

There is a huge number of British nationals who have lived, worked or studied in the Philippines for many years, and have since returned to the United Kingdom. A majority of these people have fond memories of their days in the Philippines, and continue to hold the Philippines in high regard. These "Friends" of the Philippines may be of different academic background, ages and professional orientation, but they all share a common appreciation for the natural attractiveness of the country and the friendliness of its people.

Some of these "Friends" are willing to be part of activities that can help create a more positive image of the country and generate interest in trade, investment and tourism. However, there is a need to know who these people are, and provide opportunities for them to become active in Philippine promotional activities.

The project thus aims to identify these British nationals, encourage them to be actively involved in Philippine promotions, and give due recognition to their individual and organisational contributions.

 

OBJECTIVES

1. To create a more positive image of the Philippines in the United Kingdom;

2. To generate interest in toursim and investment opportunities in the Philippines: and

3. To increase visitor arrivals from the United Kingdom.

STRATEGIES

1. To come up with an updated database of the following "Friends".

         * British Natinals who have lived, worked and studied in the Philippines for a period of at least one year:

         * British and non-British citizens who have visited and are similarly eager to assist in Philippine Tourism   promotional activities;

         * The Filipino Communities all over the United Kingdom;

2. To keep "Friends" updated with a series of information campaigns on various activites being organised and invite them to said activities;

3. To activate a networking system which can generate greater contacts within the British society, and can lead to better and far-reaching exposure of the Philippines' tourism assets and opportunities.

4. To capitalize on the goodwill of those whose personal experiences in the Philippines have left a positive impression, and who would like to share their views with potential British travelers or investors;

5. To encourage these "friends" to volunteer as resource persons in seminars and conferences regarding the Philippines;

6. To encourage the organisation of trips to the Philippines, whether for leisure, for professional/academic purposes, or both;

7. To secure the assistance of "friends" in the implementation of  a wide range of promotional activities, such as in advertising, public relations and the over-all sales and marketing of the Philippines as a tourist destination for the British public;

8. To provide incentives and special plaques of recognition to "Friends" who contribute greatly to the achievement of the Philippines' sales and promotional targets in the United Kingdom and beyond.

METHODOLOGY/ MECHANICS

The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) London Field Office envisions the following procedures:

1. DOT London will prepare and distribute Registration Forms to be filled up by prospective "Friends".

Registration forms and other details with regards to the project may also be accessed online via www.wowphilippines.co.uk

2. DOT London will request an initial list of registrants to pull in or suggest the names of five (5) additional "Friends" who can be invited to be a part of this program.

3. DOT London will begin to inform registered "Friends" of various developments and activities being organised, and suggest on ways by which "Friends" can actively participate. DOT London will conceptualize projects as may be demed feasible depending on the number and types of "friends" who register in the program.

4. DOT London will organize a first dinner reception for all "Friends of the Philippines" sometime around the period of the World Travel Market.

More annoucements will be made during that time as to the nature of the project, the developments thus far, and other special activities that the "Friends" can look forward to participate in.

5. DOT London will keep the database and all related information in strictest confidence, for use only as envisioned herein.

SPECIAL INCENTIVES TO "FRIENDS"

1. Inclusion in the DOT London mailing list for updated information on various developments in the Philippines- visitor statistics, special airline offers; special package tours, new properties, press releases, etc etc;

2. Inclusion in the DOT London invitation list for special projects in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, such as cultural performances, art exhibitions, concerts, seminars, gatherings, invitational programs of the Philippines, select Embassy-initiated activities etc.

3. Specdial Endorsement/Assistance for travel to the Philippines, such as airport facilitation/reception, special arrangements for transfers, Hotel accomodation, tours, tourism-related meetings, for "Friends" or friends/acquaintances referred by "Friends" (depending on season);

4. Others as may be in the capacity or authority of the DOT London Office and/or the Embassy of the Philippines to provide on a case-to-case basis.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF "FRIENDS" TO THE PROGRAM

1. Assist in generating greater registration of "Friends" into the program;

2. Volunteer and participate actively in projects where individual expertise and/or organisational experience in a specialized field can be most useful;

3. Provide insights and comments on how tourism promotinal efforts can be implemented more effectively in the UK and the Republic of Ireland;

4. Speak highly of the Philippines, and encourage friends and acquaintances to visit the country.

CONCLUSION

The "Friends Philippines" program is meant to establish a networking system that will hopefully combine the goodwill and expertise of various individuals and channel energies towards a better image of the Philippines and the UK. It is not meant to be a formal organisation, but simply a group of people who have the common desire to help the Philippines promote itself more aggresively in terms of toursim, investments and trade.

CONSULTANT

Special Thanks to H. E. Paul Dimond (CMG, FCIL, FCIM, FRSA, Former Ambassador of the UNited Kingdom to the Philippines), for acting as the main Project Consultant of the DOT London Field Office

PROPONENT

The Department of Tourism London Field Office has conceptualized the program and has tasked itself as its initial coordinator and secretariat.

Interested Parties are encouraged to contact:

Embassy of the Philippines, Department of Tourism

146 Cromwell Road, London, SW7 4EF

Tel: 020 78351100

Email: infotourism@wowphilippines.co.uk

OR

Ramon Gueco-Siopongco

8 Linden Avenue

Cleveland

Stockton on Tees

Tel: 01642 869077

Email: ramon@styrax.co.uk

 

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