Former Sen. Richard Gordon (File photo from a video from the Senate Public Relations and Information Bueau)
MANILA, Philippines 鈥� 鈥淚t is catchy and easy to recall! Connects easily with the long spelling of 鈥楶hilippines.鈥欌�� former Sen. Richard Gordon said in a statement on Wednesday commenting on the country鈥檚 new tourism slogan.
鈥淟ove the Philipines鈥� is the slogan just launched by the (DOT), which Gordon headed from 2001 to 2004.
鈥淚t also serves as a double-meaning call for Filipinos to love the country because we are well endowed with natural beauty and sights, and people share excellent traits such as being welcoming, happy and kind. Second, it is a statement of appreciation for the聽 Philippines experienced by tourists,鈥� Gordon said.
The former senator stressed, however, that the success of the DOT campaign would depend on the tourists鈥� overall experience,聽 which in turn would depend on the country鈥檚 infrastructure.
鈥淥f course, the slogan will be meaningful if land, air and port infrastructure are continuously enhanced for pleasant access and the totality of our people remain honest, responsible and pleasant to all folks, foreign and domestic,鈥� he said.
鈥淲hat is important is the product: The little things count, such as the cleanliness of airports. The honesty of people working in tourism is also important. These things, combined with nature and historical sites and other wonderful places that tourists come to visit, comprise the tourists鈥� whole experience, which will make them want to come back.鈥�