by pna
The
Philippines and New Zealand could
enhance further tourism cooperation for the benefit of both countries, President Benigno S. Aquino III said.
“The relations between our two countries can only grow stronger if our peoples gain a better understanding of our cultures, our history, and the unique experiences we can offer,†President Aquino said in his speech during the Philippine-New Zealand Business Forum held at the Convention Center of SkyCity Grand Hotel here on Tuesday.
The number of New Zealander tourists who have visited the Philippines has grown by almost 13 percent, to more than 12,700 tourists in 2011, noted the Chief Executive.
This development is an encouraging sign and the two countries can do more to enhance cooperation in this sector.
The existing Working Holiday Scheme between the Philippines and New Zealand can do much so that both countries can strengthen people-to-people relations and their shared agenda on tourism.
Under the scheme, New Zealand citizens can spend up to a year in the Philippines, and vice versa, he said, noting that this means great things for both New Zealanders and the Filipinos.
Through the working holiday, New Zealanders can experience Filipino culture and hospitality as well as gather and share stories about the Philippines.
“I want to take advantage of this opportunity to extend an invitation to all of you to visit our country —whether you want to try cave-diving, relax on our beautiful beaches, or just simply go shopping, you can be sure that Filipinos will welcome you with open arms, and make your vacation well worth it,†he said.
The Philippine government eyes to increase the annual tourist arrivals in the country to 10 million by 2016.
The local tourism industry targets to achieve 4.6 million tourist arrivals in the country by the end of this year.
This year, the Department of Tourism launched the “It’s More Fun in the Philippines†tourism campaign slogan to achieve its tourist arrival targets.
At the same time, the President encouraged New Zealand businessmen to talk with Filipino economic managers if they are interested in putting up their investments in the Philippines.
Linkback:
https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=56076.0