RP-Japan Friendship celebration highlights Cebu as a destination

Cebu as a destination will be highlighted in Japan as part of the year-long Philippine-Japan Friendship program of events through the "Treasure Hunt in Cebu" activity.

The "Treasure Hunt in Cebu" promotional program is a four-month event to be organized by Department of Tourism (DOT) Team Japan Secretariat, in cooperation with the JTB Travel Corporation.

Based on the 2006 Philippine-Japan Friendship program calendar of events, the "Treasure Hunt in Cebu" is aimed at promoting tourism landmarks, culture and history in the province among the Japanese.

From July to October this year, more than 8,000 participants primarily ladies, couples, and families will go on an exciting trip to the Island of Cebu, guided by hints and maps that will ultimately lead them to the treasure boxes.

Japanese tourists were the top foreign visitors to Cebu for a long time, until the bulk of Korean nationals discovered Cebu as their preferred vacation, as well as English-education destination.

Although, Koreans have overtaken Japanese as the number foreign visitors to Cebu, DOT-7 regional director Patria Aurora Roa said number of Japanese tourists come to Cebu has not declined.

However, she admitted that there is a need to promote Cebu to Japanese market, to strengthen interest of growing number of Japanese travelers.

The year 2006 will celebrate Philippines-Japan Friendship Year to commemorate 50 years of solid partnership and diplomatic relations with Japan.

One activity to be undertaken under the Philippine-Japan Friendship Year is the conduct of the 2nd Philippine Business Mission (PBM) to Japan covering the cities of Osaka, Nagoya, and Tokyo.

The first PBM held in June 2005 has paved the way for a stronger Philippine presence in Japan. The 2nd PBM this year is expected to firm up agreements/relationships made in the first PBM.

The PBM will encompass all related activities like trade, tourism, investments, leisure and retirement, and others.

The 2nd PBM will sustain the best results achieved in 2005 and will further increase awareness of Philippines' business, tourism, and investment opportunities, as well as promote the country's destinations, products, and services.

The Mission will feature a dedicated one-day Tourism Business Exchange between Philippine suppliers and Japanese buyers.

This year's PBM aims to sustain the "Premium Resort Islands" brand of the Philippines in the Japan market, and also promote the country's new sub-campaign solely for Japan market entitled "Philippines: Wellness from the Inside Out."