Globe hitches on tourism campaign

MANILA, Philippines - Regardless of how people feel about the current administration, there is little doubt over the success of the “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” campaign to entice tourists, foreign and domestic, to the country’s myriad of destinations.

It has certainly resonated here and abroad, an observation given credence based on figures quoted by Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) president Domingo Ramon “Chicoy” Enerio III.

Speaking at a recent press conference to announce TPB’s partnership with Globe Telecom which gifts SIM cards to tourists and OFWs, Enerio said tourism “(has) become a feel-good industry for the entire country… A lot more people and communities are getting involved in tourism.”

The Philippines saw a robust 4.8 million tourist arrivals in 2014, a number Enerio expects to surpass this year. He shared the Department of Tourism and TPB are anticipating to “breach five million for the first time in history.”

He continued: “Hopefully, we can get as many as 5.5 million by the end of 2015.” Each visitor spends at least $1,000 per head on the average, he reported. In all, international tourists spent more than $12 billion here last year.

Additionally heartening is that Filipinos themselves have been sold on exploring the Philippines. “Domestic-traveler numbers have gone through the roof,” Enerio said. “We are estimating something like 44 million domestic travelers discovering various destinations.”

Now, Globe wants to help give TPB’s “Visit the Philippines Year 2015” campaign a leg up by offering its Globe Traveler SIM for free, “(giving) tourists and OFWs worry-free connectivity during their stay in the Philippines.”

The local prepaid SIM card features local rates for calls, texts, and mobile data services – a definite convenience for tourists and visitors from other countries. It is a more affordable way to reach contacts around the world from the Philippines. Globe said “getting a local SIM will afford the user a more cost-efficient way to connect than using an international number which charges international call, text and browsing rates.”

To get their free Globe Traveler SIM cards, tourists and OFWs only need to present their non-Philippine passport, foreign resident card, Seaman’s book, or OFW E-card at any of the Globe booths located at NAIA, Cebu, Davao, Kalibo, Iloilo, and Clark airports.

“We are happy to be the first telco partner of the Tourism Promotions Board in its thrust to make the Philippines the ultimate destination hub for tourists worldwide. Offering free SIMs is our way of helping travelers further enjoy their stay by enabling easy, affordable and hassle-free communications,” said Globe SVP for international business Rizza Maniego-Eala.