11th Ambassadors’ Tour Gives Focus on Emerging Destinations, Tourism’s Role in Growing PH Economy

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. and the Philippine Department of Tourism office in New York (PDOTNY) conducted a presentation on the 11th Ambassadors’ Tour on 15 May 2017 at the Embassy’s Romulo Hall, underscoring the Tour’s unique characteristics and its significance to the overall cultural and tourism promotion strategy of the country.

“The 11th Ambassadors’ Tour will give participants the opportunity to visit Davao, an exciting, emerging tourism destination in the Philippines, within an affordable package that also includes Manila, the capital city of fun,” said Zeny Pallugna, Officer-in-Charge of PDOT-NY. Ms. Pallugna also highlighted the post-basic tour packages featuring other emerging destinations Cagayan De Oro-Camiguin and Dumaguete- Siquijor. She urged audience members to participate in the Tour and take a more active role in promoting Philippine tourism.

“If you visit the Philippines, or get even just one person to visit, that will create employment for one Filipino,” Ms. Pallugna told the audience.

Mr. Patrick Chuasoto, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Embassy also pitched for the Tour, saying that “This year, the tour for Filipino- Americans has been re-branded to shift the focus to the participants who are envisioned to become ‘Philippine Ambassadors in their own right’ after spending their summer holiday in the Philippines. The 11th Ambassador’s Tour features key destinations in Manila and the King City of the South—Davao. It promises to be another fun-filled outing, and in keeping with its tradition of providing a unique and memorable experience, the Ambassador’s Tour offers VIP treatment, guided tours, and world-class accommodations.”

“I strongly encourage every one of you to consider joining the 11th Ambassador’s Tour and spreading the word to your networks. Doing so will contribute to the sustained and inclusive economic development of the Philippines. Your support will go a long way in empowering the local communities in Manila and Davao, and cultivating good will between the people of the Philippines and the United States,” he concluded.

Registration remains open until 30 May 2017. Interested parties may contact the Philippine Embassy at info@philippinesusa.org or PDOT-NY at pdotnewyork@gmail.com to get more information about the itinerary, rates and registration procedures. The 11th Ambassadors’ Tour will be held on 11-16 July 2017. It is a joint project of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Tourism and Tourism Promotions Board, the Philippine Foreign Service Posts in the United States, and Rajah Tours. ###

Ms. Zeny Pallugna (3rd from left) of PDOT-NY conducted a presentation on the 11th Ambassadors’ Tour at the Romulo Hall of the Philippine Embassy on 15 May 2017. Joining her in the photo are (from left) Public Diplomacy Officer Darell Ann Artates, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Minister Patrick A. Chuasoto, Travel wise representatives Marielle and Max Kabin, and Mr. Nelson Garcia.