Beyond the success of the slogan, “It’s more fun in the Philippines,” the Department of Tourism (DOT) is aware of the importance of capitalizing on the spotlight now shining on the Philippines. The guiding principle and vision of the government for the DOT is that tourism is not just about the number of foreigners visiting our country, but rather the jobs and businesses we create for the Filipino people. Tourism is all about the welfare of the Filipino people.
The country can well absorb the increasing influx of tourists with 12,000 hotel rooms set for construction next year and ongoing airport expansions. Most importantly, there are jobs generated in each local tourist destination.
The DOT has just received $7M for training of local guides and other tourism-related jobs. It is also finalizing details for the recognition of local citizens in promoting tourist destinations. The “It’s more fun in the Philippines” slogan is all about the participation of Filipinos, especially the youth.
The DOT has already surpassed its original target of 35 million tourists by 2016. In 2011 alone, 37 million foreign and domestic tourists traveled the country, with an estimate total of tourism revenues to have already exceeded R1 Trillion. This is how tourism is contributing to the greater agenda of Inclusive Growth.
We congratulate the government of the Republic of the Philippines headed by H.E., President Benigno S. Aquino III and the Department of Tourism headed by its Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez Jr., in their continuing efforts to encourage, promote, and develop tourism as a major socio-economic activity to generate foreign currency and employment and to spread the benefits of tourism to both the private and public sector in the Republic of the Philippines.

Source: Manila Bulletin - May 26, 2013