Le Tour gets boost from DOT campaign

MANILA, Philippines - The Le Tour de Filipinas has earned its niche in tourism promotion after the Department of Tourism (DOT) included the four-stage international cycling race in its “Visit the Philippines Year (VPY 2015)” program.

Thus, the Le Tour de Filipinas joined 10 other events under the DOT’s “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” campaign.

The DOT has designated 2015 as “Visit the Philippines Year (VPY 2015).” Its marketing arm – Tourism Promotions Board – is heading a year-long campaign aimed at encouraging local and foreign tourists to participate in a wide array of events while highlighting various destinations and attractions all over the country.

The official VPY 2015 website has been launched featuring various events, programs, festivals, among others at www.phl2015.itsmorefuninthephilippines.com. The Le Tour de Filipinas and other sporting events in the program are featured in the website http://visitph2015.com/events/category/sports-adventure-and-eco-tourism.

“This is a major development for the Le Tour de Filipinas, which will run its sixth edition in February,” said Bert Lina, chairman of both Le Tour de Filipinas and PhilCycling. “This is proof that our race is recognized for its contribution in the promotion not only of cycling as a sport but also in terms of tourism.”

The 2015 edition will be staged Feb. 1-4 – Stage One 126 kms Balanga-Balanga, Stage 2 ,153.75 kms from Balanga to Iba (Zambales), Stage 3 149.34 kms from Iba to Lingayen (Pangasinan) and Stage 4 on Feb. 4 101 kms from Lingayen to Burnham Park in Baguio City via Kennon Road.

The Le Tour de Filipinas is the only road race included in the Asia Tour calendar of the International Cycling Union or UCI, the world governing body for cycling. For 2015, 18 foreign teams have applied for inclusion so far, but the organizing Ube Media will be limiting participation to 15 teams (five riders each), including the national pool of PhilCycling.

The other sports events in the VPY 2015 program are Sixth International Martial Arts and Games and Eighth International Martial Arts Congress, Mr. Apo Trek, Ninth Boracay International Dragon Boat Festival, Color Manila Run, 15th Philippine Hobie Challenge, Safeguard 5150 Triathlon, Xterra Albay Off-Road Triathlon Series, Regent 5150 Triathlon, Ironman 70.3 Philippines and Nestle Beach Volleyball.