As it works to boost arrivals from important source markets, the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) stated its desire to collaborate with more international superstars as tourism ambassadors.
“We’ve already done it with Japan, with Alan Shirahama. Of course, we’re also looking to our other top source markets for globally known celebrities,” Secretary Christina Frasco said.
Boosting tourism
By working with well-known figures from the target nation, it seeks to energize arrivals, particularly from important markets.
The Tourism Promotions Board, DOT's marketing arm, is responsible for implementing the Philippine Tourism Ambassador (PTA) program.
Last February 21, the DOT announced the partnership with South Korean actor Seo In-guk as part of its PTA program in the department’s latest move to fuse entertainment and tourism.
Alan Shirahama, a member of the Japanese boy band Exile and well-known for his parts in Prince of Legend, One in a Hundred Thousand, and Daytime Shooting Star, was also signed by the DOT in 2023.
More to come
South Korea, the United States, Japan, China, Australia, Canada, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Malaysia are the main countries of tourists to the country.
The market that the DOT is aiming to reach with its next celebrity tourist ambassador has not yet been determined by Frasco.
