The Department of Tourism (DOT) launched Friday its newest video campaign “Have a Safe Trip, Pinas,” to promote safe travels and support tourism workers in time for the reopening of several tourist destinations in the country.
The DOT’s latest video, following the “Noypi” tribute to medical frontliners, brought travelers back to the familiar scenes of pre-pandemic travels, yet slightly different territory---tourism in the new normal.
Scenes from a typical out-of-town trip—partaking in tourism activities, lounging by scenic spots, al fresco dining in the moonlight—are interjected with images that travelers have only this year become accustomed to, like the wearing of face masks and shields, gloved hospitality staff, and the constant reminders to keep physical distancing.
Filipino singer and Up Dharma Down’s (UDD) lead vocalist Armi Millare’s rendition of “You,” a song popularized by Basil Valdez 40 years ago, accompanied the narrative of a young man and woman in the video who were seemingly meeting for the first time as they arrive in the world-famous Boracay Island.
The story revolves on how they met until the two of them decided to tie the knot in the same place where they first met each other.
More than a campaign to remind tourists to adhere to new normal guidelines, “Have a Safe Trip, Pinas” showed that travelers can still experience the pleasure of traveling even with the existing global health crisis.
“The strict health and safety protocols implemented by hotels, transport services, and other tourism operations are there to keep guests safe and observing them allows us to appreciate the special moments without the worry,” the DOT said.
The video also highlighted the community benefits of tourism, wherein behind the happy memories that visitors make and the souvenirs they take home are the hardworking people who make everything happen.
The final scenes showed real people from Boracay whose jobs and livelihoods were restored when travel commenced. The island first reopened to Western Visayas residents on June 16 and later on expanded the tourism bubble to more local tourists on Oct. 1
“They truly are pleased to welcome you back, because no mask can hide a smile from the heart,” the tourism department added.
Visit philippines.travel/safetrip and download DOT’s official app app.philippines.travel for more information on reopened destinations and their respective health and safety protocols.