Poe wants to promote film tourism

MANILA, Philippines - Just like the stunning landscapes of New Zealand which became the setting of the “Lord of the Rings” film trilogy, Sen. Grace Poe wants to push for legislation that will focus on film tourism to feature major tourist attractions in the country.

Poe filed the measure on film tourism, which she said has been fueled by both the growth of the entertainment industry and the surge of international travel.

She cited the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy that featured NZ; Kevin Costner’s “Bull Durham” which was set in North Carolina; and “The Beach” filmed in Thailand.

“There’s direct impact in tourism and the economy if a country is featured nicely in a film,” said Poe, daughter of the late action star Fernando Poe Jr. and veteran actress Susan Roces.

Poe noted that film director Maryo Delos Reyes has started filming “The Bamboo Flower” to showcase various places in Bohol to promote film tourism.

However, she said there is a need for government support to present various destinations in the Philippines as prime tourist spots.

In her proposed measure, Poe cited research on film titles and locations, which tourists visit after the showing of movies.

These include “Steel Magnolia” in Louisiana, with 48 percent increase in visitors a year after release; “Mission Impossible 2,” national parks in Sydney, 200 percent increase in visitors in 2000; and “Last of the Mohicans,” Chimney Rock Park in North Carolina, 25 percent tourist increase after the movie.

Poe also noted how the TV industry practice of exporting their telenovelas in other countries could help improve tourism if soap operas would feature major tourist attractions in the country.

“We can propagate our culture, not just promote local tourism,” she said.

She lamented the lack of government funding during trade fairs promoting tourism.

“It’s about time that the government has a Philippine booth showcasing the best in Philippine content. That’s the way we can influence the world, we can see how Hollywood has influenced the mindset of people all over the world to think that America is great,” she said.

“I think the Philippines can do the same and I don’t think we should trivialize the importance of Philippine cinema and culture in promoting our country. And the film tourism initiative bill that we want will be in cooperation with the DOT.”

Poe batted for the publication of a catalogue which could be used as a directory for filming.

“It’s important to have a directory for film. These are the sights, a portfolio of the artists, shots of places in various angles, shots of locations for shooting, and who to contact from local government units.”

Poe explained the plan would also create jobs apart from promoting the country in a good light all over the world.

“How can we compete with other countries with a bigger capital? We have a very creative population and our country is beautiful. Let’s take these two assets and use it as our capital,” she said.

Attributing her victory to her late father, Poe said she would use her maiden name in her professional career.